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Birds of a Feather Pillows

These simple, yet elegant, pillows are accented with bird buttons sold exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts Stores. Read all instructions before beginning and use 1/4”-wide seam allowances throughout. Read Cutting Strips and Pieces prior to cutting fabric.

Songbird Pillow

Create an elegant look to these pillows with added mock piping. One square each of two fabrics yields two pillow tops.

Fabric Requirements and Cutting Instructions:

For Two 15” Pillows

Fabric A - 1/2 yard Songbird fabric

One 16 1/2” square

Fabric B - 1 yard Background and Backing fabric

One 16 1/2” square

Four 10 1/2” x 15 1/2” pieces

Fabric C -1/6 yard Mock Piping Fabric

Four 1” x 25” pieces

Two Large Bird Buttons (approximate size 2 1/2”)

Two Circle Appliqués- scrap

Batting- Two 17” squares

Lining (will not show)-1/2 yard

Two 17” squares

15” Pillow Form

Making the Pillow:

  1. With fabric marking pencil, mark a diagonal line on right and wrong side of Fabric B, each on the same diagonal.
  2. To make Mock Piping, fold 1” Fabric C piece in half lengthwise wrong sides together and press. Make four. Place raw edges of Fabric C piece on right side of Fabric B square's drawn line and baste Fabric C Mock Piping piece in place using 1/4”-wide seam. Repeat for other side of drawn line as shown.


  3. Place 16 1/2” Fabric A square right-sides-together with unit from step 2. Stitch on basting through all layers. Cut square in half diagonally on drawn line. Press piping toward Fabric B. This makes two half-square triangles.


  4. To make remaining Mock Piping, draw a diagonal line on right and wrong side of one unit from step 3 in opposite direction from seam as shown. Repeat step 2 with remaining 1” accent piece on both sides of drawn line. Place unit from step 3 on top of this unit with Fabric A and B on top of each other. Stitch on basting through all layers. Cut square in half diagonally on drawn line. Press. Square to 15 1/2”. This makes two quarter-square triangle units. Press Mock Piping toward Fabric B, twisting fabric in center of intersection.



Adding the Appliqué

  1. Refer to Quick-Fuse Appliqué. Our instructions are for Quick-Fuse appliqué, but if you prefer hand appliqué, add 1/4”-wide seam allowance. Draw two 2 3/4”-wide circles on paper side of fusible web. Use appropriate fabric to prepare appliqués for fusing.
  2. Refer to photo to fuse circle to center of pillow. Finish appliqué edges with machine satin stitch or other decorative stitching as desired. Make two.

Finishing

  1. Refer to Finishing Pillows to quilt pillow top.
  2. Refer to Finishing Pillows to sew 10 1/2” x 15 1/2” Backing pieces to pillow. Insert 15” pillow form.
  3. In center of pillow, sew large button through all layers of pillow.

Four Button Pillow

This complementary pillow is a great accent to the pillow grouping.

Fabric Requirements and Cutting Instructions

Fabric A Background

Two 4 1/2” x 11 1/2” pieces

One 2” x 11 1/2” piece

Fabric B Accent

Two 1 1/4” x 11 1/2” pieces

Fabric C Mock Piping

Two 1” x 11 1/2” pieces

Fabric D Lining (will not show)

One 13” square

Batting -One 13” square

Button- Four bird buttons (approximate size 1 1/4”)

11” Pillow Form

Making the Pillow

  1. Sew one 2” x 11 1/2” Fabric A piece between two 1 1/4” x 11 1/2” Fabric B pieces. Press.
  2. To make Mock Piping, fold 1” x 11 1/2” Fabric C pieces in half lengthwise wrong sides together. Press.
  3. Baste Mock Piping to right side of Fabric B piece. Repeat for other side.
  4. Sew unit from step 3 between two 4 1/2” x 11 1/2” Fabric A pieces. Press Mock Piping toward Fabric A pieces.

Finishing

  1. Refer to Finishing Pillows to quilt pillow top.
  2. Add Songbird buttons as desired.
  3. Refer to Finishing Pillows to sew 8 1/2” x 11 1/2” Fabric A Backing pieces to pillow. Insert 11” pillow form.

Website visitors have permission to print this project for personal use only. This project may not be copied or otherwise reproduced without the express written permission of Debbie Mumm®.