Categories: Gifts, Pillow

Turn simple grosgrain ribbon into a gorgeous origami pleated pillow masterpiece. A little math and you are on your way with fully illustrated diagrams and step by step directions. What seems difficult at first glance is simply a origami folding technique using ribbon and a needle and thread. Insert Poly-Fil Supreme® Ultra Plush Fibre Fill into your creation and it quickly becomes a showpiece for your home.

What you need to make this project

Materials: Poly-Fil Supreme® Ultra Plush Fibre Fill; Grosgrain Ribbon - Eight yards Navy 3 inches wide; Grosgrain Ribbon - Six yards White 3 inches wide; 1/2 inch Buttons - 35; Fabric for front and back of pillow - 1/2 yard; Matching thread

Supplies: Sewing Machine; Basic Sewing, Cutting and Measuring tools & supplies

Instructions

Step One

Determine the finished pillow size. To do this, take into consideration the width of the ribbon ie: Ribbon that is 3″ wide when folded will create folded designs 3″ square. Use multiples of the 3 inches when deciding the finished size of the pillow you wish to create. The featured pillow is 15 x 21 inches.

Step Two

Cut ribbon three times longer than the width of the finished pillow plus 6 inches. ie: finished pillow will be 21 wide , cut ribbon 3 x 21 + 6 = 69 inches. The pillow will be 15 inches in height so you will need 5 rows of ribbon. Starting 3″ inches from one end, place marks on the top and bottom edges of the ribbon, spacing the marks 3 inches apart. Note: If you were using a different width of ribbon you would alter the spacing of the folds to match the ribbon width. Complete illustrated diagrams have been provided. Origami Ribbon Pillow

Step Three

Fold the first set of markings to match the second set of markings and pin. Fold the third set of markings back towards the second set and pin. This is the first box pleat. Continue folding from left to right and then right to left until you have created the required number of box pleats. In the case of the project pillow that number would be seven.

Step Four

Using a thread and needle; Stitch through the center of each pleat, being sure to stitch through all layers of the ribbon. Note: The stitching is marked in red on the diagram.

Step Five

Turn the pleated ribbon over to what will become the front.

Step Six

Bring the top and bottom edges of the ribbon to meet at the center point, secure by stitching a button through all layers of the ribbon.

Closeup of Origami fold and button placement

Step Seven

Lay the completed strip of pleated ribbon over the top of another length of ribbon. In the case of the project, a contrasting color was used.

Step Eight

Cut a length of fabric for the pillow front 1″ larger than the length and width of the pillow. ie: Finished pillow will be 15″ x 21″. Cut pillow front 16″ x 22″. Center the ribbon strips on top of the pillow front fabric. Stitch between and at the center of each of the pleated areas. Be sure to stitch through all layers of the ribbon and fabric.

Step Nine

Cut a piece of fabric for the pillow front and back 1″ larger than the length and width of the pillow. ie: Finished pillow will be 15″ x 21″. Cut pillow front 16″ x 22″. Center the ribbon strips on top of the pillow front fabric. Stitch between and at the center of each of the pleated areas. Be sure to stitch through all layers of the ribbon and fabric.

Step Ten

Lay the pillow front fabric on top of the pillow back fabric right sides together and stitch around the outside edges using a 1/2 inch seam. Be sure to leave a 5 inch opening along one edge. Clip corners and turn right side out. Insert Poly-Fil Supreme® Ultra Plush Fibre Fill and hand stitch the opening closed.

Origami Folded Ribbon Pillow