Name ______________________________________
DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING BUMBLEBEE PILLOW
(Check off each step after completion)
o 1. Fabric Layout-Using the large piece of fabric fold the fabric in half with right sides on the outside.
Line up the selvage edges. Pin one bumblebee main body pattern to fabric. To pin, pin close to the
edges of the pattern, parallel to the pattern, with pins in any corner on the pattern. On the smaller
piece of fabric, fold the fabric to make 2 layers and pin 2 wing patterns to the fabric.
o 2. Use fabric shears and cut fabric along the edge of the patterns. Cut carefully!
o 3. Wind bobbin.
o 4. Cut 3 pieces of jumbo rick rack 16 1/2” long. Pin the rick rack to the front of the bumblebee main
body. The first row is 2 ½” from the bottom edge of the pillow, the second row is 5 ½” from the
bottom edge of the pillow, and the third row is 8 1/2” from the bottom edge of the pillow. Use
thread and bobbin to match rick rack and stitch through the center of the rick rack. Make knots at
beginning and end of sewing.
o 5. With right sides on the inside, pin 2 bumblebee wings together. Stitch with ½” seam allowances
leaving straight edge open. Make knots. Turn wing right side out and finger press edges. Repeat
with other wing.
o 6. Pin white circles to bumblebee main body. For the left eye, measure in 6” from the left edge of
the pillow and 2 ¾” from the top edge of the pillow. Place center of eye at this measurement.
Repeat with the right eye, using the right and top edge. Use white thread for both hand and
machine sewing and sew each circle to the body. Stitch close to the edge of the circle. Remember to
make knots.
o 7. Attach 1 piece of baby rick rack to bumblebee main body. Fold your front pillow fabric in half
lengthwise and measure 4 ¾” down from the top edge. Place the middle of the rick rack at this
point. Measure down 3 ½” on the left and right of the rick rack and curve the rick rack to make a
smile. Sew through middle of rick rack. Make knots at the beginning and end of sewing.
o 8. On the right side of main body pin wings to side edges. To do this fold the wing in half crosswise
and place the middle of the wing 5 ½” from the bottom edge of the pillow. Stitch with 1/2" seam
allowances.
o 9. Ask the teacher for two pieces of black fleece for the antennae. Fold fabric in half, lengthwise,
with right sides on inside. Sew one short end and one long end. Leave one short end open for
turning. Trim corner. Use a corner stick as a tool for turning. Finger press fabric. Make a knot in the
finished end of antennae. Repeat with other antennae.
o 10. Pin antennae to upper edge of pillow front directly above the eyes. Stitch with 1/2" seam
allowance. Repeat with other antennae.
o 11. With right sides on the inside, pin pillow front to pillow back. Make sure wings and antennas are
on the inside and laying flat. With a marking tool, mark a 5 ½” opening at the bottom middle of your
pillow.
o 12. Stitch pillow front to pillow back with 5/8” seam allowance. Begin at right side of opening and
sew around pillow ending at left side of opening. Make knots at beginning and end.
o 13. Turn pillow right side out. Make sure curves are turned. Stuff pillow. Pull fiberfill apart and
fluff it before you use it. Break apart the lumps and thick spots. Use pieces about the size of a tennis
ball. Pack firmly in place each time stuffing is added. Use both hands to mold and shape, being
careful not to over stuff making it lopsided.
o 14. Hand sew opening closed. With double strand of matching thread tie a knot in the end of the
thread. Hide your knot on the inside at one end of the opening. Use either an overcast stitch or a
ladder stitch and take a small stitch in one edge close to the seam. Then take a small stitch in the
other edge close to the seam. Pull up thread after each stitch to bring edges together. Continue to
alternate from one edge to the opposite edge with the smallest hand-stitches possible. Knot thread
securely at the end of sewing with a lock-stitch.
o
15. Put your name on the attached evaluation form. Evaluate your work on this project by
completing the first column. Pin form to the back of your pillow and turn in for a grade.