Halloween Pillow - Part 1 of 2

Halloween is approaching so I thought I would show how to make this halloween pillow, this is the first part of the tutorial, the next tutorial shows how to attach cord trim here

The cross stitch cat is one of my latest designs and can be purchased using the buy now button below. The PDF pattern is sent via email and includes:

Cross stitch chart

DMC and Anchor thread listing

Beginner cross stitch instructions.     

Skill level - beginner or advanced

Materials required to make the pillow -  finished pillow size  measuring 5.5" x 6"

Finished cross stitched  design

Fabric for back of pillow about 6" x 7" 

Fusible fleece

Polyester fibre fill

 Needle and thread for stitching

Cut around the cross stitch design leaving about 1" around the border

Cut the fleece and the fabric to the size of the finished cross stitched piece 

Place the fleece 'iron on' side down to the wrong side of the fabric

Press down with hot iron following manufacturers instructions

With wrong sides together pin the cross stitch design to the fabric  

Stitch around the edge using a sewing machine or by hand, leaving a narrow seam allowance

and leaving an opening at the bottom to allow for stuffing with fibrefill. 

Turn right side out and press, but ensure you place the cross stitch side down onto a thick towel

to prevent your cross stitches from being flattened.   

Turn under the same size seam allowance on the opening as you used for the sides.

Fill with fibrefill, starting at the top left, right and then the middle, ensuring you fill

right into the corners. 

The opening should now look like this.

Tie a small knot into the stitching thread and slip stitch the opening closed, ensuring you stitch

along the folded line as this gives a neat finish.   

Your pillow should now look like this.

The second tutorial will show the finished cord trim around the edge, I will be posting that

tutorial within the next week in time for stitching this for halloween.   

The fleece supports the fabric and gives a much neater finish.

 

The reverse side and side view.

I used 14 count aida, it is very easy to use and ideal for stitching as a pillow

because you can follow the line of the fabric when stitching, this helps you achieve a neat finish.

If you prefer you can frame the design in a hoop.

You can use any design to make this pillow but if you like this halloween cat design you can

purchase it below for $5

I am currently away on holiday, patterns will only be sent on my return on Sunday 13th September 2015.