Flower Garden Pillow Tutorial ....

I hope you all had a fun New Years ... I spent my evening with the kids and my husband and a needle and thread ... a perfect night really!

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway for the Flower Garden Pillow there really was an amazing response! Thank you also to Rachel at One Pretty Thing who featured both of the pillows, you provide a great resource for us all!

So after all that the winner is ... Lorraine of Granny Loz 

Congratulations Lorraine! Please send me your details and I will pop the pillow in the mail.

Because of the number of requests for the pattern I have decided to include it in this post. I will send out an email to everyone who asked for a pattern and link you back here. I have also put a link in the side bar.

I'll be back on the 4th with the winner of the Rocket Ship Pillow.

Flower Garden Pillow

This pattern, for the most part, uses fusible raw edge appliqué and the pillow top has been machine quilted. This doesn’t mean that you’re locked into using these methods. You might prefer to finish your appliqué edges with a machine blanket stitch and leave your pillow top as a plain piece of fabric with no batting or quilting. The pillow is secured with two large self covered buttons, alternatively you might prefer to use a zip or ties.

Chose a method that you feel comfortable with.

Please remember that this pattern and appliqué design is intended for your own personal use only and should not be used for profit or sale.

What you need...

55cm   white cotton – cut as follows ;

            X1        20 ½” square (front)

            X1        20 1/2 “ x 18 1/2” (back lower section)

            X1        20 ½ “ x 12 “ (back upper section)

20cm   green print or multiple scraps of different greens totaling 20cm

20cm   various scraps totaling this amount for appliqué shapes

20cm   coordinating stripe for binding – this will allow 3 x 2 ½ “  strips for the binding providing you with ample excess for matching of stripes

55cm x 55cm piece of batting – try and use one that has a high loft to ensure that your finished appliqué has a full ‘puffy’ appearance.

30cm   piece of Fusible web – I use a fusible that leaves a tacky surface on the rear of the appliqué shape making auditioning the appliqué shapes a breeze. In this project I have used Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 – this is available in Australia from Oz Quilts. 

x2        30mm self cover buttons

x2        small beads for the birds eyes (alternatively you could use a French knot – I would recommend this if you are making the pillow for a small child)

Scissors

Fine tip Permanent marking pen

Water soluble pen

Spray Baste

Pins & needles

Rotary cutter, quilting ruler & cutting mat

Iron

Light box – not essential

Darning foot and a sewing machine capable of lowering the feed dogs

Quilting gloves

Method    

1. Download Applique shapes and print them out ready for use. Always follow the manufactures directions regarding the use of your fusible web.Trace the appliqué shapes onto the backing paper of the fusible web using a permanent marker ensuring that you leave adequate space between your shapes to allow them to be separated while still leaving a small margin around each of the shapes. You will require the following numbers of shapes;

Flower 1          3

Flower 2          5

Flower 3          3

Flower center  11

Leaf                 11

Bird & wing      x1 plus x1 in reverse

Beak                2

 

2. Separate all of the shapes and select the colour combinations that you intend to use. Adhere the fusible to the rear of the fabric following the manufacturer's instructions. Cut out the shapes. Remove the backing paper revealing the tacky surface of the fusible. Using the photograph as a guide roughly set out the applique shapes. Don't spend a lot of time on this task as you are likely to move them quite a bit before they are finally ironed in place. 

 

 

3.    Cut a length of fusible 3 ½“ x 17". Iron the fusible to the back of the fabric you intend to use as the flower stems. Using your rotary cutter cut ten - ¼” strips. Using the photo of the quilt as a reference, arrange the stems of the flowers. Cut the lengths leaving yourself a little overhang to allow for adjustment if required. Once you have all of the pieces on the background fabric stand back and make sure that you are happy with the overall design. Iron the appliqué shapes in place.

 

4.    Using the photo of the quilt as a reference and a water soluble pen, mark out the stitching detail of the birdie tail & legs on the pillow top.

