Cross Stitch Quilt Block & Pillow Tutorials

I have a million memories from my childhood of watching my mother with a piece of cross stitch in her hands. Her handmade pictures were all over our house, and I remember sitting at the breakfast table when I was a little girl, studying them thoughtfully while I ate my cereal in the mornings. Those same pictures are now hanging in our breakfast nook where my daughters start the day, such a wonderful way to carry on that legacy.

For a long time now, I've been wanting to do a cross stitch quilt block, and when I was working on my book proposal last year, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to try it. The quilt blocks in this pillow look like a row of patchwork cross stitches to me, and I love that they remind me of my mother every time I see them. 

Incidentally, I've decided that all the projects and information that I share with you here on the blog that would have gone into that next book are going to be tagged under the label "Carnival of Patchwork." Hopefully that will help you find it in the search box on the left if you're looking for anything from this series!

This little block is so much fun to sew, and I love that it looks great in every project where I've used it. My first pattern was the patchwork pillow at the top of this post which I hand quilted. I love this one so much that it sits in a place of honor on my bed where I can look at it every day.

My next attempt was a zipper pouch that I made in shades of pink, yellow, aqua, and white. It's interesting to me how the look of the block changes without the sashing strips in between. I honestly can't decide which style I like better at this point.

And just to show that I could make something using only one block, I turned this one into a little pincushion. I didn't actually plan for the H to land at the top, but I think it was meant to be!

Those numbers running along the lower edge are so much fun. I added 1" borders to the block and then finished it using the directions for my Tagalong Pincushion pattern in Patchwork USA. Feel free to do the same!

I wanted to share the tutorial with you so that you can play with this block in any number of projects that you can dream up. Here's how you make one...

Cross-Stitch Quilt Block

Finished size: 2" x 2"

From a 5" square of a colored print, cut:

(1) rectangle, 1 1/4" x 3 3/4" (A)

(2) rectangles, 1 1/4" x 1 3/4" (B)

From a 5" square of low volume print, cut:

(4) squares, 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" (C)

1. Arrange the pieces for a single block as shown. Sew the C squares to either side of the B rectangles (the B rectangle will extend slightly beyond the C squares). Press seams open.

2. Center a B/C unit on one long side of the A rectangle and sew in place (the A rectangle will extend slightly beyond the B/C unit). Repeat on the other side of the A rectangle with the other B/C unit. Press seams open.

3. Using a ruler and rotary cutter, rotate the block so that it forms an X shape. Centering the block, carefully trim to a 2 1/2” x 2 1/2” square.

I know that some of you can take those directions and run with them all over the place, but if you're looking for set of directions for a finished project, here are the instructions for the Cross Stitch Patchwork Pillow.

Cross-Stitch Patchwork Pillow

Finished size: 12" x 16"

From (24) 5’’ squares of colored prints, cut from each print:

- (1) rectangle, 1 1/4” x 3 3/4’’ (A) 

- (2) rectangles, 1 1/4” x 1 3/4’’ (B)

From (24) 5’’ squares of low volume prints, cut from each print:

- (4) squares, 1 1/2’’ x 1 1/2’’ (C)

From 1/3 yard white solid, cut…

- (16) rectangles, 1’’ x 2 1/2’’ (D)

- (3) rectangles, 12 1/2’’ x 1’’ (E)

- (2) rectangles, 2 1/2’’ x 10’’ (F)

- (2) rectangles, 16 1/2’’ x 1 3/4’’ (G)

From 1/2 yard batting, cut:

- (1) rectangle, 18’’ x 15’’ (H)

From 1/2 yard muslin, cut:

- (1) rectangle, 18’’ x 15’’ (I)

From 1/2 yard red gingham, cut 2 rectangles, 13’’ x 12 1/2’’ (J)

Additional Supplies: matching thread, binding clips, chopstick/turning tool

1. Sort the pieces for each block into 24 stacks. Each stack should include 1 A rectangle and 2 B rectangles from a single colored print and 4 C squares from a single low volume print.

2. Arrange the pieces for a single block as shown in the quilt block diagram above. Sew the C squares to either side of the B rectangles (the B rectangle will extend slightly beyond the C squares). Press seams open.

3. Center a B/C unit on one long side of the A rectangle and sew in place (the A rectangle will extend slightly beyond the B/C unit). Repeat on the other side of the A rectangle with the other B/C unit. Press seams open.

4. Using a ruler and rotary cutter, rotate the block so that it forms an X shape. Centering the block, carefully trim to a 2 1/2” x 2 1/2” square.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 with the pieces for the remaining 23 blocks. 

6. Arrange the quilt blocks, D rectangles, and E rectangles as shown above. Sew the blocks and D pieces together in rows. Then sew the rows and E pieces together to form the pillow top.

