It is impossible to imagine a comfortable sleep without a comfortable pillow. Centuries ago, only rich people could enjoy the privilege of buying a pillow, and the poor did not even know about such a luxury. The history of the pillow (briefly) will be told to the reader in the article. We will talk about classic products, decorative, sofa and toy pillows. So, let's begin.

The history of the pillow

The very first information about the appearance of the pillow refers to the reign of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Although the pillows did not resemble modern ones, their function was performed by wooden planks on a stand. To protect the pharaoh from dark forces, gods were depicted on them so that the ruler could rest calmly after daytime worries. In Japan, pillows made of wood, metal, stone, or porcelain were used throughout until the 19th century.

The history of the creation of the pillow told that in the territory of Ancient Greece they came up with the idea of ​​sewing the first soft products in order to have long philosophical conversations in a luxurious environment. Pillows and mattresses served to ensure a comfortable pastime for noble citizens. They judged the high status of the patrician, and the richness of the decoration emphasized his financial capabilities. They sewed pillows from fabric or leather, gave a variety of shapes. Feathers or fluff of birds, as well as animal hair were used as a filler.

In ancient Rome, pillows did not soon come into use. Gradually, products filled with down gained unprecedented popularity among the Romans. The military leaders liked to rest on them so much that they sent subordinates to get goose down for pillows.

The magical properties of pillows

The history of the pillow is also interesting because since ancient times it was believed that this product has magical powers. For sound sleep, he put a bracelet made of snake skin under the pillow. Octavian August could not sleep for a long time at night, so he wanted to get a pillow from one ruined patrician. The emperor believed that, in addition to the pillow, he would provide himself with a calm and sweet sleep, because a person in deep debt was able to fall asleep on it in an incredible way.

During the Middle Ages, they began to sew small pillows under their feet to keep warm in the cold season. Such an invention saved from frost in stone castles, where fireplaces could not heat the huge vaults, and drafts were common. Also then, people were extremely religious, and not everyone can spend several hours on their knees while praying. Therefore, for convenience, pillows were used to withstand night vigils.

In Russia, pillows are associated with fortune-telling about the betrothed, when a twig from a broom was placed under it so that the future groom would dream. At Christmas, a spruce branch was to be hidden in the pillow to ensure happiness and health for the whole year. Richly embroidered pillows were always given to the girl as a dowry. The poor stuffed products with horsehair or hay, and the rich gave their daughters feather and down pillows made of expensive cloth as a dowry.

Decorative pillows - beauty from time immemorial

In the 19th century, the Biedermeier style developed, suggesting cozy cramped rooms, so sofa cushions became even more popular in the interior of living rooms. Furniture upholstery and pillow cases were sewn from the same material in order to achieve a single composition. For the manufacture of day pillows, they used rep, silk, velvet, embroidered patterns with satin stitch, richelieu, or decorated with bright appliqués. A little later they began to embroider pillowcases with a cross: simple or “Bulgarian”. Pillows, decorated with elaborate embroidery, have become a necessary part of the interior of living rooms. They were given to each other, shared sketches of embroidery, purchased in fashion stores.

The severity and conciseness of the 60s

The 1960s came, a strict laconic style reigned everywhere, and the presence of "dumok" was not welcomed, it was even considered a sign of philistinism. But on the sofas there were pillows without unnecessary decorations, sewn from less expensive and catchy materials. For some time they were in the shade to meet the heyday in the modern world. "Dumki" are back in fashion, decorating living rooms and offices. Thanks to them, that laid-back charm of aristocracy and subtle luxury is created, that warmth of the interior, which is unlikely to be achieved in other ways. For tailoring such a “zest” you do not need to spend money on expensive materials and decorations, just a little patience and some skills in embroidery are enough.

Pillow Story

Together with the advent of pillows "dumok" there were pillows-toys. Craftswomen began to sew them from scraps of fabric, decorate them with funny appliqués. Now it was not difficult to put the baby to sleep, the prankster fell asleep with pleasure with a funny pillow that looked like a dog or a cat. Such pillows make not only children but also adults smile.

Funny pillows play a special role in the house, they create coziness and are able to emphasize the creative abilities of the owners. Funny soft toys will relieve stress after a working day, give peace and bliss. Pillows-toys, sewn in the form of funny tigers, kittens, frogs, cows, can be laid out in your favorite resting places - on a sofa, armchair or bed. Also, a funny pillow will turn into a heartfelt gift for loved ones, especially if you try to sew it yourself from improvised materials. No one else will have such a present, because it is made with pure intentions and contains the warmth of the hands of the giver.

