I do think this is a simple but ingenious pattern. However after beginning to piece it together, I have a couple of alterations for these reasons: 1. I’m not sure I understand why it is recommended to cut the plaid pieces one inch longer than the circumference of the main (solid) piece. 2. Just 1/4” of seam allowance for the lengthwise seam of the main (solid) piece seems a bit skimpy; I feel it risks tearing out under normal usage of a snug bolster cover. An alternative way to approach this pattern might be to try cutting both the plaid and the main piece to match in circumference, i.e. in this example, both at 19”. Then hem each end of the plaid pieces just as shown, by folding under 1/2”. Now sew the lengthwise seam of the main piece with a 1/2” allowance (not 1/4”), and the two circumferences-main piece and end pieces-will match. A good reason TO cut the plaid end pieces longer than the main piece would be to better hide some raw edges. To do this, I would cut the plaid pieces longer than the main piece by just 1/2” though, not 1”. This will allow folding the end seams of each plaid piece under by 1/4”, then an additional 1/2” to seam the ends and completely hide the raw edge. In your example this would mean cutting the plaid at 19 1/2” long. Doing it this way will give a more finished look at the ends as no raw edges will be peeking thru the gap (side slit) near the ribbon/bow. I’d also press seams open as I go-particularly the lengthwise seam of the main fabric, to help it lie flat when the pillow has been inserted. But I can appreciate that you are keeping this instructional video as simple as possible for beginner sewers! Thumbs up for that! Thanks again for giving me a workable basic idea for an easy bolster cover. I love the idea of jazzing it up by adding piping! Since I don’t have any on hand, I’m using a narrow strip of brightly colored fabric instead, that I’ve folded in half lengthwise. It’ll add a skinny little flap to form a strip of bright color between my main fabric and my complementary end fabric. It all comes together to suit my “camper bolster pillow” project perfectly!
Love this solution using gathered contrasting ends, all totally doable with my machine, an ancient Singer straight stitch from my grandmother!
Excellent
Thanks for the tutorial. I made one of these (minus the piping) yesterday, and it came out great. Directions were very easy to follow, too.
Great. Glad you liked it.
This is exactly what I needed! Thank you ❤❤❤
You're so welcome!
❤👍
I do think this is a simple but ingenious pattern. However after beginning to piece it together, I have a couple of alterations for these reasons: 1. I’m not sure I understand why it is recommended to cut the plaid pieces one inch longer than the circumference of the main (solid) piece. 2. Just 1/4” of seam allowance for the lengthwise seam of the main (solid) piece seems a bit skimpy; I feel it risks tearing out under normal usage of a snug bolster cover.
An alternative way to approach this pattern might be to try cutting both the plaid and the main piece to match in circumference, i.e. in this example, both at 19”. Then hem each end of the plaid pieces just as shown, by folding under 1/2”. Now sew the lengthwise seam of the main piece with a 1/2” allowance (not 1/4”), and the two circumferences-main piece and end pieces-will match.
A good reason TO cut the plaid end pieces longer than the main piece would be to better hide some raw edges. To do this, I would cut the plaid pieces longer than the main piece by just 1/2” though, not 1”. This will allow folding the end seams of each plaid piece under by 1/4”, then an additional 1/2” to seam the ends and completely hide the raw edge. In your example this would mean cutting the plaid at 19 1/2” long. Doing it this way will give a more finished look at the ends as no raw edges will be peeking thru the gap (side slit) near the ribbon/bow. I’d also press seams open as I go-particularly the lengthwise seam of the main fabric, to help it lie flat when the pillow has been inserted. But I can appreciate that you are keeping this instructional video as simple as possible for beginner sewers! Thumbs up for that!
Thanks again for giving me a workable basic idea for an easy bolster cover. I love the idea of jazzing it up by adding piping! Since I don’t have any on hand, I’m using a narrow strip of brightly colored fabric instead, that I’ve folded in half lengthwise. It’ll add a skinny little flap to form a strip of bright color between my main fabric and my complementary end fabric. It all comes together to suit my “camper bolster pillow” project perfectly!