Decorator Pillows with English Paper Piecing Accents
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1 Published on Sew4Home Decorator Pillows with English Paper Piecing Accents Editor: Liz Johnson Thursday, 13 September :00 English Paper Piecing was a new technique for us when we designed these pretty pillows, but we can now understand how it can quickly become rather addicting. We tested three sets of the Paper Piecing Shapes from Dritz Quilting: two sizes of Diamonds, two sizes or Hexagons, and two sizes of Tumblers. If you too are new to paper piecing, the first thing to understand is that it's handwork, not machine stitching. Most people associate it with beautifully intricate quilt tops, but the precise, perfectly shaped pieces are wonderful for a variety of embellishing projects. We've used them as appliqués to create a pair of graphic pillows.
2 The Quilting category is a growing one for Dritz. They've taken their depth of experience in all notions and fine-tuned it for a quilting audience, which means particular attention to accurate measuring tools, sharp needles and pins, and clever gadgets that allow you to work faster and smarter.
3 When exploring ideas to showcase the paper piecing templates, we wanted something that highlighted their clean, sharp edges; as well as a project that wasn't as complex or time consuming as a full quilt. The steps for making the pieces are the same for any application, so it was fun to think outside the quilting box. Appliqué certainly lends itself to precise shapes, and was our choice for this pair of modern pillows. The pillow fronts feature tone-on-tone, straight line quilting that provides a horizontal grid on which each design is laid out. As mentioned, we experimented with three of the most popular template shapes in six sizes from Dritz: 4" Tumblers, 2½" Tumblers, 2½" Diamonds, 1¾" Diamonds, 2" Hexagons, and 1½" Hexagons. All measurements refer to the length of the sides. Made from heavy card stock, they are rigid enough to easily crease the fabric along each edge, but are still quite flexible so you can quickly pop out the template when the basting and pressing are complete.
4 There's a handy pre-drilled hole at the center of each template. Insert the end of a crochet hook, pencil, or small scissors to lift out the paper without disturbing the folds. We show the standard thread basting method in our instructions below. You can also try glue basting or even liquid starch basting.
5 Although our project uses a distinct decorator color palette, paper piecing is also a great way to use up small fabric scraps. You could even fussy-cut each shape to feature a special motif, adding yet another layer of creativity to your artful embellishment.
6 Downloads are provided below for our Diamond and Hexagon designs and are sized to fit a standard 20" x 20" pillow form. Sewing Tools You Need Sewing Machine and standard presser foot; or engage your machine's built-in fabric feeding system, such as the AcuFeed Flex system standard on many of our Janome studio machines. Walking or Even Feed foot with quilting bar Open Toe Satin Stitch foot or similar for appliqué Fabric and Other Supplies
7 Supplies shown are for TWO pillows: one with hexagons and one with diamonds. ONE package of Dritz Quilting Paper Piecing Shapes: 1.5" Hexagons ONE package of Dritz Quilting Paper Piecing Shapes: 2.5" Diamonds 2½ yards of 44"+ wide quilting weight fabric in a solid color for the pillow front and back; we used Kona Cotton Solids by Robert Kaufman Fabrics in PFD Bleach White ¼ yard of 44"+ wide quilting weight fabric for accent color #1; we used Kona Cotton Solids by Robert Kaufman Fabrics in Glacier (the "teal") ¼ yard of 44"+ wide quilting weight fabric for accent color #2; we used Kona Cotton Solids by Robert Kaufman Fabrics in Breakers(the "aqua") ⅛ yard of 44"+ wide quilting weight fabric for the highlight color; we used Kona Cotton Solids by Robert Kaufman Fabrics in Chartreuse (the "lime green") ¾ yard of 50"+ low loft batting (you need TWO 23" x 23" squares) TWO 20" x 20" pillow forms All purpose thread to match fabric; we used the darkest of the thread colors (the "teal") as our appliqué thread color 50wt thread for the quilting on the main panels; we used Aurifil 50wt in Natural White See-through ruler Fabric pen or pencil Iron and ironing board Scissors Rotary cutter and mat Tape measure Seam gauge Seam ripper Straight pins Getting Started & Template Downloads Cuts shown are for TWO pillows: one with hexagons and one with diamonds. 1. From the main fabric for the pillow front and back (Bleached White in our sample), cut the following: FOUR 23" x 23" squares for the pillow fronts FOUR 15" x 21" rectangles for the pillow backs 2. FOR THE HEXAGONS From accent color #1 (Glacier in our sample), cut ONE 3¼" x WOF (width of fabric) strip From accent color #2 (Breakers in our sample), cut ONE 3¼" x WOF strip From the highlight color (Chartreuse in our sample), cut ONE 3¼" x WOF strip, then sub-cut this strip in half. 3. FOR THE DIAMONDS