Currently on sale you can find funny pillows, inside of which a plush blanket or a small blanket is placed. They will help out on a long journey by car. On the road, the baby will be able to play with such a soft toy, and when he wants to take a nap, he will wrap himself in a blanket.

pillow research

The history of the pillow contains some unpleasant moments. For example, in the 19th century, Otto Steiner added a bit of negativity to the product's reputation. A well-known physician conducted research, and highlighted the results in the book "Bed". If the humidity of the air rises even a little, the feather pillow begins to smell unpleasant. Steiner suggested that this is due to residues on the feathers of particles of skin, fat and meat of birds. All this content begins to decompose and release harmful and terribly smelling substances.

Modern tendencies

Different styles and trends in fashion succeeded each other, the functions assigned to pillows changed. One thing is invariable - thanks to the pillows, comfort and coziness of home decoration are provided. Sofa cushions, as well as products in the form of funny animals for the little ones, “settled” in apartments for many years.

This well-known attribute of our sleep appeared a long time ago. The first mention of objects used as pillows takes us back to the distant centuries BC. In the ancient tombs of the pharaohs the world's first pillows were found. The pharaohs used them to keep their intricate hairstyles while sleeping. The pillow, which was placed on a stand, was also accompanied by two curved plates with images of the gods, supposedly designed to help the one who went to sleep, since his Ka (soul) at that time was flying free from the body.

Stories are familiar and other no less interesting pillows. For example, in ancient China Depending on the degree of wealth, important mandarins rested on pillows made of stone, porcelain, or even metal pillows. Even a pillow made of precious metals is known - this is such a rectangular-shaped stand, completely encrusted with jewelry.

Almost until recently, the most common pillows in the Japanese had wooden pillows. Here, too, it was possible to determine by the pillow how rich its owner possesses. Because the rarer the type of wood from which it is made, the more expensive the pillow, respectively.

The very first began to use a soft pillow for sleep clever ancient Greeks. They filled their pillows with light bird feathers, sheep's wool and dried grass. The Greeks sewed the pillow itself from dense fabric, and more often from dressed leather. They embellished this object in every possible way: either with skillful embroidery, or with beads, or with fringe. Of course, the pillow, on which the craftswoman worked diligently, cost a lot of money. Therefore, only the rich could afford such a work of art. Important wealthy Greeks loved to lie on soft beds and various mattresses, so they did not skimp on decorating their bed. In general, having a pillow among the Greeks was considered a sign of good taste. In this regard, the workshops could offer their customers pillows for every taste and budget, not just different shapes and sizes.

In ancient Rome down pillows were so popular that the military nobility exempted some of their soldiers from military service specifically so that they got down for their pillows. There is also an interesting case in history about a pillow and an emperor. Emperor Octavian August wanted to have under his head the pillow of his bankrupt subject. He was convinced that the debtor's pillow must have magical properties that provide the sleeper with a sound, undisturbed sleep - after all, a person who had been in debt for a long time as if in silks, and then completely lost all his property, slept peacefully on her pillow.

The facts of suffocation with a pillow in history are also not unknown.. In this way, they got rid of both adult objectionable rulers and very tiny heirs. Otherwise, the ambitious court intriguers could not come close to the cherished position in high society or power. So, when, on the orders of Caligula, the emperor Tiberius was poisoned, and he was in his death throes for a long time, they hastened to strangle him with a pillow. Or here is another case when a church minister was strangled with a pillow, who flatly refused to bless Ivan the Terrible. Many princes and greats of this world knew death in their own bed “thanks” to the pillow: this is Paul I, and the son of Peter I - Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich, and John X, and the newborn grandson of Louis XIV - Haile Selassie, who was strangled by his aunt.

But not all bed pillow stories are necessarily sad. Let us recall the Kama Sutra, which contains the knowledge accumulated over many centuries and generations. She offers more than one love position that is unimaginable without the help of a pillow.

Or here are oriental tales: a multi-colored couch, comfortably lined with luxurious pillows made of satin and silk, where the sultan and his beautiful concubines reclined.

