The Sardine Pillow is a fun idea I had a while ago - like, a long time ago - and I finally just decided this spring that I was going to make one already. I took some time, made one, and can I just say, I love it. But also SO many people loved it when I shared it on Instagram that it seemed like a no-brainer to make it a pattern. A little over a month later the pattern was fully tested and released.
Fair warning: this pattern is addicting. I don't even need a Sardine Pillow but somehow I have 12 or more now. You are going to want to make multiple options and try out so many fabric combos.
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About the Pattern
The pattern comes with 5 files: written instructions with step-by-step photos, and pattern pieces for both the 36" and 24" sizes in 8.5x11 and A4 printing formats. The size difference is so funny - the big guy is like a body pillow and the small one is like a mini baguette. For real.
You can sew multiple options from the same pattern pieces: a sardine from one fabric, a sardine with a body fabric and separate head, or a fully pieced sardine with two body fabrics, a head fabric, and the optional flipper. You can add a top fin to any option and make any option two-sided (pieced on both sides) or one-sided with a single fabric back. The pieced options have slight curves, but they're very gentle, and I have extra photos in the pattern to help and the video shares some tips.
Companion Video
A full step-by-step companion video walks you through making your Sardine Pillow from start to finish. The link is included inside the pattern PDF, and timestamps for every section are written into the pattern so you can jump to exactly what you need. You can even watch the video before purchasing to see if you can sew it.
