How to Make a Door Knob Pillow

Door knob pillows are popular among young girls, but they can be used by just about everybody. Besides being a great gift for a girl, they can be scattered around the house on various door knobs. A "Welcome" sign can hang on your entry door. For the bathroom, you could embroider "Occupied" on one side and "Vacant" on the other. Use your imagination, and adapt these instructions to suit your needs.

This project takes very little fabric, and is quick and easy to make. You can purchase supplies, root through your fabric scraps, or use shirts destined for the thrift shop. You will need a small amount of fabric, a little fiber fill, and an eight inch piece of ribbon.

To begin with, cut two squares of fabric, about 4 ½ inches by 4 ½ inches. Decorate either, or both sides, any way you want. If your sewing machine embroiders, you can add names or sayings ...or you could embroider by hand. Add ribbons, buttons, or patches to personalize the door knob pillow.

Pin the two squares together, right sides together. Choose the edge that will be the top, and pin the ribbon in place. The ribbon edges should line up with the edge of the fabric, and the loop will be inside ...in between the two layers of fabric. When you sew your pillow together, be careful not to get the ribbon caught in the stitching. You can use another small pin to secure the ribbon inside.

Sew around the edges, using ¼ inch seam allowance. Leave an opening on one side, approximately 1 ½ inches long. Be sure to back stitch to secure the seams. Clip the corners, being careful not to clip the stitches.

Turn the pillow right side out. Use the eraser end of a pencil to push gently on the corners. Make the corners as sharp as you can. Stuff lightly with fiber fill, and sew the opening closed.

Once you get started making door knob pillows, you'll want to keep making them. If you're having a birthday party, baby shower, or bridal shower, you could make door knob pillows for each guest to take home. Someone in a nursing home might like one hanging on her door. High school graduates, girls going off to college, and bridesmaids would all love a door knob pillow. Think about the people you know, and personalize door knob pillows for all of them.