During the Middle Ages castles made of cold stone did not warm up well and therefore there were always problems with drafts pulling along the floor. The inhabitants of such mansions invented pillows under their feet, which protected them very well from the cold. Later, pillows were placed under the knees during prayer, on the saddles for the convenience of riders, they were equipped with stretchers, wagons, carriages.

In Russia, few people knew what a pillow is. from feathers or down - it was a luxury item. Peasants used pillows stuffed with hay and horsehair, beautiful girls prepared embroidered pillows for themselves as a dowry.

Throughout the history of the pillow, a huge variety of materials served as fillers. Sometimes it depended on customs, as in the East, where an aromatic pillow is a traditional thing. Leaves of pleasantly smelling herbs were also placed in it. Later, such pillows were made for the purpose of treatment. Some peoples have a custom at Christmas to put spruce branches in the pillow, so to speak, for good luck. Russian beauties during divination put a twig under the pillow to find out the name of the groom.

There are also funny, funny traditions associated with pillows. For example, students, for better memorization of the material before the exam, put the textbook under the pillow. Once upon a time in England there was a custom that if a husband put an ax under his wife's pillow, she would soon give birth to a boy.

Today, a longtime favorite - a pillow made of feathers - is increasingly being replaced by its relatives filled with foam rubber and artificial fibers. But whatever filling your pillow is, let it be comfortable for you.

Sleep peacefully and soundly with a healthy sleep! 🙂

Today it is simply impossible to imagine life without a pillow. But in ancient times, things were quite different. Pillows were exclusively rich people. The very first pillows were found in the tombs of the ancient Egyptians. Progress did not stand still, and with the advent of new dyes and the invention of all kinds of sewing techniques, pillows began to be a piece of art. Richly decorated, pillows became quite an expensive commodity, which first appeared in China, and then in the Middle Ages in Europe.

The very first pillows were invented in Egypt. They looked like curved boards on a stand and served more to keep the hairstyle during sleep than for comfort. On the pillows were depicted gods who protected a person from dark forces. Until the 19th century, such pillows were widespread in Japan. In China, pillows were made of porcelain, stone or metal. They looked like rectangular stands.

Soft pillows first appeared in Greece. They differed significantly from the Egyptians. The Greeks loved the bed and comfort, so the invention of a soft pillow became a cult for them. A little later, the first soft mattress was invented in Greece.

Later, pillows began to be used in Ancient Rome, although at first the Romans treated them with distrust, but realizing the convenience of their use, they appreciated them.

There was a belief that a pillow during sleep is a kind of protection of its owner from evil spirits.

For example, in India, a pillow helped the great Buddha to recover. When he was lying on the ground, barely alive, without strength, he felt the aroma of leaves that attacked the ground from the tree. He scooped them up with his hands and stuffed the bag with them, so it turned out a pillow on which he fell asleep. Waking up, he felt cheerfulness and strength to go on a long journey.

Pillows were very popular in the East. The palaces of the sultans were literally overflowing with rich and beautiful pillows. They were considered an indicator of prosperity, wealth and luxury.

In Russia, beautifully painted pillows were an obligatory part of the bride's dowry.

Pillows had different fillings: down, feather, hay, horsehair.

It is believed that the average life of the pillow is 5 years. After, the feather in the pillow begins to deteriorate, the mites begin to multiply and feel comfortable. Therefore, it is better to purchase a new pillow, and refuse to use the old one.

Useful natural fillers for pillows are sheep wool and buckwheat husk.

Today it has become very fashionable to use orthopedic pillows for sleeping. They are mainly recommended for people suffering from curvature of the spine, musculoskeletal, lymphatic and circulatory systems. Also, an orthopedic pillow will be very good for people with allergies, as it is made from environmentally friendly latex.

Matveeva Anastasia

The creative project "Pillow-toy" provides an opportunity to show how to use fabric waste to create interior elements.

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Municipal educational institution "Basic school No. 12"

Creative project on technology

9th grade student

Head: Naumova M.V.,

technology teacher

Tara, 2010

1. Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………..2

1.1. The purpose of the project………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

1.2. Project objectives …………………………………………………………………………………………..3

1.3. Justification for the choice of the project topic …………………………………………………………….4

1.4. A brief definition of the design problem……………………………………………….5

1.5.Tools and accessories for work……………………………………………….6

1.6. Choice of fabric, padding and equipment …………………………………………………………………………….

2. Main body

2.1 The history of the sofa cushion. ………………………………………………. eight

2.2. Rules for safe work ……… ... ...................................................... 10

2.4. Work sequence ……………………………………………….14

3. Final stage

3.1. Environmental justification………………………………………………………….........15

3.2. Calculation of the cost of the product………………………………………………………......15

3.3. Aesthetic assessment of the selected option ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3.4. Evaluation of the finished product………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

4. Conclusion

4.1.Sources of information………………………………………………………………………..17

Appendix

Organization of independent creative work on the manufacture of a sofa cushion-toy.

