MAKING THE APPLIQUÉD CUSHION
Preparation
The cushion centre is made up of a green stem with 10 appliquéd mustard-coloured leaves. Five different mustard-coloured fabrics have been used for the leaves. The cover is quilted with vertical straight line quilting and finished with an envelope back.
Cutting
All cutting instructions include a ¼in (0.6cm) seam allowance.
Grey fabric 1 x 18½in (47cm) square
2 x 18½in by 14¼in (47 x 36cm) rectangles
Cream fabric 1 x 18½in (47cm) square
Fabric scraps 2 stem and 10 leaf motifs Step 1: Trace each part of the motif separately onto the paper side of the fusible interfacing and roughly cut around them. Place the fusible interface motifs onto the reverse of the chosen fabrics so that the paper side is uppermost and iron the motif onto the fabric. Cut out each motif neatly along the traced lines. Peel the backing paper away from the motif and place each piece onto the 18½in (47cm) grey square as follows: Position the first stem 5in (13cm) in from the corner on the bottom edge of the fabric. Align the second stem motif with this first stem, overlapping the end by ¼in (0.6cm). Position five leaves on each side of the stem. Ensure the join is stitched over on the stem. Iron in place. The appliqué work uses the zigzag stitch machine appliqué as detailed on the opposite page.
Step 2: To stitch the cushion together, layer the cushion top by placing the 18½in (47cm) cream square wrong side up on a surface, followed by the wadding, or batting, and then the cushion top, centrally and right side up. Secure with tacking stitches or quilters’ pins placed at regular intervals.
Step 3: Using the grey thread, machine quilt vertical lines 1in (2.5cm) apart across the quilt top. Step 4: To prepare the envelope back for the cushion, take the two 18½in by 14¼in (47 x 36cm) grey rectangles. On one longer edge of each, fold and press ¼in (0.6cm) towards the wrong side. Fold the edge again by 2in (5cm) to create a hem; press, then pin in place. Step 5: To stitch the cushion together, position one backing piece on the cushion front, right sides together, with the folded edge in the middle, and pin around the outer edge. Repeat with the second backing piece. Stitch around the outer edge of the cushion. Trim the corners and turn through so that the right side is facing out. Press well and insert the cushion pad.