The Plush Pouf - Shannon Fabrics

™
● ms.elaineous ● designs that energize the spirit ● 1 ●
Finished Size: 18” x 29”
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1 yard of Cuddle Majestic Mirage (for top and bottom— outer pouf)
1 yard of Cuddle Majestic Medallion (for side—outer pouf)
1/3 yard of brown faux leather (for band—outer pouf)
1 3/4 yards of neutral color 60” cotton duck (for inner pouf)
2—24" coordinating all-purpose plastic zippers (for outer pouf)
1— 5” or 6” all-purpose zipper (for inner pouf)
3 to 4 bags of Fairfield Poly-Fil® Bean Bag Filler (polystyrene bean bag beads—6 to 7 cu feet)
Matching all-purpose thread
New Universal 14/90 needle
©2013 Belinda A. Bernum—no part of this product may be reproduced in any form unless otherwise stated. All designs,
photographs, and images protected by federal copyright. Designs not to be created for commercial sale. For personal use only. All
rights reserved.
● ms.elaineous ● designs that energize the spirit ● 1 ●
The Plush Pouf consists of two sections: (1) an inner pouf with a small zipperedopening (for filling and refilling with polystyrene beads) and (2) an outer, decorative pouf
with a larger zippered opening that creates a “hinge” to allow for removal of the inner
pouf. I’ve also included directions for making a ruffled slip cover.
Why zippered? (1) the bean bag beans will compress, so it will need to be refilled and (2)
the pouf might need a good cleaning! And if you get bored with the outer pouf, you can
take it off and make a new one!
ZIPPER INSTALLATION:
On page 2, you will find directions for putting a zipper in a pillow—the pouf zippers are
installed the same way. I encourage you to practice on regular cotton fabric first—Cuddle
is stretchy and a bit more difficult to work with...maybe start by make a coordinating
Cuddle zippered-pillow!? For additional assistance, at the top of the zipper tutorial I’ve
provided a link to my blog where I have some photographs of the zipper process.
WORKING WITH CUDDLE:
Shannon Cuddle Fabric is luxurious and beautiful. It can be a bit tricky to sew. I
recommend that you refer to their Tips and Tricks on their website
(www.shannonfabrics.com) The pouf is not difficult to sew—there aren’t many pieces,
but installing the zipper is tricky because it likes to crawl along the pile of the plush
fabric! I am not into pins….except when it comes to this fabric! I use ball-point pins (just
like ball-point needles!) and pin like crazy. I also lengthen my stitches to 3 mm and use a
walking foot, even when I sew the zipper in. It’s a must.
Also, Cuddle has a nap or a direction. It’s like petting a dog or cat: one way is smoother.
When you assemble the pouf sides, you’ll need to do a “nap” check.
THE FAUX LEATHER:
When I made my pouf, I used scraps of faux leather (because that’s what I had!). I cut a
bunch of 2½” strips and sewed them together to create one long strip. I think sewing a
bunch of different colors of faux leather together to create the strip would look
beautifully Moroccan! Don’t skip the faux leather! It really makes the pouf!
If you are making this pouf, I’m assuming that you are confident behind a sewing
machine, so have fun with this pattern and make it your own! The circle can be a bit
finicky, so go slowly and make necessary adjustments.
SMALLER POUF:
If you’d like to make it a smaller pouf, here’s how to do it:
 Cut an 18” diameter circle
 Cut side panels 56½”
 Use two 16” zippers
 Use about 2 cu ft (one bag) of bean bag beans
©2013 Belinda A. Bernum—no part of this product may be reproduced in any form unless otherwise stated. All designs,
photographs, and images protected by federal copyright. Designs not to be created for commercial sale. For personal use only. All
rights reserved.
● ms.elaineous ● designs that energize the spirit ● 2 ●
Basic Zipper Installation Tutorial
http://mselaineousteachessewing.blogspot.com/2012/02/zippers-in-pillows-and-cushions.html
1. Lay out zipper on fabric and mark length of zipper (from the top
bar to the bottom stop). If the zipper is too long, measure about 1½”
1” or 1 ½” in from each end and mark. The zipper should be
Wrong side of fabric
centered on the fabric.