 

5.    Make a quilt sandwich with the pillow top, batting and lining fabric using spray baste – be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

6.    Use a machine blanket stitch to secure the flower stems. Bring threads to the back of the fabric and tie off.

 

7.    To complete the  remaining appliqué edges & the stitching detail; Change your machine foot to a free motion foot and drop your feed dogs. Select a top & bobbin thread to complement the shape you will be working on. Begin by lowering your needle into the quilt an inch or so from the shape. Raise the needle and pull on the top thread pulling the bobbin thread through to the top. Lower and raise the needle again temporarily securing the two threads on the top of the quilt. Slide your quilt to your intended starting point and lower your needle. Free motion stitch close to the edges of all of the appliqué shapes stitching over each area at least twice. Add detail to the leaves & flower centers as desired.

 

Take several stitches close together at the start and finish points of each appliqué shape. This will secure the start & finish points allowing you to cut the threads at the quilt surface eliminating the need to bury threads.

 

8.    To complete the stitching detail of the bird tail & legs stitch over the marked line several times until the row of stitching is the desired thickness – I used 4 rows on the tail and 6 rows on the legs.

 

 

9.    Once you have finished this process complete the background quilting. I used a swirl flower background fill design. 

 

 

 

If you are new to machine quilting and would like to give it a go my best advice to you is to do a class! Other than this practice before you start on a scrap section of quilt sandwich but most of all don't get hung up on the machine quilting! It doesn't need to be perfect no one will notice! The pillow is for someone you love ... they won't be judging you. 

 

 

            10.      Square the pillow top using a ruler and rotary cutter ensuring that the finished edges are 20 ½” ensuring that the corners are square and sides are even and straight.

 

Completing the pillow back ...

11.  On the larger of the two pieces of fabric fold over a hem of ½ “ on one of the long sides and press. Fold over further  3“ and press. Secure the hem using a straight stitch close to the edge of both folds.

 

12.  On the smaller of the two pieces of fabric fold over a hem of ½ “ on one of the long sides and press. Fold over further 3“ and press. Secure the hem using a straight stitch close to the edge of both folds.

 

 

13.  At this point if you want to add the additional appliqué to the pillow back you should do so now. Arrange the shapes on the larger of the pillow back pieces using the photograph as a guide. Attach the shapes following the directions you used previously using tear-away stabilizer rather than batting to stabilize the fabric while you are securing the shapes and completing the stitching detail.

 

 

 

14. On the smaller of the two back sections mark points at 6 ½ “ & 13 ½ “ along the hem. In addition to this mark ¾ “ up from the edge of the hem. Make button holes at each of these two points.

 

 

15.  Attach the beads for the birds eyes.

 

16.  Position the pillow top, right side up on top of the pillow front with wrong sides facing each other. Adjust the pillow back so that the smaller section overlaps the larger piece.  Bind the pillow using the bias strip as you would normally bind a quilt finishing with a mitered seam. You can find my instructions to help with this here ...

 

                

 

17. Make the two self cover buttons according to the manufacturer's instructions. Using a water-soluble pen mark the lower point of each button hole on the larger of the pillow back pieces. Fix buttons to these points.

 

 

Finished!!!

 

 

I hope you enjoy making the pillow!

Kellie

PS. Sorry about the formatting ... poor Typepad has really struggled with this post!

Comments

[Jenifer]

Thanks for the great pattern!! I used on of your birds on a baby quilt I just made and I love how it turned out. Thanks for sharing your ideas!!

[Lesley]

Thank you for the tutorial and pattern. Can't wait to get started. May be a good excuse to go shopping for more fabric.
Lesley

[Jenifer]

Did you do the flower-swirl quilting using your free motion foot? It looks amazing. It says that there is a sample of how to do it on the pattern...? Can you tell me where this is? Sorry if I just missed it.

[Lucy Locket-Pocket]

Thanks so much for the fab tutorial! It almost makes me feel better about not winning the actual cushion!!!! Only joking! Huge congratulations to Lorraine - what a fabulous way to start the new year!