1. Get to know the history of sofa cushions;
2. Compare pillows made in different styles;
3. Make a pillow-toy with your own hands;
4. Cultivate aesthetic taste.

The apartment in which we live, work and relax should be comfortable, cozy and, of course, beautiful. To achieve this, it is not at all necessary to spend large sums of money. Are we not familiar with apartments furnished with expensive suites, which, nevertheless, give the impression of boring and formulaic. At the same time, often a small, modestly furnished room reveals the good taste of the hostess. But for this you need to do a lot with your own hands.

A reliable "refuge" after a hard day is a sofa or chair. And here you just need a comfortable and beautiful sofa cushion.

Few people deny themselves the pleasure of relaxing on the couch, surrounded by pillows on all sides. Sofa cushions are those pleasant little things that give the apartment a lived-in look, emphasize its individuality and are always ready to carefully offer themselves to a tired owner or guest. A sofa cushion made in the form of a children's toy will surely please those children who have come to visit you.

A pillow is a man's best friend. Especially after work! There are a lot of beautiful ones in the store on the shelves. And how to make not just a pillow, but a toy pillow yourself?

Making a cushion toy is the best way to get rid of the scraps, lace, buttons, beads and fur that I have enough for this job. And also express yourself in creativity. After all, any novice craftswoman can tailor and decorate a pillow. A handmade toy pillow will decorate any faceless or boring interior.

1. Sofa cushion toy should be matched in color and material with furniture upholstery, bedspread or cape on the sofa.
2. It should serve as a color accent, a spot that makes the interior of the room unique and interesting.

1. From the variety of options, you need to choose the one that is suitable for the interior of my room.

Choice of fabric, tools, fixtures, equipment

Tools and accessories

1. Pencil
2. Scissors
3. Compass
4. Ruler
5. Tailor's chalk
6. Tailor's pins
7. Tape measure
8. Interlining
9. Iron
10. Stuffing materials
11. Sewing machine

Template Materials:

1. Graph paper
2. Cardboard
3. Tracing paper

1. Choice of fabric.

By researching various materials used in the manufacture of pillows, I found the optimal solution between the cost of the material and the availability of its processing. To make a pillow in patchwork technique, you can use the remnants of fabric always available at home, and cotton fabric is the most simple to process.

2. The choice of filler.

1. Foam rubber.

Since my cushion toy will be flat, the best filler will be foam rubber. It does not wrinkle and retains its shape well.

3. Selection of equipment, tools and fixtures.

1. Sewing machine.
2. Ironing board, iron.
3. Hand needle, pins, scissors, thimble.
4. Cotton threads No. 40 - for machine work; and No. 30 - for manual work.
5. Chalk, compasses, ruler.
6. Paper for building a drawing, patterns, books on making sofa cushions.

Although we cannot imagine life without a pillow, initially pillows were used only by wealthy people. The first pillows were found in the ancient Egyptian pyramids. Pillows were invented by them in order not to spoil an intricate hairstyle in a dream. The pillow was then curved planks on a stand. On the pillows they began to depict gods that protected the sleeping person from dark forces. Until the 19th century, wooden pillows were common in Japan. Traditionally, Chinese pillows were made of stone, porcelain or metal. They were also solid rectangular bases.

The first soft pillows appeared in Greece. Comfort was valued more here, and Greek pillows have no connection with Egyptian pillows. The bed was a cult object for the Greeks, they spent most of the day on it. Therefore, it was in Greece that soft mattresses and pillows were invented. The complication of the manufacture of dyes and sewing techniques led to the transformation of the pillow into an object of art, richly decorated pillows became an expensive commodity.

In the 5th century BC, every wealthy Greek had a pillow. Pillow sizes vary. They were filled with animal hair, grass, fluff and bird feathers. The cover was made of leather or fabric, it could be either rectangular or square.