8 From accent color #1 (Glacier in our sample), cut ONE 2¾" x WOF strip. From accent color #2 (Breakers in our sample), cut ONE 2¾" x WOF strip From the highlight color (Chartreuse in our sample), cut ONE 2¾" strip from the leftover 3¼" x 22" strip you cut above 4. From the batting, cut TWO 23" x 23" squares 5. Below are images of our layout designs. You can work from the drawings on-screen or download and print the layouts for handy reference: Hexagon Layout and Diamond Layout. At Your Sewing Machine & Ironing Board Create the quilted front panels 1. Find TWO 23" x 23" squares of the main cotton and ONE 23" x 23" square of batting. 2. Fold one of the squares of cotton in half and press to sent a center crease line. This center crease line will mark the starting point for the quilting. 3. Layer the squares to form a "quilt sandwich." Place the plain square of cotton on the bottom (wrong side up), then the batting square, then the creased square of cotton, right side up. 4. Set up the sewing machine for quilting. We used the 50wt thread in both the top and the bobbin. If possible, attach a Walking or Even Feed foot (we used the built-in AcuFeed foot on our Janome machine) and a quilt bar. NOTE: If you do not have a quilt bar, you can use a ruler and fabric pen or pencil to draw in guidelines to follow. Make sure you use a marking product that will easily wipe away or vanish with exposure to air or the heat of an iron as you are working on the right side of the fabric. Draw the first line along the center crease with subsequent lines to the left and right of center 1½" apart. 5. Place a tape measure under the walking foot with the starting end at the needle. Adjust the quilting bar to 1½". Lengthen the stitch; we used 3.0 mm.
9 6. Stitch the first line of quilting along the crease line through all three layers of the quilt sandwich. 7. When this first line of quilting is complete, align the quilt bar with the finished line of stitching and sew the second row of quilting, running the quilting bar along the previous line of stitching across the entire pillow top.
10 8. Continue to stitch additional lines, using the quilting bar to create evenly spaced rows (1½" apart) of quilting on both sides of the center line. 9. When the quilting is complete, trim down the quilted block to a 21" x 21" square. 10. Repeat to quilt a matching pillow top with the remaining cotton and batting squares. NOTE: Be careful with your measurements on the two pillows. They are meant to sit side by side, so it's important their lines of quilting match up nicely. Create the pillow back panels 1. Find TWO of the 21" x 15" panels for the pillow back. Press a 2" double hem along one long side of each panel. To do this, fold back one 21" edge of each panel 1" and press. Then fold back an additional 1" and press again.
11 2. Edgestitch the hem in place, staying close to the inner fold. 3. Repeat to hem a matching set of pillow back panels with the remaining cotton rectangles. 4. Set aside all four back panels. Create the paper-pieced hexagons 1. Our layout design calls for 11 darker hexagons (accent color #1-Glacier in our sample), 11 lighter hexagons (accent color #2-Breakers in our sample) and 4 bright hexagons (highlight color-chartreuse in our sample). 2. Using the hexagon template itself as a pattern, cut each shape from the appropriate color strip, allowing a generous ¼" border around the template.
12 3. Thread a hand sewing needle with a contrasting thread (this is basting; you need to be able to easily see it to more easily remove it). Knot the end. 4. Center the paper piecing template. Fold the extra fabric over the first side of the hexagon. Use a large basting stitch to pierce the fabric and the paper template, and take a stitch or two. 5. Fold the fabric for the next side of the hexagon, forming a neat corner. Baste in place.
13 6. Continue this folding and basting pattern around all six sides of the hexagon. To tie off the basting, take an extra basting stitch in place. 7. Use this method to complete all 26 hexagons needed for the pillow. 8. Arrange the hexagons on your work surface according to our layout design (or create your own design).