7. Sew the F rectangles to the right and left edges of the pillow top. Sew the G rectangles to the upper and lower edges. 

8. Stack in this order from bottom to top: I rectangle, H rectangle, pillow top (right side up). Use adhesive basting spray to fuse them together and quilt as desired.

9. Fold a 12 1/2’’ end of an J piece under (toward the wrong side) approximately 3/8’’ twice. Topstitch 1/4’’ from the fold. Repeat with the other J piece.

10. Finish the pillow by placing the each of the backing pieces from step 9 right sides together with the pillow top. The hemmed edges should point toward the center, overlapping each other, and the opposite raw edges should line up with the shorter right and left sides of the pillow top. (See the directions for the Road Trip Pillow on page 44 in my book Patchwork USA if you need to see diagrams that explain this more thoroughly.) Hold them together with binding clips, and then sew all around the outside edge. Trim the corners, turn the pillow cover right side out, gently push out the corners with a chopstick, and press.

If you make one of these, be sure to tag it #fabricmuttcrossstitchblock or #crossstitchpatchworkpillow and tag me @fabricmutt. I'm hoping at some point to start on a quilt with this pattern -- maybe making the blocks twice as big so it won't take me quite as long to finish. We'll see...

Have fun!

Spool Party Pincushion Tutorial

Happy Friday, everyone! To celebrate, here's an easy tutorial just perfect for some fun weekend sewing.

I've gotten lots of requests for the spool pattern I used on the Liberty runner I shared last month. The directions below will show you how to make the spool block itself and then how to turn it into a sweet little pincushion that you can sew up in as little as 20 minutes. These are perfect for sewing swap extras, beginner projects, or maybe even a sewing themed Easter basket. (I'm always thinking ahead to the next big holiday...)

Let's have a Spool Party this week! If you make one of these pincushions -- or even a bigger project with this spool block -- share a photo on Instagram along with the hashtag #spoolparty and make sure you tag me too @fabricmutt. I think this pattern is especially fun for fussy cutting, and I'm hoping to make a pillow with lots of cute spool centers!

Here's the pattern:

Spool Party Pincushion

Notes: All seams are 1/4". Press seams open or toward the darker fabric.

1. Sew a 3/4" x 2 1/2" background strip to the right and left edges of a 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" feature square.

2. Sew a 1" x 3" spool end strip to the upper and lower edges of the block. This is a finished spool block which you can use to make pouches, table runners, quilts, etc. But if you want to make the Spool Party Pincushion, keep going!

3. Sew a 1" x 3" background strip to the upper and lower edges of the block.

4. Sew a 1 1/4" x 4 1/2" strip to the right and left edges of the block. Use adhesive basting spray to fuse a 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" piece of batting to the wrong side of the block and quilt as desired. Fold a 2" piece of twill tape in half with wrong sides together and center it on the left edge of the pincushion top. Baste it in place.

5. Place a 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" piece of backing fabric right sides together with the pincushion top. Sew all around the outside edge, leaving a 2" gap on the side opposite the twill tape loop. Trim the corners and turn the pincushion right side out.

6. Stuff the pincushion with the stuffing of your choice and hand sew the opening closed.

I can't wait to see lots of cute spool projects showing up in my feed. Be sure to share this tutorial with friends so we can get this #spoolparty started!

Little Red Deluxe Pincushion

I get to share one of my favorite new collections with you today: Little Red in the Woods by my talented friend Jill Howarth.

These fabrics . . . oh my goodness . . . the cuteness is beyond words. Not only do they share darling illustrations of the classic story, but this collection also includes some fabulous small scale prints which are just perfect for the tiny patchwork I love to do.

While I'm stashing these prints for future projects, I knew that I wanted to make a Deluxe Pincushion right away from my book Sew Organized for the Busy Girl. The nine patch block on the front pocket is the perfect place to turn a spotlight on all the sweet details Jill features in her designs, and Riley Blake Designs Swiss Dot in teal made a perfect frame for it.

I also carefully fussy cut a picture of Red and the Wolf to be peeking over the pocket on the main body of the pincushion. For the tag on the side, I used a bit of twill tape that I had custom printed featuring a design from my upcoming Shortcake collection. I was delighted that it matched the fabrics so well!

I'm completely in love with this project, and it's been sitting on the little shelf above my sewing table where I can look at it every day. Jill's illustrations are always so full of joy, and I love to add more of that to my sewing space with her fabric!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday last week. Thanksgiving vacation was pure bliss at our house. Eating amazing food, sleeping in every morning, getting out the Christmas decorations, spending hours of fun with my beautiful family -- I couldn't have asked for more. It's moments like these that remind you how blessed you really are, and I definitely want to hold that thought close to my heart as we finish out this year and get ready to start a new one.

