Old Blue Jeans • Pillow # 2

Notice 2/2021 - lots of folks have commented that the measurements on this don't make sense. They are correct. The concept is great and you can try to make one from rectangles - just don't follow my measurements.  I made this 7 years ago now - and I can no longer adjust it.

My living room sofa has been decorated with the two pillows that came with it and matched the upholstery since I purchased it, oh, about 15 years ago. Talk about a design fail! But last week I started to change that. I have been thinking about new pillows for a while and decided to combine that project with the growing pile of old jeans I've collected.  One of the main accent colors in my living room is denim blue. My first pillow was the chevron pillow that pieced together ombre shaded stripes. It is stunning and visually very strong. I knew a complementary pillow needed to have a subtler pattern so as to not overwhelm the room. I decided to use all one color of denim in this pillow but to use the soft lines created by unraveling the fabric as the accent point. It is a great second pillow for my couch.

I used a log cabin type quilting pattern but with rectangles of descending sizes to create a contemporary feel to this rustic material. Each of the seams has been frayed to form a soft, fuzzy line.

And, like the chevron pillow before it, I will provide a tutorial on how I created the pillow cover.

Supplies needed:

• 1 Pair of Old Jeans, preferably well washed and soft.
• 16" square pillow
• 6" 3/4" velcro
• backing fabric
• matching thread
• sewing machine
• scissors
• Sharpie marker
• ruler

Process:

• Cut the legs off the old jeans, removing all seams and hems.
• On the back side of the fabric draw lines for the following sizes noted below. Be sure to have the long edge of each rectangle run the long way on the pants leg and be consistent with this. Even the smaller pieces need to run the long way because it effects the fabric when you unravel the edges. You will need the following rectangles:
• 3" x 18"
• 3" x 15"
• 2.75" x 15"
• 2.75" x 12.25"
• 2.5" x 12.25"
• 2.5" x 9.75"
• 2.25" x 9.75"
• 2.25" x 7.5"
• 2" x 7.5"
• 2" x 5.5"
• 1.75" x 5.5"
• 1.75" x 3.75"
• 1.5" x 3.75"
• 1.5" x 2.25"
• 1.25" x 2.25"
• 1.25" x 1"
• 1" x 1"
• Measure and cut them carefully. Here are all the pieces cut and laid out in their assembly pattern. I did write the size on each to help keep me organized.

• Start assembly by sewing the 1" edges of the two smallest pieces together but sew with WRONG sides of the fabric together. You want the seam on the front.
• Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance. Be consistent on this for all of the seams on the front.

• Add the 1.25 x 2.25 piece matching the back sides of the fabric together and placing it across the side with the seam. Stitch it again with wrong sides together.

• Add the 1.5 x 2.25 piece, again with wrong sides together and placing it across the edge with the two pieces and 1 seam. This is the pattern you continue to follow, always adding the new piece across the side that has 2 pieces and one seam.

• And always sewing them with the back sides together.
• Here is the seam plan continuing out. Continue with this pattern until all pieces are attached.

It will look like this on the backside.

And like this on the front.....

• Now it is time to start fraying! 
• Just start picking at the threads on the front of the seams. This is a messy job so hae a wastebasket nearby!

• As you work your way closer to the seam it will be hard to grab the threads to pull. I used a needle to help losen the thread.

• You want to unravel the seams about 2/3's of the way down to the stitched seam. If you go too far you can compromise the strength of the seam.
• Keep pulling threads until all the seams are soft and fluffy.
• You will notice that you can't unravel the denim across the end cuts. I just cut those a little shorter, frayed the piece butting up to it, and visually they blended in.

• Cut your backing fabric large enough to cover the back side.
• Mine was split in the middle with an opening held closed by velcro.
• You can follow that style, or any other pillow encasing technique depending on what supplies you have on hand.

• Stitch the backing to the front of the pillow cover - this time with RIGHT sides together.
• Clip the corners before turning right side out and inserting the pillow.

Put the pillow in place and take a look....

Here are my two new pillows together.... They definitely need a third, and probably one at the other end.

I like the combination of the two techniques yet with a similar material. I will think about a third technique for the next one. I also like a variety of sizes and shapes. Maybe the next one will be cylindrical. That's a good shape for under the neck when relaxing on the sofa. The next ones also needs to no have a striped design but something different.

Glad I have a huge pile of jeans.....and no, I haven't made a dent into the pile yet.

And as always, a view artsy photos taken during the process.....

Update 3/1/2013: I made the third pillow using bleaching techniques. See how here.

Update 3/13/13: Machine Appliqué is the technique I used for pillow #4. Probably the easiest so far. Go here to see how.

Previous Posts of Interest:

• Chevron Pillow for Beloved Old Jeans
• Denim Blue Jean • Furniture
• Denim Blue Jeans • Frayed
• Denim Blue Jeans • Quilts
• Denim Blue Jeans • Containers
• Denim Blue Jeans • Wall Art
• Denim Blue Jeans • Pillows
• Denim Blue Jeans • Iconic
• Blue Jeans and Bandanas

©2013AshbeeDesign, Marji Roy

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