Finally - Scrappy Body Pillow

Scrappy Body Pillow

16" x 38"

Sometimes life happens and the last two months have been crazy!  My computer was stolen while we were on vacation in July.  That has been a nightmare, so a lot of my spare time has been devoted to getting new items and loading software back on a new computer.  I thought all my files were backed up to the cloud but this was one that was not backed up so I had to redo everything in this pattern 😖 . But better late than never right?   I hope you have enjoyed these pillow patterns I sure enjoyed creating them!

Use all left-over pieces from a quilt to make a great matching accent pillow for a bed or couch.  This is also a great way to use packs of 2 ½" squares (mini charm from Moda)

 

Supplies:

(51) 2 ½" squares

White
(5) 2 ½" x 2 ½" squares
 (48) 2 ½" x 4 ½" rectangles
Backing
(8) 2 ½" colored squares
(2) 16 ½" x 21" rectangles
Thread to match the backing fabric
16" x 38" pillow form

Sewing:

Step 1:

Using the following diagram lay each row out.  Make the appropriate number as indicated under each row.

Make 3 - Row A

Make 3 - Row B

Make 2 - Row C Press rows in opposite directions. Label each row.

Press rows in opposite directions.  Label each row.

Step 2:
Sew the rows together, following the diagram below.

Row A

Row B

Row C

Row A

Row B

Row C

Row A

Row B

Preparing Backing:

I love using the Hot Ruler from Clover. Purchase Hot Ruler Here  You can press on this Hot Ruler, so making the hem on the backing pieces of the pillow is sooo easy!  This ruler is 2 1/2" wide x 10" long.

Step 1:

Place one backing piece wrong side up on your ironing board.  Then place the Hot Ruler, ruler side up, along the 16 ½" side.

Step 2:

On one 16 ½" side of the backing, fold the raw edge of the fabric up to the 1/2" line and press.  Move the ruler to finish the whole backing piece. 

Step 3:

Open the pressed 1/2" hemline. 

Step 4:

Fold the raw edge to the press line and fold it up; this will enclose the raw edge of the backing on one side. 

Step 5:

For the second backing piece, sew (8) 2 ½" squares together.  Press to one side.  This strip should measure 2 ½" x 16 ½".

Step 6:

Sew this strip on one side of the second backing piece along the 16 ½" side.  This will make the piece 16 ½" x 23".  Now repeat the backing prep steps 1 – 4, making sure to place the hem on the 2 ½" square strip you added to the backing.

Step 7:

Now with matching thread, top stitch about 1/8" from the folded edge.  Repeat for the second backing piece.

Step 8:

Now, lay the pillow front on your table right side up, and place one backing piece wrong side up on top of the left side of the pillow front (This should be the backing piece with the squares attached).  Make sure to match raw edges placing the hem in the middle of the pillow front.  Pin in place.

 

Next, using the second backing piece, place it on the right side of the pillow front, the wrong side up.  Make sure to match raw edges placing the hem in the middle of the pillow front.  Pin in place. *Note: the backing pieces will overlap.

Step 9:

Once your backing is pinned in place, from the corner, measure in 1/2" and place a dot, then measure out 5" from the dot in both directions and mark a dot that is 1/4" from the raw edge.  Now mark a slightly curved line from dot to dot, do this in both directions. This line will not be straight (This will help when turning the pillow right side out, there will be no sharp points on the corners.)

Repeat for all 4 corners.

Step 10:

Stitch all the way around the pillow with a 1/4" seam. When you reach the lines that are drawn on the backing, stitch on the lines, backstitching at the beginning and end to reinforce the seam at that point.

Step 11:

Now, to reduce the bulk in the corners of the pillow, follow the picture to trim the corners.  A combination of both trimming and grading the corners is needed to reduce bulk and make the corners sharp and crisp when turned right side out and pressed.  Make sure not to trim too close to the corner stitching; if you trim too close when turning, you run the risk of pushing a hole in the corners.

 

Trim all 4 corners.

Step 12:

Turn the pillow right side out, poking corners out.  I use the OESD Expert Point & Press Tool.  Purchase Tool Here  There are two different sizes of round ends on this tool to use for all kinds of turning.  My tool is round because it was one of the first made. They have now made them hexagon-shaped so that the tool will not roll off your sewing table!!

Step 13:

Stuff the pillow form through the opening in the back of the pillow.

 

*You can make your own pillow form by using (2) 16 1/2" x 38 1/2" muslin (or scrap) pieces.  Sew together, leaving a 4" hole on one side.  Turn the form right side out and stuff it with polyfill or batting scraps to the firmness of your liking.  Hand sew the hole closed, then place the form inside the pillow.

