# Short introduction to the use of sewing machines/Sewing labs/Dreamo - Back sleepers version

In this section we will design and measure dreamo pillow in its back sleeper version. For beginners is recommended to review the short introduction to the use of sewing machines.
For this pillow we are going to measure the user, calculate the areas for the pillow, draw the lines, cut the fabrics to produce:
* 2 big sides of the pillow, the upper and lower side.
* 3 sides for the pillow: Two lateral sides and one side at the bottom of the pillow.

## Making the sides and external frames of the pillow
### Pillow lower side

The measures will be taking and the piece will be cut.

#### Taking the user measures for the pillow's lower side

In order to measure the user body areas (or your body areas) first we need to know the following three parts of human anatomy:
The Calvaria or the top part of the skull. Occipital bone: The occipital bone is the part where the back sleeper pillow users first touches the pillow, is the prominent bone that expand towards the back of our head.This area is one of the main focus of the pillow, to give cushion and reduce pressure. Vertebra_prominens (C7)]: This bone is the prominent bone located at the end of our neck, therefore it will be used as reference.
This three human body parts are as reference to mark the spots and make the measures needed for the dreamo desing.
To take the user measures, the following options are can be done:
A.- Let the user (or yourself) be in a sleep position and take the following measures and mark the distance between the areas of the body, either writing them down or marking the areas and calculating the distance between the marked lines.
B. In a sitting or standing position use a long piece of flat and hard material to use marks of the body positions, and measure this lines.

#### Drawing the lines for the the pillow's lower side

We are going to measure the following distances:
Measures to take :
| Starting point | Ending point | Example distance | Your measure |
| Starting point | Example | Example | Example |
| Top of your head | Vertebra_prominens (C7) | 20 inche | __ inches |
| Left extreme of your left arm | Right extreme of your right arm 24 inches | 24 inches | __ inches |
This fabric area is the biggest area of the pillow, we will add 3 towards the four sides of the pillow, giving us a total of 26 inches by 30 inches. This will allow expansion and reduce pressure in the top of the head and down the neck.
Area in the example: 30 inches wide by 26 inches long.
Area in your measures: ____ inches wide by ___ inches long.
The support and pressure reduction by the pillow will be based in the following areas.
Supported areas :
| Starting point | Ending point | Example distance | Your measure |
| Upper part of the pillow | The Calvaria or top of the head 2 inches | 2 inche | __ inches |
| The Calvaria | Occipital bone | 4 inches | __ inches |
| Occipital bone | Upper start of the neck | 3 inches | __ inches |
| Upper start of the neck | Vertebra_prominens (C7) | 3 inches | __ inches |
| Vertebra_prominens (C7) | Lower part of the pillow | 2 inches | __ inches |
Total size: 2 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 2 = 14 inches long.
We are going to add 3 inches to each of the previous measures, to each one of this distances or segments you will add 2 inches, this will allow 1.5 inches up and down freedom degree: 4 + 6 + 5 + 5 + 4 = 24 inches long.
In the example is 14 inches from the lower part of the pillow towards the start of the neck and 10 inches from the upper part of the neck to the top of the pillow.

#### Cutting the pillow lower side

The pillow lower side measure is 30 inches wide by 26 inches long, we are going to use a chalk to mark this areas, but we are not cutting an square, the square is just a reference, since the upper area of the pillow will be rounded as an arc.
To cut this area of the pillow follow the next steps:
1.- Mark a line in the center of this area from side to side.
2.- Mark a line with chalk in the center of this area, from top to bottom.
3.- The central point will be used as reference:
Use the measuring tape to see the distance from one of the lateral sides to the center of the pillow: In the example: 15 inches.
Use the measuring tape to see the distance from top the top to the center of the area. In the example: 13 inches.
The difference from both distances is 2 inches. Add 2 inches toward the upper position of the center of the area, and draw an arc from the top bottom towards the sides of the pillow using the measuring tape in number 0 inches in the center of the pillow and 13 in the extreme for the top of the head and mark with chalk an arc towards bod sides until reaching bot extremes.
Cut the square 32x26 inches and the upper arc, this arc will ends one inch before of the center of the pillow, due the fact that the shape was not an square, but a rectangle.
The semi-circle in the top of the pillow be the supporting area for the head, it will give the pillow a tongue shape (instead of a rectangular shape), while at the same time will allow us to eliminate unnecessary material and eliminate any heat excess.

### Pillow upper side
#### Measuring and calculation of the pillow's upper side

This will be the same area than the previous measure, but we will take a one inch toward each side in order to have an inclined frame towards the center of the pillow, this will be 2 inches less in length and 2 inches less in width.
Area to be cut: 28 inches by 24 inches.

#### Cutting the pillow upper side

Follow the same steps that were follow with the lower side, but this time will be done with the measures: 28x24 in the example (instead 30X26) . In your case: ___ inches by ___ inches.
Mark the area of the pillow with chalk, will be a 28x24 inches rectangle. To cut this area of the pillow follow the next steps:
1.- Mark a line in the center of this area from side to side.
2.- Mark a line with chalk in the center of this area, from top to bottom.
3.- The central point will be used as reference:
Use the measuring tape to see the distance from one of the lateral sides to the center of the pillow: In the example: 14 inches.
Use the measuring tape to see the distance from top the top to the center of the area. In the example: 12 inches.
The difference from both distances is 2 inches. Add one inch up of the center of the area, and draw an arc from the top bottom towards the upper position of the center of the area, and draw an arc from the top bottom towards the sides of the pillow using the measuring tape in number 0 inches for the center of the pillow and 12 in the extreme for the top of the head and mark with chalk an arc towards bod sides until reaching bot extremes.
In the example, cut the square 28x24 inches and the upper arc, this arc will end one inch before of the center of the pillow, due the fact that the shape was not an square, but a rectangle.
Your measures: ___ inches x ___ inches.
Note:
After cutting the pillow lower side and upper side (30x26 and 28x24 there will be an excess of fabric in the other part of the fabric since the fabric wide 40 or 44 inches we will have around 14 inches that can be use to cut the lateral frames of of the pillows, these will connect the top and the bottom of the pillow and will allow the reduction of the pressure when people uses the pillows.

### Pillow's lateral frames

Three sides will be used as lateral frames for the pillow:
* 2 identical lateral left sides that will be used to connect and sew the upper and lower sides of the pillow from bottom of the pillow to the upper center at level or the top of the head: Those sides will be a lateral right side from the bottom of the pillow to the upper center, and a left lateral side from the bottom of the pillow to the top center of the pillow.
These sides will be sewed, the excess of material will be scissored and they will be reversed to allow the rest of excess material be in the internal side of the pillow, after this the filling material will be added to the pillow
* A third lateral side will be used the third side to seal or close the pillow, and the excess material will be scissored.

#### Initial measures

Use a measuring tape to see the distance from the upper central top of the pillow to one of the lateral lower levels of the pillow. In this case: 38 inches. In your case: __ inches.
Draw with chalk a 38 inches (or in your case __ inches) long and 3 inches tall rectangle, this will be the initial shape of the lateral pillow frames, this long rectangles will connect the top of the pillow with its bottom, it will be their intermediate area that connect both sides, and will allow the infill to be dispersed towards the sides.
The initial shape of these 2 long side pieces will be a rectangle, in this case 38x3 inches... the length can be changed, this will be the distance from the bottom of the pillow to the top of the pillow.

#### Marking the height of the sections of the pillow sides

Now we will modify these long rectangles in some areas to give them a high of 3 inches or a lower part of 1 inches, this will allow the infill to be dispersed towards the sides rather than keep it pushing towards the head, neck and back, according the anatomy of our body.
It will give the pillow a height of 1 inches in the areas that we want to increase material or pressure and 3 inches in the area that we want to reduces material or pressure in order to give more cushion when is needed or reduce pressure in areas of the body closer to the bed.
The use of this will allow the proper distribution of material, reducing pressure and increasing comfort and cushion, for this we will mark dots in this rectangles that are 38 inches by 3 inches tall, in these rectangles the sections with 3 inches will allow pressure reduction and the sections 1 inches tall will allow to increase the pressure in the areas that need more support, this will be the following:

#### Height of side sections in the pillow

Height of side sections in the pillow :
| Area | Height |
| Area from the top of the pillow to the upper neck | 3 inches |
| Area from the upper part of the neck to the lower part of the neck | 1 inch |
| Area from C7 to the lower part of the pillow | 3 inches |
Notes:
* Mark a dot at 3 inches height at the upper neck level.
* Mark a dot at 1 inches level at the center of the neck.
* Mark a dot at 3 inches at C7 level.

#### Calculation of the length of the sections of the pillow lateral frames

The big sides of the fabrics to make the pillow or another pillow can be used to calculate at what height will be located the occipital bone, the upper neck, the center of the neck and the lower neck in this case a measuring tape will be used around the areas of the pillow, in this case are the following:
Measures for the height of the lateral frames :
| Area | Height | Example distance | Your distance |
| Superior top center toward the upper neck | 3 inches | 0 inches to 20 inches | __ inches |
| Upper neck | 3 inches | 20 inches | __ inches |
| Central neck | 1 inch | 23 inches | __ inches |
| Lower neck | 3 inches | 26 inches | __ inches |
| Lower level of the pillow | 3 inches | 38 inches | __ inches |
For these measures can be used 2 measuring tapes, one at the center of the pillow to measuring the height (not really necessary) and another flexible measuring tape to measuring the borders or lateral sides of the pillow.
Both lateral frames will have a height of 3 inches except in the section that goes beside the upper neck, neck and C7, this section will be reduced at 1 inches in the neck section in a curve that goes from 3 inches height in the upper neck, 1 inch height in the center of the neck and 3 inches height at C7, this is in the lateral sides of the pillow.