In ancient Rome, at first they were incredulous about pillows. But soon the Romans appreciated pillows, especially down pillows. Goose down was used to make down pillows. Often military commanders exempted their subordinates from military service and sent them to the extraction of fluff for pillows.

Then it was believed that pillows have a magical effect. Nero, for example, put his snakeskin bracelet under his pillow to help him sleep better. Octavian Augustus wanted to get the pillow of a Roman patrician. He was mired in debt, and all his property was sold. Emperor Augustus ordered the debtors to purchase a pillow, according to him, he wanted to own a pillow on which a person who had so many debts slept peacefully.

But there are many more positive stories associated with pillows. Indian pillows helped the great Buddha restore his health. The Buddha was weak from hunger and self-torture, he lay on the ground barely alive. And suddenly he caught the wonderful aroma of the leaves of a tree growing nearby. Buddha got up from the ground, stuffed the bag with these leaves. This is how the pillow turned out, which the Buddha put under his head and fell asleep. After sleeping on a wonderful pillow, the Buddha began to feel better, he had the strength to continue on his journey.

In the Arab countries, pillows were the most popular. The houses of the sultans were decorated with embroidered painted pillows with tassels and fringes. Richly embroidered and decorated pillows were a sign of the wealth of the owner.

In the Middle Ages, special small pads under the feet began to be used, which protected the feet from the cold. In the castles, the floors were stone, heating could not warm up large rooms during the frosty period. Therefore, foot pillows were popular in those days. Just at that time, pillows for prayer began to be used, they were placed under the knees during long prayers. Riding cushions were also common, they softened the saddles.

In some European countries there was a funny custom. Married men put an ax under their pillow before going to bed. It was believed that if you say at night to your wife during the performance of your conjugal duty "Give birth to a boy", a boy will be born.

On Christmas holidays, spruce branches were hidden in pillows, which brought happiness and helped the fulfillment of desires. Many divinations are related to pillows. For example, in order to find out the name of the betrothed, the girls put a twig from a broom under the pillows.

In Russia, embroidered pillows have always been part of the dowry. Somewhat later, decorative pillows appeared. Poor people stuffed their pillows with hay and horsehair; down and feather pillows were considered a luxury.

During the Industrial Revolution, the manufacture of decorative fabrics and pillows became mass-produced.

Safety rules when working with a needle, pins and scissors

Needles and pins

1 . Store the needles in a pillow or needle case, wrapping them with a thread. Store pins in a box with a tight-fitting lid.

2. Do not throw a broken needle, but put it in a box specially designated for this.

3. Know the number of needles, pins taken for work. At the end of the work, check their presence.

4. During operation, stick needles and pins into the pillow, do not take it into your mouth, do not stick it into clothes, soft objects, walls, curtains. do not leave a needle in the product.

5. Do not sew with a rusty needle. It does not pass well into the fabric, leaves stains and can break.

6. Attach the patterns to the fabric with the sharp ends of the pins away from you, so that when you move your hands forward or to the sides, do not prick.

7. Before trying on, check if there are pins or needles in the product.

Scissors

1. Store scissors in a specific place - in a stand or work box.

2. Put the scissors with closed blades from the worker; when passing, hold them by closed blades.

3. Work with well-adjusted and sharpened scissors.

4. Do not leave scissors with open blades.

5. Monitor the movement and position of the blades during operation.

6. Use scissors only for their intended purpose.

Sewing machine rules.

1. Turn the flywheel towards you only.

2. Select the thickness of threads and needles according to the fabric.

3. Check the degree of tension of the upper thread, the stitch size, the type of machine stitch.

4. Thread the threads in strict accordance with the instructions for the sewing machine (the threads of the upper and lower threads must be of the same number and preferably of the same color).

5. Remember that when sewing, the part of the product should be on the left side of the worker, and the seam allowances should be on the right side.

6. Place fabric under the foot, pierce with a needle, lower the foot, pull the threads out by the foot with ends 8-10 cm long.

7. At the end of work, raise the needle and presser foot, move the fabric aside, tighten the threads and cut them using the knife located on the arm of the sewing machine.

