throw pillow {Fall Petals}

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Designer: Kendra McCracken

One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to liven up the decor in a room is to add some bold decorative throw pillows. I recently found a pillow with a design similar to this one online. I loved the giant flower and the dimension the petals added to the pillow. After looking at the price tag and accepting that the color of it would not work with the decor in our home, I decided I would make one myself. With the Fall months being just around the corner, I chose some rich fall colors for my fabrics.

Difficulty rating

Instructions (Print version)

To begin, use the Circles Shape Template to trace the 2 largest size circles onto the backside of variety of patterned fabrics. Cut out the circles using the No. Razor-Edged Scissors. After folding each circle in half, stitch 1/8" from the curved edge.

On a 13" x 13" square of fabric, assemble the first layer of petals, pinning them in place, and stitch them down. Continue stitching down layers of petals until you reach the center. As you go, use the tape measure from the 12-in-1 Sewing Multi Tool to keep the petals evenly placed. Measure from the edges of the base fabric to the petals as you pin them down. Finish the center using a small doily or a circle of fabric and a button.

Once the flower is complete, place the square of fabric with the flower on it face down on another 13" x 13" square of fabric. Stitch the 2 squares together using a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving an opening for turning the pillow right-side out. Stuff the pillow with fiberfill and slipstitch the opening closed.

Now that I've completed my first one, I'm ready to go making more, experimenting with different fabrics and patterns. I think some reds, aquas, and whites are first up to adorn the bed in my craft room!

Supplies:
ShapeTemplate™ Tool - Circles-1 w/Scallop Border # 48507097 http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_shapetemplate-tool-circles-1-wsca.aspx
No. 8 Razor-Edged™ Scissors # 94547097
http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_no-8-razor-edged-scissors.aspx
12-in-1 Sewing Multi-Tool # 12-59777097 http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_12-in-1-multi-tool.aspx

Other: (2) 13" squares of fabric, 1/2 yard each of various fabrics to create the flower petals, coordinating threads, small doily (optional), button, fiberfill