Pillow Play Shield

We got another round of snow in Utah this week. Since the kids were cooped up inside, I thought it would be fun to give them something to play with that didn’t involve an electronic device. My son and his cousins enjoy playing dress up, so this pillow play shield was a perfect item to add to their pretend play stash.

Supplies:
1/2 yard cotton fabric for the front and back
1/2 yard or 1 fat quarter for the cross
1/2 yard fusible fleece
1/2 yard craft fuse or other fusible interfacing
8″ of 1″ wide, non-roll elastic
Stuffing
Pillow Play Shield pattern

Standard supplies needed: sewing machine, coordinating thread, scissors, basting spray, straight pins or Wonder Clips, water soluble pen or chalk pen, and iron. You will also need a computer and printer for the downloadable pattern.

Pre-wash your fabrics. Print the Pillow Play Shield pattern and assemble with tape. Tip: use cardstock for a stiffer pattern.

Iron the fusible fleece to the back of your shield fabric. Iron the craft fuse to the back of your cross fabric.

Trace the cross onto the cross fabric using a chalk marker or water soluble pen. Cut the cross out using scissors.

Trace and cut the front and back pieces of the shield.

Lay the cross on top of the front of the shield making sure the pieces line up. Lift areas of the cross to add basting spray to hold the cross in place.

Top stitch the cross with a blanket stitch or near the edge for a raw-edge applique look.

Cut elastic into two pieces – 4″ each. With the bottom piece of the shield face up, place the elastic onto the fabric so they are approximately 5 inches apart. I placed mine at an angle for my left handed son, but straight on would work well too! Attach the elastic to the shield by sewing rectangles with an X on each end. 

Place the shield pieces right sides together.

Sew or serge all the way around with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Leave a 3-4″ opening for turning and stuffing.

After you turn the shield right side out, iron it to get the wrinkles out. Fill it with the stuffing of your choice. I used scrap quilt batting cut up in small pieces, simply because I have an excess amount. Polyfil is a lightweight alternative. Hand stitch the opening shut.

Arm the kids with soft swords and watch the ultimate shield pillow fight with your little knights! 

 Crown yourself for your victorious win over winter boredom!