Pinnie Pennant Tutorial

My dear friend Julie of The Intrepid Thread asked me to come up with another fun tutorial for this year's Quilt Non event (for all of us who can't make it to Quilt Con East), following in the footsteps of last year's Pixie Basket tutorial. So I wrote up a quick little patchwork pennant with a landing spot for pins and needles that I'm calling the Pinnie Pennant. This little project takes 30 minutes or less to sew, and it's tiny enough that you can even hang it on the hand wheel of your sewing machine. I think this would make a cute little extra for swaps too!

If you make one of these, please share it on Instagram and use the hashtag #pinniepennant (and #quiltnon2017 if you're making it for the weekend challenge!). Be sure to tag me too @fabricmutt!

Happy sewing, friends!

Pinnie Pennant Tutorial

by Heidi Staples

Finished size: 3 1/2 x 4 1/2”

Fabric	For	Cut
Charm square of linen	Main body	1 rectangle, 3 3/4 x 4”
7 print scraps, each at least 2” square	Patchwork border	1 rectangle, 1 x 2”, from each print
Mini charm square of gold stripe print	Needle landing spot backing	1 rectangle, 2 x 2 3/4”, edges cut with pinking shears
Mini charm square of cream felt	Needle landing spot	1 rectangle, 1 1/2 x 2 1/4”
Charm square of batting	Interfacing	1 square, 5 x 5”
String or baking twine	Hanging loop	1 piece, 7” long
Charm square of floral print	Pennant backing	1 square 5 x 5”

Additional Materials

Adhesive basting spray

Twill tape (optional) for decorative loop

Basting clips

Pins & needles

Notes

All seams 1/4” unless otherwise stated.

RST = right sides together

Press seams open wherever possible.

1. On the linen square, use a pencil to mark 1” up on the left and right edges (the 3 3/4” long sides) and mark the midpoint on the lower edge (a 4” side). Use your rotary cutter to trim a straight line from the midpoint to the left 1” marking. Do the same from the midpoint to the the right 1” marking. (See photo above.)

2. Sew the 1 x 2” patchwork border rectangles together in a row, sewing along the 2” edges.

3. Sew the patchwork row to the top straight 4” long edge of the linen piece. Use adhesive basting spray to fuse the wrong side of the pennant to the batting square. Quilt as desired and then trim off the excess batting. (I stitched on either side of each seam on the patchwork as well as on the seam joining the patchwork to the linen piece.)

4. Place the ends of your string on the top edge of the pennant, lined up with the first patchwork seam from each side with the loop pointing down. Stitch in place 1/8” from the top edge.

5. Use the front panel of the pennant as a guide to trace and cut out the pennant backing piece. Place the front and back pieces RST, secure them with pins or basting clips, and stitch all the way around the pennant, leaving a 2-3” gap on the right or left edge. Be sure to backstitch when you start and stop.

6. Trim the corners and then turn the pennant right side out through the gap, gently pushing out the corners with a chopstick or turning tool. Tuck the raw edges inside the gap, press the pennant, and then sew 1/8 - 1/16” from the edge all the way around the outside of the pennant.

7. Use adhesive basting spray to fuse the felt rectangle to the right side of the needle landing spot backing piece, making sure that it’s centered. If you like, tuck in a decorative twill tape loop centered at the bottom between the felt and the backing piece.Then use adhesive basting spray to fuse that piece to the center of the linen part of the pennant. Stitch around the felt piece, just inside the edge of the rectangle, to secure in place.

8. Tuck your pins and needles into the felt, hang up your pennant, and enjoy!

Happy Flower Quilts: Pin Cushions & a Giveaway

I love pincushions! Is there anything so quick and tiny and absolutely adorable as a sweet little pincushion? These versions from Happy Flower Quilts by the incredibly brilliant Atsuko Matsuyama just couldn't be more fun to sew.

I had originally planned to make all three of the pin cushion patterns in this book but had to limit myself to two so that I could stay up with all my other deadlines. The Log Cabin and Shoofly versions are simple and sweet, small enough that you can use your smallest treasured scraps. For the Shoofly version, I used quilting cotton fabrics paired with a favorite dotty print. The original pattern called for two pom-poms sewed to each corner, but I used only one. My daughters think it's the cutest thing ever.

If I had to pick a favorite, though, it would be the Log Cabin version which I made using all Liberty lawn scraps (except for the retro lady in the center) and backed in linen. It's everything that I love in one tiny package.

I never cease to be fascinated by Japanese quilting books, and Happy Flower Quilts is no exception. This book is full of beautiful patchwork projects that I hope to make in the future. If you'd like a copy of your own from World Book Media, just leave a comment below. The giveaway is open worldwide, just be sure that your email address is in your comment or visible to me so that I can contact you! I'll choose a winner on Saturday.