#### Drawing the lines of the lateral frames

Draw with chalk a line that will be the area to cut will be a rectangle 38x3, except in the area from the upper neck level to the center of the neck, this section will have a curve that starts in the upper neck level at 3 inches and will reach 1 inch at the center of the neck level, from this dot will increase again to level of 3 inches at C7 level, this are the area for the side of the pillow.
Both sides of the pillow will have 3 inches tall square in all the sections that a reduction of volume or pressure is needed, except in the areas from the upper part of the neck and C7, mark a dot at 1 inch high in this 2 positions and reduce the height form 3 to 1 in this section. This rectangle is between 38 inches long and 3 inches tall (in your case __ inches long x 3 inches tall), both extremes will be 3 inches, and now we will connect the marked dots with curves or lines, connect them freely, it does not need to be perfect.
Finally cut the rectangle following the marked line, This long rectangle will connect the upper part of the pillow with the lower part of the pillow in the left side of the pillow.
Repeat the previous steps to or can be done this steps at the same time in the other 38x3 inches rectangle.
Once we have our measures calculated and written, for drawing the lines we are going to use chalk, measuring tape and an wide table, surface or even the floor could be used. In some cases the fabric could be damaged for around one inch close to its border, cut that area first in order to not use a damaged section.
Place the fabric to be cut (if feathers are used, ticking fabric) on a flat surface and proceed to draw the lines for cutting or sewing.
Mark a dot at the height of 3 inches, and a dot at the length of 60 inches. Mark 2 more 3 inches dots in between the initial part and 60 inches, and draw a rectangle (60x3 inches).
Notes:
Now draw points in the sections were we want more material or pressure (top of the neck) and points in the areas were we want less material or pressure (crown):
The dots used as reference (with the 3 extra inches) are
__ inches for the bottom of the neck, or your shoulders or upper back. __ for the start of you neck or your chin 25 for the top of the head.
We are going to mark the previous dots in the 60x3 sections at the height of 3 inches.
If we want to eliminate cushion in the lungs area to allow their normal function, we could just use the area from the top of the head to the start of you upper back, and not make a pillow from the buttocks to the middle or lower back area. This will also allow a smaller pillow and the use of material.
Now we will add a dot at the height of 1 inch in the sections where we want to have less material or pressure:
Middle of the head or crown: At 54 inches height, mark this point as 1/2 inch.
Middle of the back: 29 inches height, mark this point as 1/2 inch.
Now draw a curve that connects the rest of the dots with these 3 dots, and where is the head position and where the lower position.

#### Second lateral frame

Repeat this step to make the second rectangle or side, andd draw curves to connect these dots, this lines are not drawn to be cut, are drawn to be sewed.
Both lateral frames are identical, the first can be the left or right and the second can be left or right, it does not matter which is drawn or cut they are identical.
For the second identical piece or lateral side, can be used the piece next to the first fabric was used, a ruler can be used to draw with chalk a straight line, 38 inches in my case, in your case __ inches, 38 x 3 inches long.
Note: If this was a straight line the measures would be shorter: 7 inches for top of the pillow to upper neck (4 inches for upper head to occipital and 3 for occipital bone to upper neck) and 3 inches for upper neck to C7. 7 + 3 inches +3 in the top of the head and 3 after C7 would be 16 inches, to this inches were added 3 inches for the expansion of to that will be occupied by the infill. But this is not a straight line, it moves 12 inches toward the sides, that is why the length in this case is 38 inches, that does not need to be calculated, just be measured with the measuring tape.

### Pillow lower frame

A third long rectangle can be added for the lower part, this will be the long of your shoulders, in this example 24 inches x 3 inches, we can cut a 30x3 segment in order to not be short of material during the sewing of the segment.
Do not worry of mistakes, even the cut or shapes are not perfect, the 3 inches will allow or compensate the mistakes of the design.
For lower side or frame of the pillow well be 3 inches height on the lateral sides only, from the arm levels toward the center of the body will be reduced (including the scapula or shoulder blade level and the spine) to 1 inch.
In order to measure this parts can be used a ruler and pen and writing down the length in this example:
Lower frame :
| Area | Length example | Your length | Height |
| Left side | 0 inch | 0 inch | 3 inches |
| Left scapula | 7 inches | __ inches | 1 inch |
| Spine | 12 inches | __ inches | 1 inch |
| Right scapula | 17 inches | __ inches | 1 inch |
| Right side of the pillow | 24 inches | __ inches | 3 inches |
A ruler can be used to mark with chalk the 25x3 inches rectangle and the reduction curve that will go from the borders to the scapula(s), this height will be maintain in the internal section and be raised in a curve again from the other scapula to the other lateral frame of the pillow.

