A Bit of Scrap Stuff - Sewing, Quilting, and Fabric Fun: TUTORIAL: Spooky Fun

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

TUTORIAL: Spooky Fun - Circle Appliqué Pillow

Hello! Today I'm sharing a tutorial for a Spooky Fun - Circle Appliqué Pillow! This is a quick and fun home decor project that is easily completed in an afternoon or evening! I selected Halloween fabric as it is Spooky Season, but you can easily use any fabric that fits your home decor!

I created an appliqué project because I recently received the Janome Appliqué Foot (AP) and wanted to use it immediately. Yes - I love this (new to me) foot as my appliqué stitches look so fabulous and even! I recently learned about the Janome Appliqué Foot (AP) when I was watching the Janome Skill Builder Series Week 6 Video on YouTube - here . The video is full of helpful appliqué tips!

Spooky Fun - Circle Appliqué Pillow (17.5" x 17.5")

Tutorial Time -

Supplies:

Sewing Machine * I sew/quilt on a Janome M7, which I looooooove!
Applique Foot (AP) - be sure your foot is the correct size for your machine. I use a 9mm foot for the Janome M7.
Quarter Inch Foot (1/4")
Free Motion foot (optional)
(2) 18" x 18" Fabric Squares - Pillow Front and Back * Spooky Darlings Fabric designed by Ruby Star Society
Random Fabric Scraps - Circle Appliqué Shapes * Spooky Darlings Fabric designed by Ruby Star Society
Heat N Bond Lite or preferred sewable fusible adhesive
20" or larger nylon zipper
AccuQuilt Circle Die 2", 3", 5" (optional). I used my AccuQuilt GO! Circle Die for perfectly cut circles. No worries if you do not have this AccuQuilt die as you can draw circles on the paper side of Heat N Bond Lite then cut out circles with scissors
19" x 19" scrap batting
18" x 18" pillow insert

Step 1: Adhere fusible adhesive (Heat 'N Bond Lite) to wrong size of fabric scraps. Be sure to sure to use a fusible adhesive that is safe for sewing as you will be appliqué stitching on the circles.

Step 2 (AccuQuilt Method): Cut desired number of circles using AccuQuilt GO! Circle 2", 3", 5" die. I prefer to remove the fusible adhesive paper backing prior to cutting the circles and only cut 2 layers at a time (Right side of fabrics touching)

Step 2: Trace circles with pen/pencil on paper side of Fusible Adhesive. You can use cups or bowls as a template or a compass. My circles are cut at 2" or 3" or 5", but you can use any size! Using scissors, cut along drawn circle line. Remove paper backing

Step 3: Place circles in desired layout on Pillow Front Fabric 18" x 18". I chose to have a few circles off the edge of the fabric for variety. Remember there will be a 1/4" seam along all edges of pillow.

Peek of the partial circles on the finished pillow.

Step 4: Iron/fuse circles in desired layout on Pillow Front Fabric 18" x 18.

Step 5: Using Janome Appliqué Foot (AP), appliqué along edge of circles. My preferred settings:

Appliqué hint:

Photo 1: Correct Needle Position. If you need to pivot/raise up presser foot to rotate fabric while using an Appliqué Stitch, the needle should be on the outside of the appliqué shape/circle.

Photo 2: Incorrect Needle Position. Do NOT pivot/raise pressure foot when needle is inside appliqué shape/circle. This will create an odd stitch and not a consistent appliqué stitch. Keep foot down and take another stitch until needle position is on outside of appliqué shape/circle as shown above.

Step 6: Optional Quilting. I chose to free motion meander around the Appliqué Circle Shapes.

Step 7: Finish pillow with preferred method.

I love to use a Zipper to finish my pillows as it looks clean and professional plus it is easy to remove the pillow cover for washing or changing of seasonal decor.