Pattern Description
This DIY applique pillowcase is constructed from a 4×4 patchwork panel using 16 fabric squares.
Fabric circles, stabilized with fusible interfacing, are hand-stitched onto the squares using a running stitch to achieve a quilted effect. The finished pillowcase measures 40 x 40 cm and includes a zippered back closure.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
Materials:
- Fabric scraps of various colors (used for the squares and circles). The maker specifically mentions using red and blue/turquoise shades.
- Quilting cotton for the backing.
- Batting. The batting used was acrylan (synthetic).
- Fusible interfacing (pressed onto the circles).
- Zipper (inserted between the two back fabric pieces).
- Basting thread (regular basting thread is preferred over general purpose thread).
- Stitching thread: Top stitching thread was used for hand stitching, although general purpose thread (thinner/less visible) or embroidery floss are also mentioned as options.
- Trick marker (used for making marks on the fabric).
Measurements:
- Finished dimensions of the pillowcase: 40 x 40 cm.
- Fabric Squares: 16 squares cut at 10 cm x 10 cm each, plus a 1 cm seam allowance per edge.
- Circles (Applique pieces): 16 circles. The diameter of each circle must be less than 10 cm.
- Quilt backing cotton: 40 x 40 cm piece.
- Batting: A piece of batting similar in size to the backing cotton (implied 40 x 40 cm).
- Seam Allowance: 1 cm seam allowance is used per edge on the initial squares and for the final connection of the patchwork square.
Instructions for Making the Personalized Appliqué Pillowcase Pattern:
Preparation and Cutting
- Cut the Squares: Cut 16 fabric squares of various colors, with each square measuring 10 cm x 10 cm (plus a 1 cm seam allowance per edge).
- Cut the Appliqué Circles: Cut 16 circles. Ensure the diameter of each circle is less than 10 cm.
- Plan the Layout: Lay the 16 squares out in a 4 by 4 arrangement to determine how they should be sewn together. Lay the 16 circles on top of the squares. Take a photo of the layout for future reference.
- Prepare the Appliqué: Press fusible interfacing onto the circles. This technique leaves the raw edges of the circles exposed, which is less time consuming than folding them in.
- Cut Backing Materials: Cut a 40 x 40 cm piece of quilting cotton for the backing and a similar piece of batting (such as acrylan/synthetic batting).
Patchwork and Quilt Construction
- Sew the Patchwork: Patchwork the 16 squares together. First, sew the squares together in each row, and then connect the rows. This will result in a 40 x 40 cm patchwork square (plus 1 cm seam allowance per edge). This square forms the front piece of the pillowcase.
- Create the Quilt Sandwich: Assemble the quilt sandwich using the patchwork front, the batting, and the backing cotton.
- Baste the Layers: Baste the layers well. The sources recommend using regular basting thread as it is better suited for basting than general purpose thread.
- Position and Baste the Appliqué: Lay the circles back onto the appropriate squares and baste them into place.
Hand Stitching and Quilting
- Hand Stitch the Circles: Using a running stitch, hand stitch the circles to the squares, sewing close to the raw edge. Stitch through all layers (front, batting, and backing) to achieve the quilted effect.
- Note on Thread: The maker used top stitching thread, but you could opt for general purpose thread (which will be thinner and less visible) or embroidery floss. Machine stitching might not work well for curved borders.
- Add Decorative Stitching: Add any additional decorative stitching desired. For example, the maker added a little circle of running stitches inside each circle appliqué piece.
- Finish the Front Piece: Once all stitching is complete, remove all basting, except for the basting that runs along the seam line around the outermost edge.
Final Assembly
- Prepare the Back Piece: The back piece should measure 40 x 40 cm. It is made of two fabric pieces. Insert a zipper between these two back fabric pieces. Keep the zipper open for the next step.
- Sew Front to Back: Sew the four edges of the finished front piece to the prepared back piece.
- Finish the Seams: Trim the corners at an angle. Finish the seam allowances together using an overlock stitch or a zigzag stitch (if a serger is unavailable).
- Turn Out: Turn the pillowcase inside out and ensure the corners are pulled out well.
- Care and Pressing: If marks were made on the fabric with a trick marker, hand wash the pillowcase and hang it to dry. If the batting is synthetic (like acrylan), gently press the finished pillowcase using a synthetic setting on the iron to prevent the heat from melting and flattening the batting.
- Done: Place your pillow inside and close the zip.
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