### Tension release changing the height of the borders of the pillow

In the pillow the pressure or tension will be reduced changing the height of the pillow in the lateral frames:
The areas of the body that are closed to the bed will correspond to the areas of the rectangle 3 inches tall, this will allow the movement of the infill from the center toward the sides, reducing pressure from the head and giving space to the body in these areas: Crown of the head, occipital bone, sides of the head, and upper back area, while at the same time will align or level all parts of the body. The infill displacement toward the sides reduce material and pressure in the center of the crown of the head, and upper back area.
The areas of the body that are far from the bed will correspond to the areas of the rectangle with 1 inches tall, this will force the material to stay on this position and increase the area for infill, allowing the expansion of this areas and giving more support and cushion this areas: upper neck, neck and C7, while at the same time will align or level all parts of the body. This will increase material and cushion approaching and when reaching space of necks curvature.

## Sewing of the pillow
### Initial Sewing of the pillow

The threading will try to follow the lines (with chalk) as reference, although are only references (do not need to be over the line), the pieces will done in the following order:
1.- Sew the lower border with the left frame in the left extreme going to the center of the piece. In this step yo will sew one of the long segments starting with the upper part of one of the pillows sides, and use this long 3 inches wide piece as your guide until you reach its end.
Notes:
The concave part (curved towards inside) of the frame will be located in the lower or extreme section in both sides. This will allow to have the same distance from bottom to top of the pillow. The excess will be cut with scissors. Hold both sides with the right hand (or left if left handed).
If desired, do a second sewing in the sew areas, to assure that the pillow is sealed properly, then cut the excess material of border of the pillow out of the sewed area or unnecessary fabric, but leaving some, around half inch of from the thread to prevent cutting the tread.
Remember to use the reverse sewing at the beginning and end of the segments to tangle the threads.
2.- Sew the lower border from the center of the pillow to the right extreme. Or also the right extreme to the center.
In this step you will Repeat the step one, with the other long segment in the same pillow side. Now yo will have the both 3 inches long sides attached to one of the pillows, and will repeat the same with the other side of the pillow
Once this part is completed, flip the side, that sewing part will be located inside the pillow.
There will be around 1 inches of intersection, could be overlapped to seal this space. Cut that excess of material or borders outside the sewed parts.
3.- Sew the frames now to the down side or bigger side, first the left side to center, then the center to the right.
In this step you will sewing the center of the side with the pillow (the one not sewed yet) from the upper part of the head area towards the end of one side of the intermediate of the pillow... then go to its center again and sew towards the other end.
It is important to leave an extra space when preparing this lower frame to easy this sewing part. A chalk was used to draw the frames of this lower part. But now use the chalk to mark the lines to sew with the lateral frames of the pillow.
4.- Sew bot lateral frames of the borders and bottom (around 1 or 2 inches), this does not need to be perfect, if necessary, just sew this section to make a squared corner or 1 or 2 inches line, repeat the same in the other side.

### Filling the pillow

In the previous step were sew the big lower part of the pillow to the lateral frames of the pillow, and the lateral frames to the big upper part of the pillow, and the lower bottom frame to the big lower section of the pillow, and the sides to the frame to the lateral frames of the pillow as square or making a square in this section if the lines were not perfect.
In this step, fill the pillow with the filling material, it could be new material or from a reused pillow, material such cotton can be fill easily.
If other materials are used such Kapok or feathers, it is recommended to do this step outdoors or outside the working room, and place the cover of the pillow in a receptacle bigger than the pillow, this will will allow to have a more organized work area and preventing dispersing the infill in the room.
Fill the pillow with its infill (cotton, kapok, etc), press the infill to bottom of the pillow, you can press the infill towards the bottom of the pillow, this will facilitate the sewing of the last part of the pillow, add more infill if necessary.
It does not matter that the pillow is not completely full, this will reduce pressure and allow the distribution of infill and change the shape according your weight, even half of the pillow with infill will be enough, it will also allow us to change the pillow shape to our preference.

### Final Sewing of the pillow

In this step, the lower frame of the pillow will be sewed to the upper side of the pillow, starting from the lateral extremes upper corners that were sew earlier, sewing of the pillow using the upper corners sewed as reference, staring from the left corner going down all the way to the right side corner.
Since we do not put excessive material or pressure to the pillow, it is easy to sew this section, just sew from the upper left corner of the frame to the upper right corner of the frame.
Cut the excess of fabric material.
A cover for the pillow with the same shape but bigger can be sew or made if desired.

## Also see

Short introduction to the use of cutting plotter machines