If you'd like to see more, be sure to check out the other stops on the book tour listed below.

Happy sewing, friends!

Think Small

There are moments when you have to make something right away. Sometimes you even find yourself running for the printer and the fabric as soon as you see the pattern on your computer screen. 

The Tiny Dresden Pincushion, designed by my friend Amanda of Westwood Acres Fabric, is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. This was actually my first Dresden block, and I'm completely hooked. I can't wait to make another one. 

I made a few alterations to the pattern, cutting the center circle about 1/2" smaller and using a longer strip for the gusset so that I could sew it on like binding (it's just easier for me that way). The whole project took less than a day. I started this as soon as I finished cutting out the pattern pieces last night, and finished it right after lunch today. For the fabric, I used a bundle that I shared on Instagram over the weekend of some of my very favorite prints. I am absolutely crazy about this darling little pincushion!

Do any of you find that hand sewing encourages deep thinking? It sure does with me. Over the past few months I've found myself mulling over current events as I sew, and it can be so discouraging. 

In this day and age, we're told to think big, dream big. There are certainly moments when this is a good thing. I've been struck lately, though, with the importance of thinking small. The world is going crazy right now. Pain and suffering, injustice and cruelty -- they're happening all around us, and it's frightening to realize that there's not much I can do to alter these things. How many of us have the power to change the world? 

But then I remember that I can change my world. I can't influence heads of state, but I can teach my daughters to be kind to each other. I can't care for hurting people around the globe, but I can encourage a friend who's struggling with problems at home. We can make a difference in the lives of those closest to us, especially our families. It's easier to think that a grand gesture has a bigger impact, but I'm not sure that it does. When we cultivate kindness in the everyday challenges of life, those seeds of love can spread farther than we realize. 

It's not the easy way, mind you. Showing patience with crabby kids, frustrating coworkers, and difficult family members day after day is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage and selflessness and determination. It takes strength beyond ourselves. But isn't it worth the sacrifice?

Make a difference today, my friends...think small.

Fleet & Flourish Projects

I was so happy to make a few Quilt Market samples for my friend Maureen this month, using her new Fleet & Flourish collection for Art Gallery Fabrics. You can see pictures of her stunningly beautiful booth in this wonderful post she wrote about her experience at Market last weekend. Maureen is one of the most talented people I know, and I'm so thrilled to see her thriving in this new career as a fabric designer!

My assignment was to make bags and clutches for her booth. Maureen sent me a mailing envelope stuffed full of Fleet & Flourish strike-off pieces as well as a good number of AGF basic prints and solids. It was really fun to just be creative and make things up as I went along.

Since she was going for a romantic, bohemian vibe, I added lace and leather details wherever possible. I haven't really sewn with lace accents before, but it was a fun challenge. Leather always pairs well with patchwork. I use leather straps as zipper pulls on all my pouches now, and I actually cut one longer purse strap into two pieces for the handles on this mini tote bag. 

My favorite project is probably the laptop bag I made using her canvas Roadside Guides print. I definitely need to make another one of these some time. This was my first time working with AGF canvas, and I was really impressed. This is the some of the softest canvas I've ever seen. 

This tablet case was inspired by a clutch I had seen on Pinterest. I liked the mosaic effect of sewing pieces together with thin sashing and then tilting it all a bit to one side. 

And yes, I couldn't resist adding a Deluxe Pincushion to the stack of projects. I just love fussy cutting the tiniest scraps for these pincushions. It's such fun!

You can check out the entire line of Fleet & Flourish at the AGF website here. I have no doubt that you'll enjoy sewing with it as much as I did!

Busy Girl Sews: SOTAK Handmade

As I explained in my last post, I rarely make the same pattern twice. That's why the Deluxe Pincushion from my book surprised me. I never tire of making these. The Heather Ross version above (which I sewed up in a mad dash on the night before heading to Quilt Market) is my latest and possibly favorite one yet. It reminds me very much of our new home in Texas which I can hardly wait to visit in just four weeks.

Svetlana of S.O.T.A.K Handmade is sharing her own pincushion this week, and I'm delighted that she's not only on my book tour but also one of the bloggers featured in my book. She has a design style that is so uniquely her own -- I can instantly recognize her hand in any project she makes. I'm honored to call her a friend as well as a fellow blogger. If you're not familiar with her work, go spend an afternoon scrolling through her beautiful blog posts as well as the fantastic patterns she has for sale. I promise, you won't be disappointed.

I'm hoping to have a post for you in the next few days to share impressions of my first Quilt Market. What an adventure! It's all still processing in my head, but I can't wait to share my thoughts with you. We'll talk soon...