We’ll measure, cut and lace a Cow Hide Pillow that will fit a 16” pillow form. The addition of two flaps on the back will make the pillow /pillow form easy to change.

What You'll Need:

Hair-On Hide, 3 to 4 oz. (09-1034W-)
Pattern Sheet, 24" x 45" (65-4110)
Suede (10-115sp-cl)
Poly Cutting Board, 12" x 16" (65-2916)
Cushion Grip Snap Off Knife 6-1/4" (65-2860)
Steel Square, 12" x 8" (65-3038)
Revolving Punch (CSO223)
Master Tools Round Hole Punch 1/8" (00082)
Latigo Spool, 1/8" x 50 foot (30-1836)
Maul (65-2500)

Step 1:

To make the pattern for the Front Panel mark and cut a piece of pattern material to 17 ½” x 17 ½” (for a 16” x 16” pillow or pillow form). This will leave enough room to stitch along the outside. With a corner template or round object mark and cut round corners on all four corners.

Step 2:

To make the Back Flap patterns mark and cut two pieces of pattern material to 11” x 17 ½”. Overlay the panels by 4 ½” to equal the width of the Front Panel pattern. Mark and cut round corners to match the Front Panel pattern.

Step 3:

While the two flaps are still overlaid, place a piece of tape to hold them together for marking holes.

Step 4:

Draw a line 3/8” in and parallel to the edge all the way around the pattern. This will be our lace line. Use your front panel as a pattern for your round corners.

Step 5:

On the overlapping area of the Back Flaps come in from either side and make a mark at 2” on the lace line. Continue making marks at 3/8” increments around the pattern for the lace holes. Note: If these are not perfect, it is not an issue because we’ll glue and then punch both panel pieces at one time.

Step 6:

With a Revolving Punch or Belt Punch, punch a hole in each lace mark on the Back Flap patterns only. On the overlap punch through both pieces of pattern paper. Note: A 1/8” hole is fine because a smaller hole on the pattern is a more accurate mark on the leather.

Step 7:

When cutting a hair-on-hide, it is usually best to cut from the skive or back side but this makes it hard to see what you’re cutting. So, place the Front Panel pattern on the hair-on side and use clips or measurements to mark so you can flip the hide and transfer the pattern to the correct spot on the back.

Step 8:

On the back side of the hide lay the Front Panel pattern to fit the marks or measurements from the front and mark and cut.

Step 9:

With the suede or another backing material, mark and cut the two Back Flap panels and mark for the lace holes.

Step 10:

Apply a white glue or Contact Cement from the edge, in ¾” all the way around the Front Panel.

Step 11:

If using Contact Cement apply to the back panels in the same fashion.

Step 12:

Adhere the back panels to the front panel, being very careful to line it up well before pressing together. One back flap will overlay the other so apply the adhesive to this area as well. Do not add glue anywhere on the flaps except on the edge where we’ll lace.

Step 13:

When the three pieces have been glued, punch the lace holes from the back of the pillow where the marks have been made on the flaps using a 1/8” Revolving Punch or Belt Punch.

Step 14:

Take a piece of 1/8” Latigo Lace and cut to four times the length of one edge (70”). We only need three times the length but we’ll add 5” or 6” to each end for a knot on each corner.

Step 15:

Cut a taper in one end of one piece of lace and begin to lace from any corner. Leave about 5” or 6” outside of your starting point and start by going from the front or the back. Lace to the other end of that side and let 5” or 6” remain past the last hole.