There are four easy projects you can do with cartoon character fabric that will customize your child's room: Pillow Cases
Curtains
Bedspread cover
Wall Hanging
Pillowcases
There are two types you could make: The first is a common pillowcase that you will slip the pillow into one end. The second is an envelope pillow case which has a fabric overlap on the back that will allow you to insert a pillow easily, but has a little more style.
Decide what size case and how much fabric you need: Double these values if you are making two pillowcases.
Standard Case: 21" x 32": You'll need about 1 yard of 45" fabric for each pillow
Queen: 21" x 36": : You'll need about 1.1 yards of 45" fabric for each pillow
King Case: 21" x 42": : You'll need about 1.3 yards of 45" fabric for each pillow
Think about the pattern of the fabric when you are estimating how much you need. You may need more than these amounts if the pattern direction (up/down, right left) makes a difference. If direction makes a difference, you may achieve the look you want by cutting two sides of fabric for the pillow and sewing them together (not the same dimension you just cut). For example, if you cut the long side, you will sew the short sides together. For pillows and other bedding, cotton fabric is definitely preferred for comfort.
For Common Pillowcases:
Cut out your fabric.
Standard Case: Cut 2 pieces 45" x 36".
Queen Case: Cut 2 pieces 45" x 40".
King Case: Cut 2 pieces 45" x 46"
Fold the fabric in half with right sides together, and sew up two sides. Turn the pillow right-side-out. Fold the unsewn edge 1/2" down toward the inside of the pillowcase. Press it to set the edge. Then fold the edge under again about 3" and press (so that no raw edges are showing). Iron and sew along the innerr edge of the 3" flap.
For Envelope Pillowcases:
The instructions are similar, except that instead of folding the fabric in half, you will sew a hem on both ends of your fabric (on the short dimension). Then, place your pillow to-be-covered on the strip, approximately in the middle. Fold the ends of the fabric over the pillow, and mark where the pillow edge is (with a chalk or pin). Remove the pillow. Place the fabric print side facing you on a floor or table. Fold the ends toward the middle so that your marks are on the edges. One hemmed edge will be under the other (this is correct). Sew the top and bottom seams. (if you want to have an extra decorative edge, allow for extra material on the ends of the pillow)
Flip the pillowcase inside out. Stuff with your pillow.
To make it slightly fancier, you can do an additional seam around the edges after you flip the pillowcase out. This requires the extra material around all edges, as mentioned above.
Curtains:
Curtains are so easy that you probably don't need instructions. Basically, you will measure the window and get enough fabric to cover it. You will need to pay attention to fabric pattern direction when estimating your fabric (up/down, left/right). You will put a large hem on the top for a curtain rod to go through, and a smaller hem for the bottom of the curtain.
There are ways to make no-sew curtains with iron-on seam binding, but curtains made this way are not very durable.
Another idea for attaching the curtains to the rods is by using eyelets and shower curtain hangers (wire type). You can get decorated shower curtain hangers in a lot of different designs.
Bedspread Cover:
One bit of advice is that you can get comforters with Character designs on them for less money than if you bought fabric and sewed covers yourself. If you are going to make them yourself, try to find sheets in the character print you want. Sew up three sides and part of the fourth (the last side should be one of the short sides). Put either buttons or velcro on the opening in order to close the cover after you put a plain comforter or blanket inside.
A simpler idea is to just get fleece in the character print you like. The fleece blanket will be able to be used to cuddle up to watch TV or sit outside as well, and it can be folded and placed on the foot of the bed when the weather is warmer.
Wall Hangings:
This could be achieved in many ways. One way is to create a simple quilt using pre-made quilt squares in the characters of your choice. People are making "I Spy" quilts these days, which are quilts made with lots of different patterns and no solid color squares. These are very colorful and fun to look at.
You also can find wall hanging kits that have everything to make the wall hanging. This is a good way to go also.
Another simple way is very dependent on the fabric you find. If the print pattern is very large, you may be able to make a hanging out of a simple fabric panel.
Another idea is to use a plain color for a background, and use cut out figures as appliques. You could have quite a character party this way!
Decorating your child's room can be very fun and with these ideas you should have a really happy kid! These ideas are easy to do, and best of all they are easy to change in a few years when your child wants a new theme!
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