 

Enjoy!!

I hope you have enjoyed these 3 pillow patterns as much as I did making them.  

Keep on Stitchin'

Meg

Download a PDF HERE

Like me on FACEBOOK

Follow me on INSTAGRAM

See all my patterns HERE

Big Scrappy Pillow

Big Scrappy Pillow
20” x 20”

Use all your leftover pieces from a quilt to make a great matching accent pillow for a bed or couch.  This is also a great way to use packs of 2 ½” squares (mini charms from Moda).  I used Tulip Tango by Robin Pickens mini charm for this pillow.

Supplies

(76) 2 ½” squares
(4) 2 ½” x 12 ½” rectangles - Border
(2) 14” x 20 ½” rectangles – Backing
Thread to match the backing fabric.
20” x 20” pillow form

Sewing

Step 1:
Lay (36) squares out following the layout.

Step 2:
Sew the center squares together into rows.  Press seams following the arrows in the layout diagrams below.
Then sew the rows together.  Press to one side.

Step 3:
Sew a 2 ½” x 12 ½” border piece to each side of the pillow center.  

Press toward the border strip.  

Sew a 2 ½" square to each end of the remaining 2 ½" x 12 ½" border strips.  

Sew to the top and bottom of the pillow.  Press toward the border.

Step 4:

Sew two sets of (8) squares together for side borders and press to one side.  Add the borders to the sides of the pillow center from the diagram above.  Press toward this border.

Step 5:

Sew two sets of (10) squares together for the top and bottom borders, and press to one side.  Then add the border to the top and bottom of the pillow center.  Press toward this border.

 

Preparing Backing:
I love using the Hot Ruler from Clover (Purchase HERE).  You can press on this Hot Ruler, so making the hem on the backing pieces of the pillow sooo easy!  This ruler is 2 1/2" wide x 10" long.

Step 1:
Place your backing wrong side up on your ironing board.  Then place the Hot Ruler, ruler side up, along the 20 ½" side.

Step 2:
On one 20 ½" side of the backing, fold the raw edge of the fabric up to the 1/2" line and press.  Move the ruler to finish the whole backing piece.  Repeat for the second backing piece.

Step 3:
Open the pressed 1/2" hemline.

Step 4:

Fold the raw edge to the press line and fold it up; this will enclose the raw edge of the backing on one side.  Repeat for the second backing piece.

Step 5:

Now with matching thread, top stitch about 1/8" from the folded edge.  Repeat for the second backing piece. 

Step 6:

Now, lay the pillow front on your table right side up, and place one backing piece wrong side up on top of the left side of the pillow front.  Make sure to match raw edges, placing the hem in the middle of the pillow front.  Pin in place.
 
Next, using the second backing piece, place it on the right side of the pillow front, wrong side up.  Make sure to match raw edges, placing the hem in the middle of the pillow front.  Pin in place. *Note: the backing pieces will overlap.

 

Step 7:

Once your backing is pinned in place, from the corner, measure in 3/4" and place a dot, then measure out 5" from the dot in both directions and mark a dot that is 1/4" from the raw edge.  Now mark a slightly curved line from dot to dot, do this in both directions. This line will not be straight (This will help when turning the pillow right side out, there will be no sharp points on the corners.)

Repeat for all 4 corners.

Step 8:

Stitch all the way around the pillow with a 1/4" seam.  When you reach the lines that are drawn on the backing, stitch on the lines, backstitching at the beginning and end to reinforce the seam at that point.

Step 9:

Now, to reduce the bulk in the corners of the pillow, follow the picture to trim the corners.  A combination of both trimming and grading the corners is needed to reduce bulk and make the corners sharp and crisp when turned right side out and pressed.  Make sure not to trim too close to the corner stitching. If you trim too close when turning, you run the risk of pushing a hole in the corners.
 
Trim all 4 corners.

Step 10:

Turn the pillow right side out, poking corners out.  I use the OESD Expert Point & Press Tool. There are two different sizes of round ends on this tool to use for all kinds of turning.  My tool is round because it was one of the first made. They have now made them hexagon-shaped so that the tool will not roll off your sewing table!!

Step 11:
Stuff the pillow form through the opening in the back of the pillow.
 
*You can make your own pillow form by using (2) 20 1/2" x 20 1/2" muslin (or scrap) pieces.  Sew together, leaving a 4" hole on one side.  Turn the form right side out and stuff it with polyfill or batting scraps to the firmness of your liking.  Hand sew the hole closed, then place the form inside the pillow.
 
Enjoy!!