14 9. To join the hexagons, place two adjacent hexagons right sides together. Thread a hand sewing needle with matching thread and knot the end. Place the needle under the folded fabric (hiding the knot under the fold) at one corner to anchor the knot. Take your first stitch at that corner, picking up a tiny bite of fabric just two or thread threads at the fold. This is called a "whip stitch." 10. Whip stitch the hexagons together, using stitches spaced less than ⅛" apart, catching just 2 to 3 threads from each hexagon within each stitch. Tie off the last stitch by taking an extra stitch in place, and bury the end of the thread between the fabric and paper template. NOTE: If you are brand new to this particular type of hand stitching, we have a full tutorial on hand stitching basics If the hexagons are different colors, use thread to match the lighter color hexagon.
15 12. Continue joining the hexagons using this technique. 13. When the layout design is complete, press all the hexagons with a steam iron to set the folds. The photos below show the process on a single hexagon the process is the same for the stitched set of hexagons. 14. Press flat from the front. 15. Press flat from the back.
16 16. Remove the basting threads. 17. Remove the paper templates. The Dritz templates have a handy hole in the center, which makes popping out the paper super easy and doesn't disturb the outer folds. Simply insert the end of a stylus, crochet hook or the point of a small pair of scissors, then lift the template up and out of the completed hexagon.
17 18. Press once more for good measure. Create the paper-pieced diamonds 1. Our layout design calls for 7 darker diamonds (accent color #1-Glacier in our sample), 7 lighter diamonds (accent color #2-Breakers in our sample) and 5 bright diamonds (highlight color-chartreuse in our sample). 2. Cut each shape from the appropriate color strip, allowing a generous ¼" border around each diamond.
18 3. Fold and baste along the four sides of the diamond as you did above around the six sides of the hexagon. The sharp points of the diamonds will take a bit more "futzing." As shown in the photo below, you actually create a little "cone" to make the best point. 4. Check from the front and the back to confirm you have a good look.
19 5. Continue in this method to complete all 19 diamonds needed for the pillow. 6. Arrange the diamonds on your work surface according to our layout design (or create your own design). In our design, the diamonds are overlapped to create segments of two or three diamonds. The point of the overlapping diamond should hit at the exact center of the overlapped diamond. Pin in place is sets of two or three. 7. The diamonds are slip stitched together. The process is very similar to the whip stitching of the hexagons.the only real difference is that rather than working with two folded edges, you are working with one folded edge against a flat surface. The tiny stitches that pick up just 2 to 3 threads from each surface are the same as above. And, also as above, the stitches should be spaced less than ⅛" apart. Use thread that matches the top diamond.
20 8. Press each diamond unit as above, from both the front and the back. 9. Pop out the templates and press once more.
21 Layout the paper pieced templates on the quilted pillow tops 1. Using our drawing as a guide (or creating your own design), place the completed arrangement of hexagons onto a quilted pillow front square. Your horizontal quilting lines act as a grid to align all the pieces. Pin in place. 2. Repeat to place the completed arrangement of diamond units onto the second quilted square. 3. Set up the sewing machine for a decorative appliqué stitch. 4. Change the upper thread to the darkest of the three fabric colors (we used teal), but leave the 50wt thread in the bobbin. If possible, change to an Open-Toe Satin Stitch presser foot for the best visibility as you applique. 5. Do some test stitching to figure out which stitch pattern and stitch settings work best for you. We decided on a small blanket stitch.
22 6. Start at a corner and use the decorative stitch to sew the paper pieced segments in place on the quilted pillow top. 7. Pivot at each corner, with the needle in the fabric. 8. We stitched along the outer edges of the shapes only - not along any of the inner angles. This was our preference for the look we wanted. You could,
23 of course, stitch completely around each shape if you prefer. Layer front to back to finish 1. Place the two back panels right sides together over the quilted pillow top. Align all the raw edges and overlap the back panels as needed to create a perfect fit to the 21" x 21" square. Pin in place. 2. Stitch around the entire perimeter of the pillow cover, using a ½" seam allowance.
24 3. Turn the pillow covers right side out through the back overlapping envelope opening. Gently push out all the corners so they are nice and sharp. 4. Insert your pillow form through the envelope opening and fluff it out into the corners. Contributors Project Design: Alicia Thommas Sample Creation and Instructional Outline: Michele Mishler Pillows & Cushions This project and patterns (if any) may be downloaded for personal use only. No electronic or printed reproduction permitted without the prior written consent of Sew4Home LLC. Copyright Sew4Home LLC. All Rights Reserved. Source URL:
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Published on Sew4Home Toddler Booster Seat in 2 Sizes and with a Carry Handle Editor: Liz Johnson Thursday, 29 June 2017 1:00 Booster chairs are becoming more familiar in restaurants, but are still not
More informationSquare Patchwork & Tufted Couch Cushion
Published on Sew4Home Square Patchwork & Tufted Couch Cushion Editor: Liz Johnson Tuesday, 05 June 2018 1:00 Round things that make me smile: baby thighs, ice scream scoops, rolling hills, tufted cushions.
