Denim Circle Pillow- Tutorial, Part 2

**If you missed Part 1, go HERE (Part I)

 

Now, we’re ready to assemble the pillow front.

 

Make sure you have the following supplies ready:

     -16 (5”) fabric squares

     -16 (4”) batting squares

     -your 4 previously created rows of denim circles

     -thread to match the denim

    

 

 

1.  Work on one row at a time.  Center each batting square in a denim circle. 

There is no need to measure, just approximate the center of the circle.

 

 

2.  Next, center the fabric squares over the batting squares.  Again, approximate the

center and in this case, the fabric WILL be too big for the circle but the excess will

not matter.  Just smooth the excess fabric up the sides of the flaps.

 

 

 

 

3.  Pin each flap down in preparation for sewing. 

Notice that you cannot see the excess fabric because it has been tucked up

underneath the flaps.

 

 

 

4.  Start sewing!

Begin with the first pair of pinned flaps. 

 

Sew down one side, pivot (this is easier if you keep the needle in the down

position) and sew around the other side.  Backstitch at both ends.  

 

I like to use about a 3/8” seam allowance.  The seam allowance

should be big enough to clip later.

 

Do this for all four rows.

 

 

 

 

5.  NOW…let’s put all of the rows together!

Use a ruler that is at least as long as your row of circles (I used a 24” ruler).

Measure 1” from the edge of the circles and draw a line.

 

(Again, no one will see this line so use any kind of marking device you

would like.) 

 

 

 

6.  With WRONG sides together, pin this row to the next one. 

Make sure that in both rows, the fabric squares are facing the OUTSIDE, wrong sides

together.

 

Sew along this line.  Backstitch at both ends of the row and reinforce each curve by

sewing back and forth over the line.

 

Reinforce at corners.

 

 

8.  Press open the seam and then sew the other two rows together just as you did above.

  

 

 

You should now have two identical sections composed of two rows each.

 

9.  Sew down the flaps in both sections. Use an approximate 3/8” seam

allowance. 

I have found that the easiest way to do this is to sew in a figure eight pattern,

down one side and up the other.

 

When you get to one end, leave the needle in the fabric, turn and sew back down the

other side. 

You are basically following a figure eight pattern.  (*see picture below)

 

 

 

10.  Join the two sections together in exactly the same fashion as above.  

 

Measure 1” from the edge and draw a line.  Pin the two sections together and sew on the

line.  REMEMBER, wrong sides together (fabric facing outward). 

 

**Backstitch at both ends and reinforce at the circle corners.  

 

 

 

11.  Press the flaps open and flat. Sew the flaps down.  Again, use a figure eight pattern

and a 3/8” seam allowance.

 

 

 

12.  Trimming the Pillow Top.

Measure 1” from all four edges of the pillow top, in this case it is not necessary to

draw a line.  Cut away and discard the 1” circle edges.   

 

 

14.   Check the size of your finished square. You will probably need to square it up so

that it is the same width in both directions.

You will want your pillow top to be somewhere between 17 1/2” - 17 3/4”.  Any smaller

and you may have problems getting your pillow form to fit.

 

 

On to finishing the pillow!  You will not do the actual clipping of the seams until the back is attached.

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For the last step you will need:

     -1/2 yard of backing fabric

     -18” pillow form

     -spring loading scissors (or regular sharp fabric scissors will also work)

     -stiff cleaning brush (optional)