Lucy x

[Nika]

WOW!!!! Thank you! Thank you!For step by step!!!! I will try it!!! Nika

[Linda]

Great tutorial Kellie, thanks so much for sharing your creativity with the rest of us. Happy New year to you and your family.

[jill]

Thank you so much for the 'how to' shots. They really demonstrate what to do to try to emulate your cushion! Now, to work! Imagine, all over the world, little flowers aand birds are finding new homes thanks to your inspiration. :0)

[Kristin]

Thank you! This is a great tutorial. I absolutely love your designs, ALL of them. This pillow will be on my 2009 to do list. Have a Happy New Year!!

[Irene]

Thank you for the tutorial! I do have two questions on the top of my mind though, could you please tell me what is fusible web (or the brand name, so I can look it up) and whether you use spray basting or safety pin basting or both in your larger quilting projects? I want to learn how to machine quilt, and since I can not afford a new sewing machine, I have to make-do with my very old and reliable Pfaff. Therefore, I would like some tips on how to make the whole process as easy as posible. :-)
Thanks again Kellie, I really do admire your quilts (and the b-day parties you organize)!

[Sherri]

Thanks so much for the great pattern and especially the applique' shapes! What a great way to start the new year...more great inspiration!

[janet]

I will definitey be making one of these, you do a wonderful job on tutorials, thanks so much for sharing.

[periwinkle]

congratulations Lorraine - a lovely new year pressie . I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the 4th :-)
lisa x

[Hayley]

Congrats to Granny Loz, lucky lady! Thanks for the pattern Kellie, I will be making it for a little lady who has a little brother or sister on the way.

[Lisa]

Well done to Lorraine!! Thanks for the tip on the applique web - I haven't been that happy with the brand I have been using - I will have to check that one out!

[Norma]

Thank you so much for sharing the pattern. I had already gone out to pick out my fabrics yesterday to take advantage of the New Year's sales. I kept checking my inbox anxiously for the pattern. I had to keep myself occupied by cleaning out my garage so that I can convert it into my sewing studio! I can't wait to get started on this project.

[Shari]

This is awesome! Thank you so much. I really really appreciate it! A new way to use my brights!
Hugs

[Leanne]

Thanks for the great Tut. lucky Granny Loz.

[Louise]

This tutorial is brilliant, thanks so much for your generosity in writing it up :)

[tracey petersen]

Nice work with the photos for the tutorial.

[Maria]

thanks for the tut, I am getting my scraps together and will start soon on this for my sister-in-law, she has a beautiful garden room on her back porch with some benches and chairs and curtains that swirl in the wind just beautiful and I think this will go so well with what she has.

[Maria]

I think my daughters would love some pillows like this also to go with a spring quilt that I'm thinking of making for them. Thanks again and Happy New Year.

[Pikku-Kettu]

Thank you! :)

[Jacqueline Valero]

thank you for the great pattern.

[Priscilla Halliday]

Thank you!! And its a wonderful tutorial - very easy to understand.
I may have to make one of these, once I finish a few other projects I've already started!

[driftwood]

Happy New Year!
thanks so much for the pattern, and all the photos which help explain it so well, this could just have to be my first project of 2009!

[Julia]

Thank you so much for this fabulous pattern/tutorial. I will definitely make my own pillow...well, as far as I can see, I won't be able to keep it...there's only one thing missing: where can I buy the time to start right now *lol*
Happy new year, I'm already looking forward to many inspiring posts,
Julia

[Rachael Rabbit]

I can't believe you are giving away all your secrets ;-) You have transformed my quilt binding technique ... and now to conquer the applique patterned quilt too ;-) I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and New Year - really looking forward to seeing more of your work in 2009. All the best - Rachael x

[Lisa]

Oh Kellie! Thank you for sharing this with us! It looks so beautiful. I don't believe anyone could make it as well as you though! Oh... I wish I'd won :)

[Lorraine]

WOW!!! How lucky am I!! Thank you soooo much Kellie.....I have admired your work for a while and am just thrilled that I will have a piece in my home....! Very generous of you....thanks again!!

