I've been trying to find a simple way of creating something I had when I was younger and it has proved to be a challenge. To begin with, I didn't/don't know what they are properly called. Secondly, I wasn't interested in going about it the 'correct' way.
You caught me...I found a tutorial. It was a lovely tutorial with pretty pictures. But I don't want to sew a zipper, or a pocket. Ok, I wasn't looking forward to sewing such a detailed project at all - I wanted to cheat.
After several ideas that were probably more difficult and time consuming than the very tutorial I was avoiding, I gave myself a 'Keep It Simple Stupid' talking to.
This is what I came up with:
Buy and wash a pillowcase(or grab an old one). (The pillowcase I purchased was a set and it was the fancy hypo-allergenic kind. That's not necessary but I think the plastic lining in the pillow may have helped keep the dye from seeping through to the other side as it dried.)
Decorate said pillow case(s). Decorate the bottom half of the pillow case as the top part will not be seen.
I tried the fabric dye in a spray bottle. It is a bit unwieldy - I'd advise wearing paint clothes or an apron when spraying. However, the dye came off of my hands pretty quickly. Also I'd only use this type of paint/dye if you are looking for a flowy kind of design. As you can see the dye seeped under my tape and bled around my design. I was going for a watercolor look so it's ok but I still may go back and do some touching up though.
Fold the top of the pillow case down into the pillow case itself.
(With your design facing you, open your pillowcase. Take the top corners and pull them down into the open pillow case until they meet their prospective inside bottom corners. Straighten any wrinkles so that the top two corners are now folded neatly inside of your pillow case.)
Stuff pillow case(s) with batting or a pillow form or an old pillow that needs some dressing up. I filled the decorated side with batting and tucked the undecorated edge back down over the stuffing. You could add some velcro or stitch in some tiny snaps at the bottom of the pillow if you would like to secure it better. (My pillow case is the type with a zipper on the top edge so once I stuffed the pillow with batting I zipped the case close and smoothed the zipper along the bottom seam of the case to hold the batting in place.)
If you use batting as I did, it may be necessary to straighten the lumps behind your design.
Your pillow case should now have a snug little pocket.
I would be a great spot to hide a little note for someone or tuck away your super-secret candy stash -- though I wouldn't advise that. I'm using mine to hide the PJs that would other wise be tossed on my bed.
So in case you were looking for a no-sew PJ pocket that is suitable for someone over 5, you're welcome.
Actually, this would make a good sleep-over craft. It was easy and with some simple prep work it's quick. And as you can see from my super paint job -- well it's something a 5 year old could do.
In all honesty, this was easy enough that I may never try that lovely tutorial...
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