How to create a nice pillow

Hi guys, i'd like to share my workflow on how to create a nice pillow in 3ds max. I've used 3ds Max Design 2011 for this tutorial, but you can use your own version as long as we have the same modifiers and tools as we go along. I would like to be as detailed as I want to, for the benefit of those who are new to Max Modeling. So I will not let you hanging, let's move on!!!

1. Fire up your Max program, go to perspective view and drag a box. See the highlighted portion of the image below for the measurements I used. I'm using meters for my units, and this will also depends on what you are currently using.

2. Go to modifiers tab and look for the Relax modifier, and input the values i have used. You will see that the box has a smoother look.

3. Then convert it to Editable Poly

4. While the object still selected, go to edge selection then select the mid-part edge of the pillow and click Loop.

5. Chamfer the selected edges with the given values below.

6. While the chamfered edges are still selected, hold Shift and click the Polygon Sub-Object icon to change the selected edge to polygon. A trick? No, this is not new with Max monsters out there...

7. While the Polygons are still selected, we have to Extrude it to make pillow shams (hope I'm correct with the term). Choose Local Normal to extrude the polygons outward on its current normal position and see other values below.

8. Move closely to the created sham, select the adjoining edge and Ring it to select all the sham edges then click Connect. Apply 2 segments and Pinch it and or look for the highlighted portion of the image below.

9. Do this also to the face of the sham. Select one edge then click Ring. Don't forget to select also the edges on the back of the sham. Then click Connect and use the values I've applied.

10. Apply also an edge loop on the sham connector. See the values I've used.

11. When you are finished, Go to Vertex Sub-object or type "1" for keyboard shortcut and manually adjust the sham folds. See images below.


12. And for my own preference, I'm going to apply the "Use Nurms Subdivision" located at the Subdivision Surface rollout of the Editable Poly Modifier to make a quick preview on how it's going to look like when applied by TurboSmooth Modifier. When you're satisfied with the look. Apply a TurboSmooth modifier with 1 Iteration.


13. And eventually apply a Cloth modifier, click on Object Properties then apply the settings i used.

14. And the most exciting part, go to Cloth sub categories by clicking on the "+" sign then select Faces, and a new rollout will appear. Click on Simulate Local and the "Live Drag!"

15. After doing the procedure above, click and "hold" a single face of the pillow, then watch it locally simulate a fold! Release when you're satisfied with the folds. Click+Hold with other faces too.


16. When satisfied, relocate the pivot, move and rotate to it's proper location then finally apply a TurboSmooth modifier.


Hope this simple tutorial had helped you. Til next time!!!