 

 Keep on Stitchin'

Meg

Download a PDF version HERE

Like me on FACEBOOK

Follow me on  INSTAGRAM

See all my patterns on my website

Summer Scrap Elimination - Scrappy Pillow

If you are like me, I have a surplus of scraps, and when Swan (Visit her scrap projects here) asked for guest designers to help with her Summer Scrap Elimination 2022, I knew I could help with a project.  Once I decided on a project, I kinda went crazy making them.  Not only do I have this pattern I am sharing with you today, but I will have other patterns I will be sharing over the next month that will help bust that stash of scraps.  

My scrappy pillow 

This is a great project to use left-over pieces from a quilt to make a great matching accent pillow for a bed or couch. This is also a great way to use up the 2 1/2" packs (Mini Charms from Moda).

What you will need:

*(32) 2 1/2" squares
*(2) 2 1/2" x 16 1/2" rectangles - border
*(2) 12 1/2" x 10 1/2" rectangles - backing
*Thread to match the backing fabric
*12" x 16" pillow form

Sewing:

Step 1:

There are two different layouts you can make with the (32) 2 1/2" squares.  Please pick the layout of your choice from the following diagrams.  

Layout #1

Layout #2

For my pillow, I choose Layout #2

Step 2:

Sew the squares together into rows, following the diagram that you choose.  Press seams following the arrows in the layout diagrams above.

Step 3:

Sew the two center rows together, matching the seams.  Press to one side.

Pillow Center

Step 4:

Next, add a 2 1/2" x 16 1/2" border strip to the top and bottom of the pillow center.  Press toward the border strips.

Pillow center with borders added

Step 5:

Now, sew the top and bottom rows to the pillow center.  Press toward border strips.  Once you have your pillow front this far, lay it to the side while you prepare the backing pieces.

Add top and bottom rows.

Press toward border strips.

Preparing Backing:

I love using the Hot Ruler from Clover.  You can purchase this Hot Ruler HERE.  You can press on this Hot Ruler, so making the hem on the backing pieces is sooo easy!  This ruler is 2 1/2" wide x 10" long.

Hot Ruler by Clover

Step 1:

Place your backing wrong side up on your ironing board.  Then, place the Hot Ruler, ruler side up, along the 12 1/2" side.

Step 2:

On one 12 ½" side of the backing, fold the raw edge of the fabric up to the 1/2" line and press.  Move the ruler to finish the whole backing piece.  Repeat for the second backing piece.

Pressing 1/2" 

Step 3:

Open the pressed 1/2" hemline.

Step 4:

Fold the raw edge to the press line and fold up, this will enclose the raw edge of the backing on one side.  Repeat for the second backing piece.

Fold raw edge to press line.

Fold up to enclose the raw edge of the backing.

I pinned my hem in place.

Step 5:

Now with matching thread, top stitch about 1/8" from the folded edge.  Repeat for the second backing piece.

Top stitch

Step 6:

Now, lay the pillow front on your table right side up, and place one backing piece wrong side up on top of the left side of the pillow front.  Make sure to match raw edges placing the hem in the middle of the pillow front.  Pin in place.
 
Next, using the second backing piece, place it on the right side of the pillow front wrong side up.  Make sure to match raw edges placing the hem in the middle of the pillow front.  Pin in place. *Note: that the backing pieces will overlap.

Backing Overlap

Step 7:

Once your backing is pinned in place, from the corner, measure in 3/4" and place a dot, then measure out 5" from the dot in both directions and mark a dot that is 1/4" from the raw edge.  Now mark a slightly curved line from dot to dot, do this in both directions. This line will not be straight (This will help when turning the pillow right side out, there will be no sharp points on the corners.)

Repeat for all 4 corners.

Step 8:

Stitch all the way around the pillow with a 1/4" seam.  When you reach the lines that are drawn on the backing, stitch on the lines, backstitching at the beginning and end to reinforce the seam at that point.

Step 9:

Now, to reduce the bulk in the corners of the pillow, follow the picture to trim the corners.  A combination of both trimming and grading the corners is needed to reduce bulk and make the corners sharp and crisp when turned right side out and pressed.  Make sure not to trim too close to the corner stitching, if you trim too close when turning, you run the risk of pushing a hole in the corners.
 
Trim all 4 corners.

Trimming Corners

Step 10:

Turn the pillow right side out, poking corners out.  I use the OESD Expert Point & Press Tool.  There are two different sizes of round ends on this tool to use for all kinds of turning.  My tool is round because it was one of the first made, they have now made them hexagon-shaped so that the tool will not roll off your sewing table!!

OESD Perfect

Step 11:

Stuff the pillow form through the opening in the back of the pillow.
 
