How to cut the fabric pieces
Using the Rotary Cutter, Omni-grid Ruler and Cutting Mat, cut out fabric pieces thus:Cut out 5 squares each measuring 11cm x 11cm from Main Fabric and 4 strips each measuring 41cm for Border.
Cut out 8 squares each measuring 11cm x 11cm from Contrast Calico fabric (4 for Front of Cushion, 4 for Border Triangles).
Cut out 1 square measuring 41cm x 41cm from Backing Fabric for Back of Cushion and 8 squares measuring 11cm x 11cm for Border Triangles.
Instructions for embroidered panels
Place a piece of Vilene Stitch 'n' Tear behind each 11cm x 11cm square of main fabric and using the embroidery threads and built-in stitches, machine-stitch down alternate stripes of the squares. On completion, remove Stitch 'n' Tear backing.
Press embroidered panels on reverse under a cloth.
Heart Motif Panels
Trace the Heart Motif from the Diagram 1 onto paper and cut out. Iron a piece of Bondaweb (large enough to accommodate 4 Heart Motifs) onto the reverse of some spare main fabric. Trace around the Heart Motif 4 times and cut out. Take 4 squares of Calico. Place one Heart Motif centrally onto each of these 4 squares of Contrast Calico fabric. Iron in place.Place a piece of Vilene Stitch 'n' Tear behind each square. Set the machine to Satin Stitch (a wide zigzag with a very short stitch length). Using Fuchsia 340 and starting at point of Heart Motif, carefully work all round outer edge of Heart, enclosing all raw edges.
On completion, remove Stitch 'n' Tear and press Heart Motif Panels on reverse under a cloth.
How to make up Front Panel
Use 0.5cm seam allowances throughout. Using Diagram 2 as a guide, sew squares together as shown to make 3 strips comprising 3 squares each. Press seams on reverse as shown, pressing seams on top and bottom strip to the left and seams on middle strip to the right. This will help to avoid bulky seams at the corners of the squares. Join these 3 strips together to form the centre panel.
Press seams in one direction on reverse.
Front border with right sides together, pin then sew a 41cm Border strip along top and bottom of panel. Trim side edges to match panel. Press seams outwards. Take the remaining 2 border strips, pin then sew along the side edges of panel and strips as before. Press seams outwards on reverse.
Border Triangles
Take the remaining squares cut for border triangles. Using Diagram 3 as a guide, work each triangle separately as follows:
A - Fold each fabric square in half from top to bottom. Press fold.
B - Fold the top outer corners down to the centre front at lower edge (shown by red dot) to form a triangle.
C - Press flat so that the folds at centre front are sharp and touching each other, then baste raw edges together along lower edge. Matching raw edges to outer edges of front of cushion, arrange triangles evenly spaced in position all round outer edges of front, positioning the Calico triangle in the centre and backing fabric triangles to each side. Pin, then baste in position. Attach buttons or charms to each corner of the centre panel if desired. |