More informationFlat Bench Cushion with Buttons & Piping
Published on Sew4Home Flat Bench Cushion with Buttons & Piping Editor: Liz Johnson Friday, 02 March 2018 1:00 A bench cushion is one of the top projects new sewers list as the decorating puzzle that finally
More informationA single pillow in an interesting shape (and a striking color) is the perfect focal point to energize an otherwise standard pile of pillows.
Published on Sew4Home Starfish Pillow Editor: Liz Johnson Wednesday, 10 August 2016 1:00 Real starfish belong in tide pools. Our starfish pillow belongs on your sofa! This quick and easy project is the
More informationFloating Rick Rack Napkins
Published on Sew4Home Floating Rick Rack Napkins Editor: Liz Johnson Monday, 30 April 2018 1:00 Did you know the paper napkin made its debut in 1887? While that's quite historically interesting, we still
More informationColor Wheel Patchwork Tree Skirt
Published on Sew4Home Color Wheel Patchwork Tree Skirt Editor: Liz Johnson Tuesday, 10 November 2015 1:00 This is one of our favorite holiday projects. Maybe because the tree skirt is a Christmas classic.
More informationHappy Mother's Day: Big & Little Pillow Pair With Ruffly Ribbon Ties
Published on Sew4Home Happy Mother's Day: Big & Little Pillow Pair With Ruffly Ribbon Ties Editor: Liz Johnson Wednesday, 27 April 2011 9:00 Give Mom a pillow duo that will add an instant splash of spring
More informationLace & Decorative Stitch Window Valances
Published on Sew4Home Lace & Decorative Stitch Window Valances Editor: Liz Johnson Tuesday, 12 April 2016 1:00 Looking for a quick and easy way to fancy-up your windows? A valance is faster than traditional
More informationSoft & Stuffable Fabric Shopping Bags
Published on Sew4Home Soft & Stuffable Fabric Shopping Bags Editor: Liz Johnson Wednesday, 03 June 2015 1:00 As more and more stores up their recycling commitment (some entire cities have banned plastic
More informationVintage Style Sweetheart Apron
Published on Sew4Home Vintage Style Sweetheart Apron Editor: Liz Johnson Thursday, 18 August 2016 1:00 This apron is another Sew4Home design original, complete with a downloadable pattern that allows you
More informationButterscotch & Rose Pretty Piped Pillow #3 - Framed 'n' Fabulous
Published on Sew4Home Butterscotch & Rose Pretty Piped Pillow #3 - Framed 'n' Fabulous Editor: Liz Johnson Friday, 28 October 2011 9:00 The final entry in our Pretty Piped Pillow Series is a gorgeous octagon,
More informationGood Gifts for Guys: Fleece Scarf with Zippered Pocket
Published on Sew4Home Good Gifts for Guys: Fleece Scarf with Zippered Pocket Editor: Liz Johnson Monday, 06 January 2014 1:15 Old man winter came stomping in with a vengeance this year. We're sending warm
More informationScrapBusters: Personalized Mug Rug
Published on Sew4Home ScrapBusters: Personalized Mug Rug Editor: Liz Johnson Tuesday, 19 August 2014 1:00 My brother made me laugh out loud when he said a "mug rug" sounded like a bad toupee for an ugly
More informationItaliano Kitchen: Mama Apron
Published on Sew4Home Italiano Kitchen: Mama Apron Editor: Liz Johnson Monday, 25 October 2010 9:00 We love aprons here at Sew4Home. So we knew our Italiano Kitchen would not be complete without them.