*You can make your own pillow form by using (2) 12 1/2" x 16 1/2" muslin (or scrap) pieces.  Sew together leaving a 4" hole on one side.  Turn the form right side out and stuff with poly fill or batting scraps to the firmness of your liking.  Hand sew the hole closed, then place the form inside the pillow.

The pillow that started this obsession

Layout Option #1
Scraps from a quilt I made a giveaway! I might just have to give this pillow away as well.

Layout Option #1
Halloween version.

I have two other pillows designed, so make sure to stop back by next week for another pattern.

Enjoy!

Keep on Stitchin'

Meg

Download a PDF Copy HERE 

Like me on FACEBOOK

Follow me on  INSTAGRAM

See all my patterns on my website

Sisterhood Quilt Along with Kate and Tammy

Love helping other designers!

I was honored to be able to help some of my quilting friends with the Sisterhood Quilt Along.  Kate and Tammy created this pattern that has 30 amazing quilt blocks to help you build your skills.  Kate and Tammy named all the blocks after a special person in their lives.  The name Sisterhood signifies the women in their lives who have been an important and influential part of their lives.  

I was given block #16 Anne.  I choose not to use the same colors as Kate and Tammy rather I choose a dark background and two shades of teal for the block.  I choose these colors because the most influential woman in my life is my mother Rose.  She is a strong woman who likes dark colors, so I choose the dark background but then put my favorite color (teal) as the main color.  She is the one who taught me to quilt at a very young age of 9. She always told me to follow my dreams and that is exactly what I am doing.  Thank you mom for everything you have taught me and for being my biggest cheerleader!  

I will share with you one of my favorite rulers that I use all the time and works great for squaring up half-square triangles as well as the quarter square triangles in this block.  The BlocLoc rulers are amazing! Their rulers have a groove in the center that locks on your seams and make it so easy to square your blocks up.

I hope you enjoy this block and check out Kate's website for more info on the Sisterhood Pattern. Sisterhood Website

Keep on Stitchin'

Meg

Spring Has Sprung

    YAY!!! Today is the first day of spring and my kids are on spring break from school this coming week!! Even a bigger YAY!!! I love having my kids home.  I have a little extra time with no homework or strict bedtime routines.  

    I have been busy the past few weeks writing patterns.  I have two just about finished just needing the last bit of proofing then off the be printed.  Two more have been started and will need several rounds of proofing.  My goal this week is to send the two off to be printed and get the other two through several rounds of proofing, so hopefully, by the 1st of April, I will have 4 new patterns ready.  

    I have also been sketching new patterns.  I have to sketch them when the idea comes because if I don't I might not remember.  Sometimes I sketch on scrap pieces of paper until I can get them on graph paper other times I can just sit down with my graph paper and go to town.  Then when I am ready I drawl them on the computer and start on samples.  I love the design process, picking the right fabric, piecing the pieces together....everything!

    I will be sharing all these new patterns just as soon as I finish them up.  So stay tuned
for more to come!! :) 

Find this Pattern HERE

Keep on Stitchin'
Meg

Its Been TOOOOO Long

 Good Evening Quilting Friends!!

I have been MIA for far too long and my plan this year is to post more.  Since my last post we have added another baby to our family, she will be 4 in July.  So my life is very busy with four little bears running around.  I have never stopped quilting though, I just quilt late into the night most of the time.

   
Last year I was very fortunate to design several quilt blocks for two of Moda Bake Shop quilt alongs. It is a huge honor to be able to design blocks for hundreds of people to use and be part of their quilts.  You can see those blocks with the following links.
Wildflower part of the 2021 Summer in the Garden Quilt Along
Snowflake part of the 2021 Count Down to Christmas Quilt Along
Peppermint Mittens part of the 2021 Count Down to Christmas Quilt Along
Toboggan part of the 2021 Count Down to Christmas Quilt Along
Fuzzy Socks part of the 2021 Count Down to Christmas Quilt Along

Over the last few years, I have designed quilts and made the samples but have not finished the quilt patterns.  Last year I wanted to get all the patterns written and published, but that did not happen.  Life was just too crazy.  I have decided that this is the year.  I HAVE TO GET THESE PATTERNS WRITTEN!!  

So I am starting off with this free pattern for a small wallhanging or table topper called Patchy Heart. 

 

Made with Love Note by Lella Boutique.

Made with Flirt by Sweetwater.

Patchy Heart uses a mini charm or 2 1/2" squares and just a little yardage.  Download the free pattern HERE.

A kit can be purchased from Pohlar Fabrics by calling 765-458-5466.

I hope you enjoy this pattern. 

Keep on Stitchin'

Meg