8. Do not allow the sewing machine to operate when the fabric has come off the feed dog teeth.

9. When finished, place a piece of fabric under the presser foot and turn off the electric sewing machine.

Rules for working with an iron

1. Before using the iron, check that the cord is working properly.

2. Turn the iron on and off with dry hands, grasping the plug body.

3. Put the iron on the stand.

4. Make sure that the soleplate of the iron does not touch the cord.

5. At the end of the work, turn off the iron.

One of the oldest patchwork techniques is based on working with pieces of fabric of the simplest geometric shape - a square. Colored squares, sewn according to certain rules, resemble colorful chessboards.
This technique has been known since ancient times, when very few fabrics were produced, they were too expensive, and even patches the size of a postage stamp were used, by the way, they gave the name “postage stamp” to one of the patterns, made up of tiny squares.
Such sewing was especially often used in rural families, where each piece of fabric was treated very carefully.
Working with squares is a pleasure. First, a colored pattern is drawn on checkered paper - a sketch (one cell is equal to one square). Many, without breaking their heads, use ready-made cross-stitch patterns and knitting patterns. According to the sketch, the number of squares from fabrics of a certain color is calculated. It should be cut exactly according to the pattern, otherwise it is difficult to combine the squares when stitching.
Large flaps (more than 6x6 cm) are cut taking into account the share - it should run parallel to any side of the square, in smaller ones - the share is not observed.
To learn this simple technique, sew a 30x30cm swatch out of 25 square patches. Each patch is 6x6 cm, including a seam allowance of 1 cm on all sides of the square.
Cut out the squares and lay them out on a flat surface, arranging them in color as in our sample.
The principle of connecting squares into a canvas is as follows: first they are sewn into strips, and then the strips are sewn together. For a rectangular product, the squares are sewn into strips along the shorter side - this is much more convenient. In our case (a square product), all sides are equal, so start with any of them.
Connect the first two flaps of the upper row with the right sides inward, chop off, aligning the cuts, and sew exactly along the line of the seam allowance. Iron the seam edgewise, and then iron towards the darker square so that the seam allowances do not show through the fabric.
Attach the third square to the second with the right sides inward and stitch. Iron the seam towards the dark square. Sequentially stitch all the next squares of this row. The first page is ready.
Prepare all the remaining strips and connect to the canvas: fold the first two strips right sides inward and pin them exactly along the machine seams, placing the pins perpendicular to the cuts. Next, stitch the strips along the seam allowance line and, removing the pins, iron the seam “on the edge”, and then in one direction. Connect the rest of the strips in the same way and iron the finished sample.
Two-color "chess". From two fabrics, contrasting in color, you can make a simple checkerboard pattern. Sewing a fabric with such a pattern is quite simple.
First, the same number of strips of either color are cut with a width equal to the width of the “checkerboard” square in the finished form, plus an allowance for the seams on each side of the square, that is, they add to the seam not only from the edges of the strip, but also take into account the allowance, measuring its length.
Cut the strips of the desired size and sew them into a canvas, as shown in the diagram.
Sew strips with small stitches, alternating in color. Iron the seams on edge, and then iron towards the darker stripe.
Line the sewn fabric into new strips of the same width as the previous ones (do not forget about allowances), placing them across the seams. Cut the canvas along the marked lines - stripes of squares have formed.
Turn every second strip upside down - you get a checkerboard pattern. It remains to stitch the strips, iron them, and the canvas is ready.
"Chess" diagonally. This pattern is used as a decorative trim in the form of a border. For work, several strips of different colors are cut, but of the same width and length (at least 50 cm). The strip width is calculated as in the previous pattern.
Take several multi-colored strips 5 cm wide and 50 cm long, sew them along the long sides and iron the seams in one direction. Mark and cut the canvas into strips 5 cm wide. We got strips of squares.
Lay out the strips of squares, shifting one in relation to the other one square to the right, and sew them one by one without disturbing the offset.
Smooth the canvas and cut off the extra corners - you get a decorative border. This trim can decorate clothes, say, sew it on the bottom of a skirt or apron.

1. Making templates:

 draw the grid of the drawing

 draw the lines of the drawing, thinking through and taking into account the proportions

 make templates.

2. Cut out the torso templates

1. Determine the direction of the warp thread
2. Align with a triangle one edge
3. Cut off the edges
4. Lay out the details of the cut by color on the wrong side of the fabric
5. Circle the templates with a pencil
6. Make seam allowances -1.5 cm on each side
7. Cut parts (squares 5x5) along the allowance line

1. Trunk processing

1. Sweep and stitch 10 squares in sequence, forming a strip
2. Connect strips in series
3. From the resulting canvas, cut out the details of the torso (front, back)
4. Sweep and stitch the parts of the body together. Leave the lower part of the body unsewn.
5. Turn the body through the unstitched opening.
6. Insert foam rubber and cover the bottom hole.

