Whether it’s a scrap of your grandmother’s old quilt, a piece of your great-grandfather’s favorite shirt, or just a special piece of fabric that brings up fond memories in you, transforming those pieces into something meaningful is a wonderful way to keep them close and enjoy them every day.
That’s why making a memory pillow with fabrics is such an incredible way to preserve these mementos! Not only can you put together this sentimental project yourself (no sewing experience required!), but you also enjoy seeing it adorning your couch or bed for years to come – and remembering all the stories behind it.
In this blog post, we’ll delve deep into memory pillows: we will explain what they are exactly, talk about how to make a memory pillow at home by hand or machine sewers alike, provide guidance on choosing suitable fabrics and materials as well as step-by-step instructions about how to create one. So get ready – let’s start our journey with memory pillows creation together!
Is a Memory Pillow Good for Your Health?
A memory pillow is a soft and comfortable cushion filled with special materials such as feathers, wool, or cotton balls. This cushion has been found to provide many health benefits, including reducing joint pains, improving circulation, and promoting better sleep. But does a memory pillow really make a difference for overall health?
Research studies have shown that memory pillows can provide numerous health benefits. A study conducted by the University of Surrey in England found that a memory pillow helps support the body while sleeping, resulting in improved posture and reduced discomfort. Those who used the memory pillow experienced less back pain and better sleep quality than those who did not use one.
Another research study conducted at the University of Michigan found that memory pillows can provide relief from chronic headaches and neck pain. Participants in the study reported a decrease in their headache frequency after using memory pillows for four weeks. This suggests that memory pillows may help reduce tension headaches by providing support to the head, neck, and shoulders.
What Do You Write on a Memory Pillow?
When making a memory pillow, it’s important to think about the words you will write on it. A custom-made memory pillow is a special way to commemorate someone close or remember an event that was meaningful. Consider writing special dates, such as birthdays and anniversaries; meaningful quotes; names of loved ones; good luck symbols; prayers or religious sayings; and motivational messages. You can also write simple phrases like “I love you” or “You are in my heart forever.”
If you’re making the memory pillow for yourself, consider including words of inspiration or personal mantras that encourage self-love and motivate you during difficult times. Writing reminders of your successes and accomplishments will help remind you of your strength and resilience.
When writing on the memory pillow, use fabric markers that are designed specifically for fabrics and come in a variety of colors. These markers will create a durable design that can be washed without fading or smearing. Make sure to practice writing out what you plan to put on the pillow before adding it permanently so that you can make any necessary adjustments.
9 Steps How to Make a Memory Pillow
Step 1: Gather Materials
Collect the necessary materials, including a shirt or fabric with sentimental value, scissors, a sewing machine, thread, pins, a measuring tape, and stuffing material. However, if you are making a pillow with an image on it, then also gather tracing paper, transfer paper, and an iron.
Although memory pillows can be made with a variety of materials, fabrics such as quilting cotton or fleece are best for a sturdy and attractive finished product. To make the pillow last longer, use a heavyweight cotton fabric if possible.
Step 2: Prepare the Fabric
Launder and iron the fabric to ensure it’s clean and wrinkle-free. If using a shirt, remove any buttons or embellishments that may interfere with the sewing process. Cut two identical pieces of fabric the desired size for the pillow.
For example, if you want to end up with a 12″ x 16″ pillow, cut two pieces of fabric 12″ x 16″. If using a shirt, measure from the top to the bottom and across the chest for sizing. While cutting, ensure the fabric pieces aren’t larger than the pillow form.
Step 3: Cut Fabric Pieces
Using the measuring tape, measure and mark the desired size of the pillow on the fabric. Cut two identical pieces, adding a seam allowance on all sides. Seam allowances can vary depending on the type of fabric being used, so it is important to check the instructions.
Once both pieces are cut, draw a grid pattern on each piece of fabric. This will help ensure both pieces are perfectly symmetrical.
Step 4: Pin and Sew the Fabric
With the right sides of the fabric facing each other, pin the two fabric pieces together, leaving a small opening for stuffing. Sew around the edges, leaving the opening unsewn. Clip the corners, and turn the fabric right side out.
Push the corners out using a blunt tool such as a chopstick, and press with an iron. While pressing, make sure the opening is turned inwards. To close the opening, sew a simple running stitch around the edges with a hand-sewing needle and thread.
Step 5: Trim Excess Fabric and Clip Corners
Trim the excess fabric around the seams, making sure not to cut into the stitching. Clip the corners diagonally to reduce bulkiness and achieve neater corners when turned right-side out. Turn the pillow right-side out and stuff it with filling.
Hand stitch the opening shut using a running stitch, then give your new memory pillow one last press with an iron. Finally, admire your work of art and enjoy some special time cuddling up to your new memory pillow.
Step 6: Turn the Pillow Right-Side Out
Carefully turn the fabric right-side out through the opening, using a blunt object to gently push out the corners for a crisp finish. Once the pillow is right-side out, slip stitch or hand stitch the opening closed. To slip stitch, thread a needle with matching thread and knot the end. Make small stitches along the opening to seal it shut.
Insert the pillow form through the opening and fluff out the pillow. Although you can machine stitch the opening closed for a faster finish, slip stitching or hand stitching delivers a more professional look. Place your finished memory pillow on your favorite chair or sofa to enjoy the memories of a loved one.
Step 7: Stuff the Pillow
Select a suitable stuffing material, such as polyester fiberfill or memory foam shreds. Begin filling the pillow through the opening and distributing the stuffing evenly to achieve the desired firmness. Continue stuffing until the pillow is full.
If using memory foam shreds, you may need to use a chopstick or other thin object to help push the shredded foam into the corners. Once you’re happy with the firmness of the pillow, use a sewing needle and thread to close up the opening. Make sure to tie the thread off with a knot for extra durability.
Step 8: Hand or Machine Stitch the Opening
Once the pillow is fully stuffed, hand stitch or use a sewing machine to close the opening, ensure the stitches are secure and blend in with the surrounding seam. If hand stitching, use a small whip stitch to close the opening and ensure that the stitches are as small as possible.
It’s important to make sure the stitches are small and secure so that they don’t come undone when washing or using the pillow. If using a sewing machine, set it to stitch a small, tight seam.
Step 9: Add Personal Touches
Consider adding personal touches to your memory pillow. This could include embroidery, appliques, or attaching small sentimental items like buttons, patches, or charms. You could also add your loved one’s initials or favorite colors to the design.
If you have any fabric pieces that belong to your loved one, such as a shirt or scarf, you could incorporate them into the pillow cover. Most importantly, make sure that your memory pillow reflects your loved one’s personality and spirit. When you are finished, your memory pillow will be an amazing reminder of the special memories you shared with that person.
Conclusion
After your pillow is finished, you can present it as an amazing gift to a loved one or keep it for yourself. A memory pillow is an incredible way to take something important to you and make it a real, tangible item. You get to tell a story through fabric, colors, textures, and other embellishments that will help evoke a special memory for years to come.
So why not try making one today? Gather all your materials and decide what design would best showcase the memories you want to cherish the most. Hopefully, this article gave you some helpful tips about how to make a memory pillow successfully, so now that you have the proper knowledge on how to get the job done, why not give it a try today?
