APPLIQUÉ CUSHIONS LIKE THIS MAKE GREAT PORTABLE PROJECTS TO SEW ON THE GO
NOTES
■ Seam allowances are ¼in, unless
otherwise noted.
■ Press seams open throughout, unless
otherwise instructed.
■ RST = right sides together.
■ Note that templates do not include
seam allowance.
■ For a guide to appliqué, head to
gathered.how/applique.
■ Fabrics provided by Wool Warehouse
(woolwarehouse.co.uk).
FABRICS USED
Fabrics are all Kona Cotton Solids by Robert Kaufman in Aqua, Snow, Saffron, Melon and Lime.
CUTTING OUT
1
From the blue fabric cut:
■ One (1) 19in square.
■ Eight (8) 3½in squares.
2
From the green fabric cut:
■ Eighteen (18) 3½in squares.
3
From the white fabric cut:
■ Ten (10) 3½in squares.
4
Cut out the large petal template and use it to trace eight petals on the white fabric, using a removable fabric marker on the right side of the fabric, leaving space between each one. Cut out each piece, making sure to add a scant ¼in seam allowance all the way around the edges.
5
Using the same method as in step 4, cut out one large centre from the orange fabric using the template. Transfer the centre marks within the seam allowance.
APPLIQUÉING THE CUSHION FRONT
6
Mark the centre of the blue 19in square both horizontally and vertically. Then mark both diagonals, as shown in Fig A.
7
Take the large centre template and place in the centre, matching up with the background marks. Draw around the template, as shown in Fig B. This will help you place the petals in step 8.
8
Place four petals along the horizontal and vertical lines of the background fabric. Align the marked bottom edges of the petals with the centre circle mark. Pin and baste in place (Fig C).
9
Appliqué each of the four petals in place, leaving the bottom edge open. This will be covered by the daisy centre later.
10
Place the remaining four petals along the diagonal lines, aligning each one with the marked centre as you did before (Fig D). Pin, baste and then carefully appliqué in place, as you did in step 9.
11
Align your quilt ruler with the vertical centre mark, and mark the centre on the petals just outside the centre circle (Fig E). Repeat this process with the horizontal centre to mark the side petals. Use these marks to align the fabric centre (Fig F). Pin, baste and appliqué in place.
12
Remove any visible marks and remaining basting stitches. Lightly starch and press your block. Carefully centre the block and trim to 18½in square.
FINISHING THE CUSHION
13
Arrange your 3½in squares in six rows of six, referring to Fig 1 to create a chequerboard pattern. Sew the blocks together in rows, then sew the rows together to complete the cushion back.
14
With your cushion front right side up, centre the zip along the bottom edge, face down. There will be approx 3¼in at each end of the zip. Pin, baste and sew the zip in place using a ¼in seam allowance and backstitching at each end.
15
Repeat the process in step 14 in order to sew the other side of the zip to the bottom of the cushion back piece. Take care to centre the zip exactly, to ensure that the edges of the cushion front will line up exactly with those of the back piece.
16
Open the zip at least halfway. Align the cushion back and front RST. Sew around the edges of the cushion, starting at one end of the zip. Pivot with your needle down at the corners, and end at the other end of the zip. Snip the corners, turn right side out and press to finish.