1½”
2. Remove zipper. Place pillow pieces RST.
3. The area between the marks (where the zipper will
go) will be a BASTING STITCH! Using a ½” seam,
sew fabric as shown.
Regular
stitch length
Basting stitch
Regular
stitch
4. Press seam open.
5. Using a seam ripper, clip the basting
stitches about 2”.
Make sure your bobbin thread matches your
fabric.
5. Open up your fabric and lay it wrong side up and
flat as shown. Place zipper on top of seam (face
down), lining up the teeth with the seam. The
zipper tab should be on top of the area you ripped
out.
Start at
this end
6. Starting at the bottom stop, stitch around the zipper. I lined the edge of my
zipper foot up with the edge of the zipper tape then moved my needle to
the left. You will have to adjust the zipper tab as you get closer to it (which
is why you ripped out some of the basting stitches). Sew completely around
the zipper.
7. Clip your basting stitches and you are done!
©2013 Belinda A. Bernum—no part of this product may be reproduced in any form unless otherwise stated. All designs,
photographs, and images protected by federal copyright. Designs not to be created for commercial sale. For personal use only. All
rights reserved.
● ms.elaineous ● designs that energize the spirit ● 3 ●
The Plush Pouf Pattern!
(all seams are ½” - RST= Right Sides Together)
INNER POUF FORM:
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Cut the duck cloth (inner pouf form) as shown below. Fold in half, selvage to
selvage.
The inner pouf form is optional but recommended. It
makes the pouf more sturdy and helps retain its shape.
17”
Cut width of fabric (WOF)
and remove selvage
selvage
fold
17”
Cut width of fabric (WOF)
and remove selvage
Making a Circle Pattern: Find paper that is
about 30” wide (brown postal wrapping paper
works great!). It needs to be about 30” x 30”. Fold
in half, then in half again to form a square. Then
take a ruler and mark (precisely) 14½” from the
bottom point at about 1” intervals. Connect your
marks. You’ll end up with a quarter of a circle. Cut
out and unfold. You will have a 29” circle!
14½”
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After you have cut out the circles, mark the quarter-points, as
shown. This will help you line up the side panels.
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Sew the two 17” side panels together along ONE of
the 17” ends. You’ll have one really long piece of
fabric (that is 17” wide). Press seam open.
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Cut fabric to size (46” from end to end): it’s easiest to
fold the fabric in half at the seam you just sewed. See
diagram to the right.
Using the zipper technique (leave a 5” opening for the
small zipper), sew the other side up; insert zipper.
46”
Area to baste/put
zipper
©2013 Belinda A. Bernum—no part of this product may be reproduced in any form unless otherwise stated. All designs,
photographs, and images protected by federal copyright. Designs not to be created for commercial sale. For personal use only. All
rights reserved.
Cut off excess
29” diameter circle
● ms.elaineous ● designs that energize the spirit ● 4 ●
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OPEN ZIPPER! Mark mid-points along the top/bottom
of the side panel as shown.
To help you keep things lined
up, tack/baste the circle to the
side panels at the four quarterpoints and pin, pin, pin!
Sometimes the side panel, for whatever reason, will end up
being too long and it won’t fit the circle. To help with this, pin
and work in any extra fabric! If necessary, measure and make
additional registration marks. Sometimes, depending on my
cutting, I have to take in the sides. I also find that it’s easier
to sew with the side panel on top.
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Sew the circles to the side panel
RST: line up markings and seams.
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Turn right side out through open zipper. HURRAY!
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Cut four strips of faux leather: 2½” x WOF.
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Cut selvages off the 7½” pieces.
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Mark the quarter-points on the circles (just like you
did on the inner-pouf). Set aside for later.
You might want to “pet” the Cuddle to make sure the nap
is going in the same direction before sewing the side
panels together!
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Take two of the 7½” strips and, with RST, sew them
together along one 7½” end. Repeat with the other
two pieces. You’ll end up with two pieces that are 7½”
tall and really long =)
Sew the faux leather RST along the 2 ½” ends. You’ll
end up with one really long strip! For an added detail,
top-stitch parallel to the seam as shown.
selvage
7½”
FOLD
Make Side Panel:
Top and Bottom
Fabric
7½
Side Fabric
selvage
Cut the Exterior Fabric:
 Fold the Cuddle fabric RST and cut as shown. TIP:
Pin the fabric together to keep it from shifting.