1. Head treatment

1. Cut out a circle with a diameter of 12 cm from the padding polyester.
2. Decorate the edges of the circle with fur.
3. Cut out and sew on the muzzle.
4. Cut out and glue eyes, eyelashes, nose, mouth.
5. Decorate the muzzle with a bow.

My work did not require the use of a large amount of resources: energy costs, complex tools, expensive materials, energy-intensive equipment. When creating my project, I used only scissors, an iron, glue, and I believe that no damage was done to the environment.

Shreds of various fabrics, like a thrifty hostess, were given to me by my mother, they remained with her after the manufacture of garments, and I also used things that were no longer suitable for wearing. Thus, they did not have to be thrown away, therefore, environmental damage was not caused, and things received a second life.

Patch products allow you to achieve waste-free production, since even the smallest patches may be needed for work. Thus, we benefit the environment without polluting it.

The cost of a sofa cushion made in patchwork technique can be calculated as follows:

1. The cost of the fabric is not taken into account, since we use the remnants of the fabric of our class students used to make other garments.
2. Foam rubber for the body. I used the one that was already in use.
3. Threads. I used up 1 coil at a price of 8 rubles. The cost of threads is equal:

C1 = 8 rubles.

1. Fur. I used part of the fur from the old collar.
2. Braid. I spent 20 cm at a price of 4 rubles. The cost of the braid is equal: 80 kopecks.
3. The work was carried out during the daytime, so there is no consumption of electrical energy.

The total costs, excluding wages, amounted to 8 rubles 80 kopecks.

My work produces a positive emotional effect. It will become a bright color spot in the interior of the room. Made with high quality.

In the market and in the shops of our city, sofa cushions are sold, as a rule, of “Chinese” production. Their assortment is not very diverse, and the quality leaves much to be desired. In addition, we are very often not satisfied with their design and prices.

The pillow I made turned out to be elegant, bright. Of course, in the process of doing the work, I met with many difficulties, but I think I coped with them. A small sofa cushion made by me can serve not only as a decoration in the interior of my room, but also, on occasion, serve as a toy for small children.

I will make several toy pillows in various shapes, colors and finishes. I will give them to my relatives, relatives and friends. This will be an advertisement for my products.

Good quality and aesthetic design will bring variety and an element of novelty to the atmosphere of modern apartments. Attract the attention of small children.

Since this is a practical and useful thing, my friends will want to give the same pillow to their acquaintances or friends, their children. And they can place an order with me. And I will gladly help them.

1. M.V. Maksimova, M.A. Kuzmina / Patchwork. – Eksmo-Press, 1998.
2. M.V. Maksimova, M.A. Kuzmina / School of Economics. – Eksmo-Press, 2000.
3. http://kata-log.ru/dosug/istoria-loskutnogo-shita.html- The history of patchwork.
4. http://www.remeslo.okis.ru/12-podushki.html- we sew pillows-toys with children.

The history of the sofa cushion

A decorative sofa cushion is a keeper of dreams, a girl's friend and a bright accent in the interior. You can cry into it, or you can press it to your chest, like a native creature. She can be trusted with heart secrets, or you can throw her on the floor in anger. She endures everything. She is almost alive. Didn't you notice that even her name is so consonant with the word "soul".

The history of the sofa cushion, which has many millennia, deserves special attention. Their homeland is the East or Ancient Greece, where their first similarity appeared. In Greece, the first soft pillows appeared. And no wonder, because the Greeks are recognized connoisseurs of comfort, for whom the bed was a cult attribute in the house.

In Lebanon, in a room intended for receiving guests, there was usually a low sofa, on which there were flat, bright and multi-colored pillows. The interior of a traditional Turkish dwelling has always been characterized by the absence of furniture. They eat and sleep on the floor on mats, carpets and oblong-shaped pillows - minders.

Thus, the history of the sofa cushion provides food for the embodiment of bold, creative and unusual design ideas today. An intricate thought is an excellent way to spice up a boring interior. Scatter pillows with oriental ornaments on the sofa and armchairs, and you will find yourself in the harem of the Turkish Sultan, cover the boring factory-made pillows with “brutal colors” fabric like a giraffe or leopard - and you are in the African savannah.