I just figured out that you can applique leather onto fabric. I’ve wanted to make this LOVE pillow with my triangle V for awhile.  I came across some bronze, metallic pleather at Joannes months ago and I’ve been saving it for something fabulous. I wasn’t sure about top stitching on the pleather, I thought it might look messy. I really wanted it to be seamless.  I considered using fabric glue as well, but that can be messy and lumpy.  So, I decided to see what would happen if I ironed on some Heat ‘n Bond to pleather.  And it worked!

So here’s how I did it:

1.  First, I printed out the LOVE template that I made (you can download it HERE). Then, I cut out the letters.

2.  I then cut a small piece of the Heat ‘n Bond or Wonder Under and placed it on the back of the pleather.

3.  Then, I cover both with a piece of parchment paper.

4.  Next, I ironed directly onto the parchment.  I used a medium heat iron, so that I would melt the pleather.  I’m using my new Durathon Iron.  I love it for ironing clothes and crafting (my favorite feature is the retractable cord).

5.  Once the Heat ‘n Bond was adhered to the pleather, I peeled off the paper backing.  Then using my letter templates, I cut out the letter with good sharp scissors.  I did not pin the template to the pleather, because I didn’t want to leave any holes in the fabric. So, just holding the template in place with my fingers, I cut around the paper.

6.  Then I place the letters on the front of the pillow where I wanted them.  This is a pillow I made years ago, I always thought it was kind of plain and needed something on it.  Once I had the letters where I wanted them I place the parchment paper over the top of them again, and ironed them till they were well bonded (it doesn’t take long).

I’ve got a pretty cute assistant working with me these days. Olivia sat quite still for these shots and took her job pretty seriously.

Now how easy was that?  Think of the possibilities, pleather appliqued onto EVERYTHING!  But, to be honest, I haven’t tried washing this yet.  I’m thinking it will be a hand-wash only kind of pillow.  I’ll let you know what happens when I wash it a few months from now.