FOLD
OUTER COVER:
7½”
7½”
Cut 4 strips 7½” X width of fabric (WOF)
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With RST, sew the faux leather to the top of one of the
side panels. When you are done, it should be 9” tall.
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Cut off excess faux leather. For an added detail, topstitch along the long edge of the faux leather, parallel to the Cuddle, as shown.
©2013 Belinda A. Bernum—no part of this product may be reproduced in any form unless otherwise stated. All designs,
photographs, and images protected by federal copyright. Designs not to be created for commercial sale. For personal use only. All
rights reserved.
● ms.elaineous ● designs that energize the spirit ● 5 ●
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Before sewing the faux leather on the bottom of the other panel strip, lay out your
pieces as shown. “Pet” the Cuddle. Make sure the nap is going in the same
direction on both pieces.
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Now sew the faux leather to the bottom of the bottom side panel.
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Top-stitch the faux leather along the edge parallel to the Cuddle. You should have
two pieces that look the same!
Mark The Zipper Area: (please refer to tutorial on page 2)
Zipper FYI: The zippers will be sewn as shown below. They will meet at the seam (so when the
zipper is closed, the zipper pulls will meet at the seam). This creates the “hinge.”
End of zipper A
End of zipper B
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Mark your stitch area: place the zippers along the bottom of one of the long
pieces (wrong side up). Place a mark on the fabric at the zipper’s bottom stop.
When closed, the zipper pull should be on the seam.
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Remove the zippers and get the other side panel.
©2013 Belinda A. Bernum—no part of this product may be reproduced in any form unless otherwise stated. All designs,
photographs, and images protected by federal copyright. Designs not to be created for commercial sale. For personal use only. All
rights reserved.
● ms.elaineous ● designs that energize the spirit ● 6 ●
Sew The Two Side Panels Together:
 Place the two side panels RST with the marked piece on top. Sew seam as
instructed below.
Baste this area.
Sew this area with a
regular stitch length.
46”
You may want to reinforce
(back stitch) the seam that
you just cut off. It may come
apart.
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Fold in half as
shown. Cut to length
(46” from end to end)
A
as shown.
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Press seam “A” open.
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Open side panel and place wrong side up.
Cut off excess
Sew this area with a regular
stitch length.
Insert Both Zippers: (using the tutorial and noting the following:)
1. Pin the zipper in place.
Using your walking foot, sew
down one side of the zipper.
2. When you reach the zipper
pull, you’ll need to fold the tape
back and sew it down, back on
itself (as shown).
3. Then stop and sew the other
side of the zipper, toward the pull.
4. Add the other zipper. They
should meet in the middle and
look something like this.
©2013 Belinda A. Bernum—no part of this product may be reproduced in any form unless otherwise stated. All designs,
photographs, and images protected by federal copyright. Designs not to be created for commercial sale. For personal use only. All
rights reserved.
● ms.elaineous ● designs that energize the spirit ● 7 ●
Sew Together:
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With RST, sew side closed as shown.
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Press seams open.
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Mark the mid points on the side panel.
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Sew side panel to top circle. I recommend putting the circle on the bottom so you
are less likely to stretch it. Use your markings as a guide (pin and/or sew basting
stitches to keep it lined up).
Go slowly and work in any extra fabric. The circle is BIG
and not always precise. Plus you are sewing a stretchy
fabric to a non-stretchy fabric, so it might not line up.
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OPEN ZIPPER (at least part of the way!).
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Sew the side panel to the bottom circle.
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Turn right side out through the zipper.
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Carefully insert Inner Pouf—it might be a bight
tight. Zip closed.
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Fill inner pouf with bean bag beans.
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You are done! CELEBRATE!
If you make a pouf out of woven
fabric, you will want to do an
overcast stitch over all edges so
the fabric doesn’t fray when you
wash it.
Be sure to LIKE Shannon Fabrics on Facebook! And follow their blog!
And please visit my blog—www.mselaineous.com—for more free patterns!
