Bow Pillow

• 1). Cut two 12-inch squares of fabric.
  
  
• 2). Cut a length of ribbon that is 3 1/2 times the width of one square; in this case the ribbon is 42 inches long. Mark the center of the ribbon with a pin.
  
  
• 3). Lay one square of fabric right-side up; this will be the back of the pillow.
  
  
• 4). Place the ribbon on top of the square horizontally, also right-side up. Ensure that the center of the ribbon is directly on top of the center of the square. Use the pin to secure the two materials together.
  
  
• 5). Roll and pin the loose ends of the ribbon to the center of the fabric square so that there is a small loop of ribbon hanging over the end of the square on either side. Iron the loop flat to make handling easier.
  
  
• 6). Lay the second fabric square on top of the ribbon, right-side down.
  
  
• 7). Sew along the perimeter of the squares starting at the upper-right corner. Leave a 3-inch opening on the fourth side.
  
  
• 8). Invert the pillow through the opening, being careful not to prick your fingers with the pins.
  
  
• 9). Remove the pins; at this point the ribbon is secured by the seam. Check that the ribbon forms a horizontal band across the back of the pillow, enters the seam at both sides and exits the seam terminating in two trailing lengths of ribbon approximately 12 inches long, at both the right and the left side of the pillow; these ribbon ends will form the bow.
  
  
• 10
  
  Stuff the pillow.
  
  
• 11
  
  Tie a bow. Cross the right end under the left, then over and around. Form a loop with each end. Cross the right loop under the left, then over and around. Pull the loops. Fluff and straighten the bow.
  
  
• 12
  
  Hand stitch the opening closed.
  
  

Bow Tie Pillow

• 1). Make an unadorned,12-inch square pillow. Cut two 12-inch squares of fabric and stack them right-sides facing in; the wrong-sides of the pieces will be facing outward. Sew along the perimeter of the squares, leaving a 3-inch opening. Invert the casing through this hole. Stuff the pillow and close the opening with hand stitches.
  
  
• 2). Measure the circumference of the pillow around the middle; this measurement will be at least 26 inches.
  
  
• 3). Cut a strip of fabric 8 inches wide and 1 to 2 inches shorter than the circumference of the pillow.
  
  
• 4). Fold the fabric in half right-side in.
  
  
• 5). Sew a straight stitch along the raw edge.
  
  
• 6). Invert the tube and press it flat with an iron so that the seam runs along the center of the piece.
  
  
• 7). Hem one side of the tube. Fold the raw edges into the tube. Sew a straight stitch across the folded edge to seal. Repeat on the other side.
  
  
• 8). Overlap the ends and stitch them together with a straight or decorative stitch.
  
  
• 9). Slide the tube over the pillow and center it.
  
  
• 10
  
  Fluff the pillow so that it resembles a bow tie.