More informationTall Wine Bags in Burlap & Cotton
Published on Sew4Home Tall Wine Bags in Burlap & Cotton Editor: Liz Johnson Friday, 11 December 2015 1:00 There is a French proverb that tells us, "In water one sees ones own face; but in wine, one beholds
More informationThree Tier Ombre Apron with Shabby Chic Style
Published on Sew4Home Three Tier Ombre Apron with Shabby Chic Style Editor: Liz Johnson Tuesday, 11 April 2017 1:00 Ombre is a French word for shading or graduating. In fashion, it refers to the graduation
More informationDouble-Sided Cook's Apron with Handy Towel Loop
Published on Sew4Home Double-Sided Cook's Apron with Handy Towel Loop Editor: Liz Johnson Thursday, 28 July 2016 1:00 Bold blocks of color define this classic cook's apron. It's a great project to take
More informationCreativity is in the Bag: Toile Tote with Button Accents
Published on Sew4Home Creativity is in the Bag: Toile Tote with Button Accents Editor: Liz Johnson Tuesday, 09 July 2013 1:00 Today, we're talkin' toile... actually, we're talkin' toile de jouy. It's a
More informationTime Flies Quilt in Eclectic Elements by Tim Holtz
Published on Sew4Home Time Flies Quilt in Eclectic Elements by Tim Holtz Editor: Liz Johnson Wednesday, 15 October 2014 1:00 Flying geese blocks, combined with the unique vintage motifs in the Eclectic
More informationRe-Make & Re-Use: Up-cyled Cloth Grocery Bags - Stronger, Cuter
Published on Sew4Home Re-Make & Re-Use: Up-cyled Cloth Grocery Bags - Stronger, Cuter Editor: Liz Johnson Friday, 17 February 2012 9:00 This clever idea of how to strengthen and 'makeover' existing cloth
More informationBound Gauze Towels for Drying Crystal, China & Flatware
Published on Sew4Home Bound Gauze Towels for Drying Crystal, China & Flatware Editor: Liz Johnson Monday, 07 May 2018 1:30 The dishwasher is my friend. I put just about everything in that puppy and it
More informationColor Block Queen Duvet Cover
Published on Sew4Home Color Block Queen Duvet Cover Editor: Liz Johnson Tuesday, 29 October 2013 1:00 Here's a little secret about a duvet. People who don't sew are really impressed when you tell them
More informationNotepad Folder To Go. Published on Sew4Home. Editor: Liz Johnson Friday, 04 December :00
Published on Sew4Home Notepad Folder To Go Editor: Liz Johnson Friday, 04 December 2015 1:00 My mother was the ultimate note taker. She recorded everything from gifts she'd received (in order to write
More informationLightweight String Style Backpack with Crossover Pockets
Published on Sew4Home Lightweight String Style Backpack with Crossover Pockets Editor: Liz Johnson Tuesday, 14 August 2018 1:00 String style backpacks are in high demand right now for back-to-school, but
More informationThanksgiving Elegance: "Conversational" Bound Napkins
Published on Sew4Home Thanksgiving Elegance: "Conversational" Bound Napkins Editor: Liz Johnson Monday, 08 November 2010 9:00 We love cloth napkins, and this bound-edge variety is another of our easy yet
More informationHis & Hers Pajama Shorts
Published on Sew4Home His & Hers Pajama Shorts Editor: Liz Johnson Monday, 23 January 2012 9:00 Jazz up your jammie-time with these adorable sleep shorts. There's one pair for Him with a drawcord and pocket,
More informationPlayful Appliquéd Owls Placemat Set
Published on Sew4Home Playful Appliquéd Owls Placemat Set Editor: Liz Johnson Thursday, 22 September 2016 1:00 "Whoooooooo wants lunch?!" Our adorable appliquéd owl placemats make mealtime fun for kids...
More informationWoodland Delight: 9-Pocket Door Caddy for Jewels and Lingerie
Published on Sew4Home Woodland Delight: 9-Pocket Door Caddy for Jewels and Lingerie Editor: Liz Johnson Monday, 29 March 2010 9:00 For years I had an "unmentionables drawer." This had a double-meaning
More informationSleepy Time Stuffed Owls Ollie & Olivia
Published on Sew4Home Sleepy Time Stuffed Owls Ollie & Olivia Editor: Liz Johnson Tuesday, 22 August 2017 1:00 Oh! is for Ollie and Olivia Owl. This adorable stuffed pair is wondering, "Whoooooo wants
More informationMini Backpacks as Party Treat Bags
Published on Sew4Home Mini Backpacks as Party Treat Bags Editor: Liz Johnson Thursday, 07 July 2016 1:00 Birthday party treat bags are usually flimsy plastic things filled with candy and trinkets those
More informationFleece Scarf with Zippered Pocket
Published on Sew4Home Fleece Scarf with Zippered Pocket Editor: Liz Johnson Friday, 27 October 2017 1:00 Fall is cranking into high gear, and according to the weather forecasters, winter is more than ready
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