©2013 Belinda A. Bernum—no part of this product may be reproduced in any form unless otherwise stated. All designs,
photographs, and images protected by federal copyright. Designs not to be created for commercial sale. For personal use only. All
rights reserved.
● ms.elaineous ● designs that energize the spirit ● 8 ●
SLIP COVER
All seams ½”
(RST = Right Sides Together ∙ WST = Wrong Sides Together ∙ WOF = Width Of Fabric)
http://mselaineousteachessewing.blogspot.com/2012/04/ruffles-made-easy.html
CUT FABRIC (you’ll need 2 ½ yards)
Cut one circle from slipcover fabric. Mark quarter points.
Cut 2—15” x WOF (for sides) from slipcover fabric. Cut off selvage.
Cut 4—7” x WOF (for ruffle) from slipcover fabric. Cut off selvage.
SEW SIDES TOGETHER:
 Sew sides (RST) along one 15” end. You should
have one long strip.
 Place on mat and measure 46” from end and
mark. Cut off excess as shown in Figure A.
 Sew the along the 15” end that you just cut off.
 You should now have a loop.
 Press seams open. Mark mid points (see Fig A).
Cut off excess
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46”
FIGURE A
FOLD
MAKE RUFFLE:
 Sew four pieces of ruffle fabric together at 7” ends to create a loop.
 Fold ruffle fabric in half (so it is 3½”) WST and press.
 Set your machine on a wide and long zig-zag stitch.
 Use a foot that can accommodate the zig-zag stitch (a cording foot
works great).
 Get cord or string—leave it on the spool and just unwind as you go. It
has to be smaller in diameter or you’ll catch it in the zig--zag stitch.
Embroidery floss works great.
 Place your foot so the right edge is lined up with the right edge of the
fabric.
 Put the cord under your foot, centering it in the middle of your foot.
Leave a 10” tail.
 Zig zag over the cord, sandwiching the cord under the zig-zag stitches.
 You do not need to backstitch.
 Go all the way around the ruffle fabric. Stop about ¼” before your
starting point.
 Remove from your machine. Cut cord, leaving about a 10” tail.
RUFFLING THE RUFFLE:
 Get your side piece and find the quarter points (the two seams and the two marks).
 Get your ruffle and find the four seams.
 Find one ruffle seam and pin it to one of the seams in your side piece (RST)
 Take the next seam and pin it to the quarter point you marked. Repeat for two remaining
points. You are creating FOUR sections.
 Tack the ruffle to the side (about ½” long and in about ¼” from the edge) at your
quarter points ONLY. This just holds it in place as you make the ruffle.
 Find the one tail (if you are right handed, hold the fabric with your left hand and cord with
your right hand), and gently pull/gather the fabric.
 You’ll have to fiddle with it a bit to get the ruffle to be the same length as the quarter
marks. You are only working a quarter at a time!
©2013 Belinda A. Bernum—no part of this product may be reproduced in any form unless otherwise stated. All designs,
photographs, and images protected by federal copyright. Designs not to be created for commercial sale. For personal use only. All
rights reserved.
● ms.elaineous ● designs that energize the spirit ● 9 ●

You now have new tail to pull on, so
you can gather the next quarter
section.
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Repeat the gathering, sewing, and
clipping the cord until you have
gathered and sewn the entire ruffle
on the side panel.
Remove all the excess cord.
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Celebrate! You just sewed a ruffle!
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Sew the ruffle to the side in that
quarter section only (½” seam) ! Be
sure to back stitch. Don’t sew on the
cord—you’ll be pulling it out!
To gather the next section, you’ll
need to remove the cord in the area
you just attached to the side. To do
this, cut the cord about 6” from the
end. You’ll have to clip in between
the zig-zag and work the tail out. You
can leave the excess cord in and take
it out when you are completely done.
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New tail
Excess cord
SEW CIRCLE TO SIDE:
 Tack sides to the circle RST at
quarter points.
 Sew side to circle RST.
 Use an overcast stitch along the seam if you plan on washing this.
 CELEBRATE!
©2013 Belinda A. Bernum—no part of this product may be reproduced in any form unless otherwise stated. All designs,
photographs, and images protected by federal copyright. Designs not to be created for commercial sale. For personal use only. All
rights reserved.