PILLOW PANELS: WHAT ARE THEY

Pillow panels are wonderful fabric items. They are ususally sold by either the 1/2 yard or the yard. The average pillow panel will feature 2 different printed blocks per every half yard of fabric, which are have a related theme - ie... deers, roses, tigers, star designs, etc...they could be almost anything. An example would be one block (or panel) would have a picture of an 8 point buck and the other block would have a doe and fawn pictured. these 2 designs will usually alternated from side to side, which gives you additional options if purchased in multiable yardage lenghts. Occasionaly you will come across pillow panels that have 4 different prints per every yard (instead of every half yard) and the every once in awhile the prints will not alternated, but this doesn't happen all that often. However, you find them pillow panels are great things and have many uses and are not limited to the making of pillows.

SOME ALTERNATE USES FOR PILLOW PANELS

#1. PICTURES

Pillow panels make great and beautiful pictures. Simply cut out the individual panels, iron smooth, & attach to poster board. From here you can hang with thrumb tacks. Another ideal would be to have a piece of plexy glass cut slightly larger, drill holes in from each corner, and use basic screws to attach to the wall - washers used under the screws also add a neat touch. You could also purchase an inexpensive frame, one larger than the block is best, have a matte cut, assemble together, and hang for a completely different look. (FYI- yard sales, flea markets, etc... are great places to find picture frames fairly inexpensively and it's fine if they already have pictures in them. just make sure that you have access thru the back so they you can make these changes).

#2. CHAIR CUSHIONS

Pillow panels are the perfect size to use as chair cushions. You can change the whole look of your dinner room or eat-in kitchen, by simply adding chair cushions to the bottom of your table chairs. It's also a quick and easy way to cover stained or worn chair bottoms. You can should a pillow panel that are all alike - for 6 chairs you'd need 1 1/2 yards or 6 blocks, or you could choose to use different designs yet in the same color palet - for 6 chairs you'd need 3 half yard pieces still 6 blocks. You'll also need a coordinating piece of fabric for the back of each custhion & something to use as the ties. For the backs you can choose almost any coordinating fabric - solid color, striped, plaid, floral, whatever as long as it's in the same color family. FYI - this is also another way to make these cushions go farther because you can easily turn the cushions over for another different look. As for the ties, you can use cording, make ties out of solid fabric (simply cut, sew and turn, then whip stitch the ends closed with a needle and thread), small ropes, shoes laces, etc...if you can tie it and it's fairly strong then you can use it for the ties. And the last thing you'll need for this project is either batting or foam to use as the insert for these cushions. Keep in mind that most chair cushions are only about 2" thick or even less. FYI - here again, you can use the cushions that you already have, ones, you've gotten at flea market, yard sales, etc... simply recover them. place right sides of the pillow panels and your coordinating fabric together, sew leaving enough of an opening to turn and inseart you foam core, and close. You can either attach your ties during the sewing process (make sure that the ties are placed correctly so that when turned they'll be on the outside and at the corners) or you can attach as a final step. Ties can be placed only in the back or at each corner whichever you prefer. this is a simple and easy sewing project which will had lots of interest to your room. also great for chairs on your porch, hallway, computer chair, etc....

#3. TABLE TOPPERS.

Simple cut out the block and either hem or finish the back with a scrap of fabric for a more polished look. You can even quilt slightly to add more interest, however, they look good just left simple. Then place on bed side tables, end tables, coffee tables, hallway table, etc... as a great decorative flair. You can also use on your dinning room table. This is a great way to add color, pattern and design. It is also something just a little big unusual.

#4. TABLE RUNNER

Follow directions from step #3, except use 2 or more blocks together, sewn side to side. Here again, you can do as much or as little as you like. Add backing, borders or embellishments to suit your own taste and style.

#5. PLACE MATS

Simply add borders in a coordinating print if need to make the individual panel into the size you want. Finish the back off with fabric and TA-DA fabulous placemats. Quilt if you desire, however, keep in mind that you don't really want these to be "fluffy", but fairly flat, therefore, use lowloft batting, cotton batting, or even felt. Embellish with cording, tassels, etc....

#6. NAPKINS

Pillow panel make great napkins. The majority of pillow panel blocks are make using good quality fabric and sinch most when cut apart measure somewhere in the area of 17" square (give or take a little here or there) they're the perfect size. Therefore, they wear and wash well. Simply hem, serge or finish the edges in some way and your good to go.

#7. BANDANAS

Here again, simple finish the edges and your done. Or not finish the edges and your good to go. LOL either way pillow panels make great bandanas for you or even for your pet.

#8. WALL HANGERS

Pillow panels make great wall hangings. Use 1 block or several blocks together. A great idea is to use blocks with a similar theme, yet all are different. For example - Deer - there are lots and lots of different pillow panels with a deer pictured on them  get several different ones and sew together (here again back and quilt if desired). By doing this you have the added advantage of custom fitting any area that you'd like. Sew side by side (or top to bottom) to fit a narrow space, sew 3 X 3 for a larger area or anything inbetween. Whatever size or design you choose, pillow panels are a great way to add your own special touch to a wall space.

#9. QUILT

By simply using 5 yards (90 X 90) or 6 yards (90 X 108) of pillow panels to create a custom and unique quilt top. If using the same design just cuts the yardage in half and sewing together down the middle. FYI- by leaving on the bands running down both sides of most pillow panels, you add not only size, but an interesting detail to your quilt top). Or if you'd like use several different patterns, cut the blocks apart, arrange, strip if you desire, sew together and TA-DA you've got a great and fairly quick quilt top.  Then back and quilt using your favorite method. This is a great way to create a custom quilt top that goes together quickly.

#10. THEY MAKE GREAT PILLOWS

Ok, i know that this is supposed to be about alternative uses for pillow panels, but they really do make great pillows. The blocks are a perfect size for both a decorative pillow, which also turns out to be the perfect size to rest your head on to watch TV or even a quick nap (if you can find the time). But just to keep on the topic, instead of using every one half yard to make a single pillow (which is what you'r suppose to do, put one block on the front and the second print on the back), make the fabric go farther by using the a single block per pillow. Make you fabric (and money) go farther by using a solid color take goes with your pillow panel block to back your pillow wiht. this way you get 2 pillows out of every half yard (instead of having to use 1 yard). This is a great way to use up some of your scraps and to stretch your pillow panel prints.

JUST TO NAME A FEW!

Pillow panels are great fabric prints that are in no way limited to just being used as pillows. So give your imagination a free rein and see what you can come up with to use these wonderful designs. They're makes great pillows but they......hey use to cover some of those old pillows to give them a new lease on life.........as the background in your scrapbooking projects....or curtain valances......or maybe..............