[Thimbleanna]

Oh Swoon...oh Swoon....oh SWOON!!!! You KNOW how much I LOVE your quilting!!! WHY CAN'T YOU LIVE NEXT DOOR TO ME???? I want to take a machine quilting class FROM YOU!!! That pillow is just too cute! I'll be thinking about it ALL week!!!

[Mim]

Thank-you so much. HaPpY NeW YeAR!

[Bethel of Bethania]

Happy New Year Kellie & may it prove to be a very productive & creative year for you & yours.
Thank you so much for your wonderful tut & pattern - it is very generous of you... I've checked my flowers next to yours ... ummm I really need to learn to draw me t'inks ... ha ha.
Congratulations to Lorraine for her win ... although I'm a tad sad ... but I'll get over it, no worries ...
I've not yet had a go at the free motion quilting backgrounds but I promise I will soon ... take care ... Bethel

[Tania - Jet Designs]

Thanks for the pattern - I just have to make some time to do - I haven't really been interested in machine quilting until I saw the background of your cushions - I might just have to give it a try in 2009! - Oh another goal to add to the growing stack - Happy new year

[Norma]

Quick Question:

What size pillows are you using? I have an 18" pillow I'm going to use and I'm trying to figure out my "cut" sizes for the middle panel.

Thanks!

[Jackie]

hanks for sharing your pattern with us. Love the little bird!

[Serendipity]

My daughter would just LOVE this pillow! You are so talented! It is beautiful!!!!

[Joyce]

I absolutely adore this, I made a scrapbook page, playing around with it till I get some material in the mail
http://salisburymob.wordpress.com/2009/01/14/zoes-page/

[Anusha]

Hi Kellie

I stumbled upon your blogsite just now and all I have done is stare in awe at your beautiful creations. I love this tutorial too. I think I'm going to come there everyday just to look at your lovely work! Way to go!

[rebecca]

you have done a beautiful job. thanks for the pattern i want to use for my girls i know they will love it

[aimee]

That is absolutely stunning. Thanks for taking the time to do a tutorial.

[crazypatch]

gorgeous.... I love this patern; thank you

[Norma]

Hi Kellie

I finished my pillow and have gotten nothing but compliments. My daughter absolutely loves her pillow and all the pink! Thank you again for sharing your wonderful pattern.

I did a post on my blog:
www.petitdebutant.blogspot.com

so you should get some additional traffic too.

By the way do you have full picture of the quilt that is on your blog title? I'd love to see it. I've searched your blog and didn't find one.

Thanks again!

[simone de klerk]

Thank you so much for this pattern! It is lovely and looks so happy! Great!

[Denise Felton]

Fantastic! I've scheduled a link to this post to go live on my blog later this afternoon (Central USA time). I hope it brings you a few extra clicks!

Denise
http://needlework.craftgossip.com

[sheri howard]

This is a darling pillow! Nice tutorial, I know that took a LONG time! I have just come upon your blog, enjoyed looking at it. Thanks sharing all your projects. Keep sewing!!

[lorchick]

augh i just absolutely adore your quilting, and particularly love your pillows you shared here. I linked to you from my blog and now I'm adding you to my Bloglines. Just cos your quilting is the 'bomb-diggity' imho. lol

[Norma]

Hi Kellie,

I need to ask you a question about using your pillow tutorials. Please shoot me an email so we can discuss this privately! :)
Thanks

[Kathy Watt]

I just found your blog and I have enjoyed looking at your quilts because of your color choices. The designs are so pretty and fresh, I really love them and I'll be a regular visitor to your blog in the future. I'm going to have a go at making the pillow for a new baby girl in our family. Thanks so much for the tutorial.

[idefix]

It's a beautiful pattern. Thank you!

[raajia]

Thanks for the great pattern! I really appreciate it many many thanks for your generosity in writing it up
Have a Happy New Year!!