Overview
Bring the fresh blooms of spring inside by decorating your home with these sweet flower appliqués. This inexpensive DIY project uses scrap fabric to make your own appliqué designs. Cover your couch with a patch of tulips, or decorate your bed with bouquets of flowers!
Supplies
To create your own spring-ready throw pillows, you'll need: scrap fabric, thread, printed flower templates (available for download at the end of the slideshow), fusible web, a pencil, scissors, an iron, a sewing machine, a pillow form and fabric for pillowcase (for steps on how to make a throw pillow, click the link below).
Related: How to Make a Throw Pillow
Cut Out the Pattern
Cut out the printed templates on the black line. Trace the template onto the paper side of the fusible web. Flip the template over and trace the pieces in reverse for flowers facing the same direction as the template's sample. Roughly cut out the fusible web pattern piece leaving space around the pencil line.
Fuse the Template to the Fabric
Place the fusible web pattern piece paper side up on to the wrong side (back) of the fabric. Align the shape with the pattern of the fabric, paying attention to the direction of the print. Place a hot, dry iron on top of the fusible web and hold in place for 6-10 seconds. Move the iron to the next area until the whole pattern piece is fused to the fabric.
Cut out the Fabric Pattern Pieces
Allow the fused fabric to cool for 2 minutes. Cut out the pattern pieces on the pencil line.
Design Your Pillow
Arrange your flower appliqués onto the front of your pillowcase fabric. Take a photograph to remember placement as you iron on the pattern pieces. It is possible to sew appliqués onto a ready-made pillowcase, though it is easier to sew on a singular, flat piece of fabric.
Fuse the Stems and Leaves
Move the flower petal appliqués out of the way as you begin to iron the stems and leaves. Remove the paper backing and place the appliqué into place. Firmly place a hot iron on top and hold for 6-10 seconds. Start with the lowest appliqué, and layer on top, one piece at a time.
Fuse the Flower Petal Appliqués
Remove the paper backing on the petals and arrange into place. Two overlapping petals can be ironed at the same time. Place the iron on top and hold for 6 seconds. Continue to layer the petals until the whole flower appliqué is fused to the fabric.
Topstitch Appliqués
Topstitch along the edge of each pattern piece, aligning the edge with the presser foot. Do not backstitch at the start or end of a stitch. Leave the threads loose.
Pivot Around Curves
With the needle down, lift the presser foot and turn the fabric to maneuver around sharp curves and points. Lower the presser foot for each individual stitch. Use the hand crank wheel to slowly make one stitch at a time.
Secure Threads to the Back of the Fabric
Pull the bobbin thread on the wrong side of the fabric until a small loop can be seen. Use a pin to pull on the loop, bringing the top thread through to the back of the fabric. Tie a knot to secure the stitch.
Finish the Pillow
Continue to topstitch all appliques until your spring pillow is in full bloom!
Download the Simple Flower, Tulip, and Daisy Template
Click the link below to download this template.
Related: Download the Simple Flower, Tulip, and Daisy Flower Template
Download the Flower and Daffodil Template
Click the link below to download this template.
Download the Sunburst Flower Template
Click the link below to download this template.
Download the Leaves and Stems Template
Click the link below to download this template.
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