Diamonds Pillow.

Finished Size: Approximately 16” x 16”

I loved the simple geometry of the design as well as the vibrant colors. I stored that memory away only to have it come sharply to the forefront when I was asked to craft something

featuring the Modern Solids II fabrics from Alissa Haight Carlton. The minute I saw that collection I thought of those seat cushions and knew I wanted my design to recreate the modern, clean, and color-filled quality of those seat cushions.

In hopes of encouraging you to try this design and these fabrics, I opted to design a pillow cover rather than seat cushions, but hopefully the spirit of the inspiration translates to this item.

Materials:
Fabrics:

• 1/2 yard of four different solid colored cottons (Note: I used chartreuse, ocean, coral and apple.)
• Fat quarter cotton muslin

Other Supplies:

• Rotary cutter
• Self-healing mat
• Quilter’s clear, acrylic ruler
• Coordinating machine sewing thread
• Pins
• Iron
• 3” x 3” paper square
• Cotton batting measuring about 18” x 18”
• Quilt basting materials
• Coordinating machine quilting thread
• Coordinating hand sewing thread
• Hand sewing needle
• 16” x 16” pillow form

Cutting the Fabric:
- From 1/2 yard of chartreuse solid cut 78 strips measuring 1 1/4” x 6”.
- From 1/2 yard of apple solid cut 70 strips measuring 1 3/8” x 6” and 32 strips measuring 1 1/2” x 6”.
- From 1/2 yard of coral solid cut 8 strips measuring 1 3/8” x 6”, 4 strips measuring 1 1/2” x 6”, and enough 1/1/2” strips to create, when sewn, a length of binding measuring about 70”.
- From 1/2 yard of ocean solid cut two pieces measuring 12” x 17 1/2”.

Making the Patchwork:
Note: Instructions refer to making the patches in shades of chartreuse and apple. To make the center square substitute coral strips for apple strips. All seam allowances are 1/4”.

1. Pin one apple 1 3/8” x 6” strips to one chartreuse 1 1/4” x 6” strip, right sides together, along long edges. Sew together. Press seam to one side.

2. Pin one apple 1 1/2” x 6” strip to sewn pair, right sides together, along unsewn long chartreuse edge. Sew together. Press seam to one side.

3. Pin one chartreuse 1 1/4” x 6” strip to sewn trio, right sides together, along unsewn long apple edge. Sew together. Press seam to one side.

4. Pin one apple 1 3/8” x 6” strip to sewn section, right sides together, along unsewn long chartreuse edge. Sew together. Press seam to one side.

5. Repeat Steps 1-4 to make a total of four sewn strip sections.

6. Fold and press sewn sections in half both lengthwise and width wise to create creases.

7. Fold 3” x 3” paper square in half along both length and width to create creases.

8. Overlay paper square on sewn section, aligning creases.

9. Trim sewn section to paper square.

10. Repeat steps 6-8 with remaining three sewn sections.

11. Pin two squares, right sides together, along common edge. Sew together. Press seam open.

12. Repeat Step 11 with remaining two squares.

13. Pin sewn squares, right sides together, along common long edge. Sew together. Press seam open.

14. Repeat Steps 1-13 eight more times with the chartreuse and apple strips and one more time with the chartreuse and coral strips; make a total of nine blocks.

15. Sew blocks into rows of three with center row containing coral/chartreuse alternate block.

16. Sew rows together, one at a time, to make finished pillow top.

Quilting the Top:
1. Layer cotton muslin, cotton batting and pillow top, right side facing up.

2. Baste together using preferred method.

3. Machine quilt top.

4. Trim edges even.

Finishing the Pillow:
1. Working with one 12” x 17 1/2” ocean rectangle, fold and press 1/4” from one longer, raw edge.

2. Press an additional 1” along same edge.

3. Machine sew hem in place.

4. Working with second 12” x 17 1/2” ocean rectangle, fold and press 1/4” from one longer, raw edge.

5. Press an additional 1/4” along same edge and machine sew hem in place.

6. Pin backing pieces and quilted pillow top, wrong sides together, making sure to generously overlap centers of backing. Trim to fit.

7. Using diagonal seams, sew binding strips together.

8. Apply binding to pillow and backing as you would a quilt.

9. Hand stitch binding to pillow back making sure to turn under a 1/4” seam allowance as you work.

10. Insert purchased pillow form.

Collected From

Diamonds Pillow designed by Malka Dubrawsky