Modern Pillow Project: Bush Gum Blossoms Cushion

Step One

Pattern + Feature Fabrics

First step is to grab your pattern from Make Modern Issue 25. If you have an All-Access Subscription, you will already have a copy, otherwise you can purchase the issue separately.

Next, select your feature fabrics. To make this project super quick, you can use a charm pack (a bundle of fabric that is precut by the factory to a specific size, usually 5″ square). We are using this beautiful new range from Susan Felicity Design which features Western Australian native flora. If you don’t have a charm pack, you can use any scraps that are at least 4″ square. You will need 16 prints.

Step Two

Solid Fabrics + Background

Now that you have selected your feature fabrics, choose 3-9 matching solid fabrics. The original pattern uses 3 solids, but I chose to make each cornerstone a different colour. You will only need a tiny piece of each fabric, so scraps will do. For the background, choose something light or low volume. I chose a beige linen print which has a beautiful texture that went well with the botanic prints.

Step Three

Cutting

This is my favourite part! Using a rotary cutter, a quilting ruler (at least 6″ wide) and a cutting board, cut your fabrics according to the measurements in the pattern.

Step Four

Layout

Before you begin to sew your fabrics together, place your pieces on the table next to your sewing machine to make sure you’re happy with the final layout.

Step Five

Sewing

Follow the instructions in the pattern and sew your pieces together. Some of the sections are chain-pieced making this project nice and quick (chain-piecing is like an assembly line for your quilting project. It means that you sew block after block without stopping to cut your thread in between each piece. If your machine likes to eat fabric at the start of sewing, or is prone to making thread birds nests, this method is very useful).

Step Six

Quilting

Press your finished top, then find a light-coloured backing fabric that is slightly larger than the pillow top (this will be on the inside of your pillow, so only seen on washing day!) and a piece of batting a similar size. Make a quilt sandwich by laying your backing fabric down, then your batting, then your pillow top facing right size up. Give it all a good press and secure the three pieces together with some safety pins, or 505 basting spray (a temporary adhesive to stop the top shifting while you quilt). Now, it’s time for the quilting! Because this is like a mini quilt top, it is perfect for practicing your free-motion quilting skills. In the original pattern, Kristy has quilted hers using straight line quilting, but I need to practice free-motion quilting, and leaves felt perfect for this. N.B. Your pillow top will shrink slightly as you quilt, so always make sure you start with larger backing and batting, and wait to trim the finished quilted pillow top after it has been quilted.

Step Seven

Add a pillow back + stuffing

There are many ways to finish a quilted pillow. In the original instructions, Kristy tells you how to create a simple envelope backing. I like to stuff my cushions with 50% recycled polyfill and 50% old kids clothing and quilting scraps, so they need to be well-sealed with a zip. Here’s a great tutorial to make a hidden zippered cushion cover.

Thank you to Susan Felicity Designer Fabrics for the gifted charm pack. It was fun to browse through all of the patterns in our Make Modern Pattern Gallery and find the perfect one to showcase your unique fabrics featuring Western Australian flora. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love flowers and gardening, so this cushion will take pride of place on our couch.

​You can find out more about Susan Felicity and her designs on her website, and purchase her fabrics directly online. I know she would love you to follow her on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram.