Olivia Cushion

Ali Phillips

Final size:

26 x 44cm (101/4 x 171/4in)

USD $7.57

Beginner

Sewing

For USD $7.57 you get

Simple step-by-step instructions to follow
Detailed images and diagrams

How it works

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Description

Make a unique, personalised cushion using Ali Phillips' applique and embroidery pattern. Start with a neutral linen background, find a font and then choose a fabric to reflect the recipient's personality.

Full materials list included in instructions
Detailed step-by-step instructions illustrated with diagrams and close-up photos will guide you through each stage of making the cushion, from cutting the fabrics, preparing the shapes and appliqueing the design through to hand stitching the embellishments, assembling the cushion and stitching the flange
Instructions are for fusible-web applique satin stitched by machine, but they can be readily adapted to suit the applique method of your choice
Use a computer word-processing program to make patterns for the letters in any style and size you like (The shapes are not provided in this pattern.)
A wonderful gift for men, women, teens and children - and one that doesn't take a huge investment of time or materials to make
Includes tips from Ali for modifying a standard insert to fit this cushion
The back closes with self-covered buttons - no zippers to insert
Suitable for beginner crafters

Materials

Fabric requirements and measurements specified in instructions
30 x 40cm (12 x 16in) medium-weight fusible stabiliser
Stranded embroidery cottons to coordinate with the applique fabric
Machine-sewing thread in beige and to coordinate with the applique fabric
Three 12mm (1/2in) self-cover buttons
Fusible web
28 x 46cm (11 x 18in) cushion insert
Pencil
Fabric-marking pen
Sewing machine with open-toe embroidery or applique foot
General sewing supplies

Designer

Ali Phillips

How did you feel when you first started sewing? My first taste of sewing was when I was given a sewing kit for my birthday, when I was about seven years old. I started hemming a dolly sheet by hand and found it so boring that I don’t think I ever got it finished. It was shortly after that that I learned how to use Mum’s sewing machine and made all sorts of dolly creations.

Has your response to your craft changed much since then? Sometime in my teens, I discovered that hand sewing wasn’t so boring and even made an English paper pieced cushion. It wasn’t until my 30s that I really started to appreciate the joy of slow stitching by hand.

What is it that keeps you creating? I can’t really help it! Design occupies a huge part of my mind, and I’m always excited about the next thing. My passion of late has grown into helping children rekindle their imaginations through play, and I’m designing patterns for softies and their accessories. This has come from seeing how hard it can be to get my own children away from their devices.

How long can you spend browsing in a patchwork store? I don’t have any large patchwork stores nearby, so even a trip to Spotlight is often a long one. But get me into one of those mega patchwork stores, and I’d be gone for days!

What’s your favourite time of day to sew? I think I’m most alive in the afternoon and evening. I love curling up on the sofa snuggled under a quilt, with whatever project I’m working on.

Do you have any sewing gadgets/notions you never use? There’s quite a few fancy machine feet that I’ve never really seen the use for.

How often do you need to take a break when stitching? I’m afraid I get rather carried away when sewing and can go for hours. But when I get tired, I start making mistakes, and I’ve learned to not push on then, as it usually leads to great regret the next day!