The layout of Scrap Buster Fall Pillow is straightforward yet elegant. The design consists of six blocks, each made from a combination of the eight coordinating fat quarters and the 5” x 21” strips. The arrangement of these blocks, along with the sashing and border, creates a quilt that is not only beautiful but also balanced in its design.
The key to Scrap Buster Fall Pillow’s charm lies in the alternating fabric patterns and directions. This not only adds visual interest but also ensures that the quilt has a dynamic and engaging appearance. The careful placement of the sashing pieces between the blocks and around the edges ties everything together, resulting in Scrap Buster Fall Pillow that is both structured and free-flowing.
I love finding creative ways to use my leftover fabric scraps, and what better way to celebrate Scrap Buster month over at Sew, Mama, Sew than with a fun and easy project! The Scrap Buster Fall Pillow is my favorite way to use up those small pieces of fabric. This pillow cover measures 16″ square with an envelope back, and the design possibilities are endless. I’ve included some examples of pillows I’ve previously made with this method at the end of the post. Happy sewing!
Materials: What You Need for the Scrap Buster Fall Pillow
To create your own Scrap Buster Fall Pillow, you’ll need the following materials:
- Scraps: Enough for the tree trunk and the leaves. Cutting your scraps into rectangles will make it easier to adhere them to the appliqué material.
- Appliqué Material: I use Heat’ n Bond. You’ll need about ½ yard or more depending on how many leaves you want to make.
- Material for the Pillow Front: Cut to 17″ x 17″ square. I used lightweight canvas and prefer home weight material, but you could use anything.
- Material for the Pillow Back: Cut 1 rectangle 17″ x 14″ and 1 rectangle 17″ x 10″.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Step-by-Step Instructions: Bringing Your Scrap Buster Fall Pillow to Life
Step 1: Cutting the Fabrics
- Fat Quarters: Cut the eight coordinating fat quarters into six pieces each, measuring 2.5” x 21”.
- Coordinating Fabric: Cut the half yard of coordinating fabric into six pieces, each measuring 5” x 21”.
- Sashing Fabric: Cut the cream fabric into four strips measuring 1.5” x 41” and nine pieces measuring 1.5” x 21”.
- Border Fabric: Cut the yard of coordinating fabric into seven strips measuring 5” x 41”. Cut one of these pieces in half to get two pieces measuring 5” x 20.5”.
Step 2: Assembling the Blocks
- Lay out the blocks so that three of the six blocks use the same four fat quarters. The remaining three blocks will use the other four fat quarters. Disperse the six 5” x 21” pieces between the six blocks.
- Sew the strips of fabric together as desired, ensuring each block has nine pieces. Press the seams in the same direction for a neat finish.
- Trim each block to measure 20” square.
Step 3: Laying Out the Quilt
- Arrange the blocks so that the fabric patterns and directions alternate, adding visual interest and balance.
- Sew the 1.5” x 21” sashing pieces between the block pairs and on the sides of the block pairs. Trim any excess fabric.
Step 4: Adding Sashing and Borders
- Sew the 1.5” x 41” sashing pieces between the three quilt sections, and along the top and bottom of the quilt. Trim any excess fabric.
- Sew together two border pieces for each side of the quilt. Attach the long side pieces, and trim any excess. Sew the two 5” x 20.5” pieces to the remaining border pieces for the top and bottom of the quilt.
Step 5: Finishing the Quilt
- Quilt as desired, following your preferred quilting pattern or technique.
- Bind the edges of the quilt using the 1 yard of fabric reserved for binding, ensuring a neat and professional finish.
Finishing the Scrap Buster Fall Pillow
- Prepare the Pillow Back: Fold one of the short edges of each pillow backing piece in ½” and press, then again ½” and press and sew to hide any raw edges. These will be the edges of the envelope back.
- Assemble the Pillow Cover: Lay the backing pieces right sides down onto the pillow front, overlapping the centers. Place the smaller backing piece (17″ x 10″) down first, but it’s often easier to lay the larger piece (17″ x 14″) down first. Ensure the right sides are facing the right sides of your pillow front and the outer edges match.
- Pin and Sew: Pin around the edges well. Sew with a ¼” inseam around the edges, backstitching over the envelope openings for extra strength. After the initial sewing, go around the edges with a serger, pinking shears, or a quick zigzag stitch. This is especially important if you are using home weight fabric, which tends to fray easily. Clip your extra corner fabric off so the corners will turn nicely.
- Final Touch: Turn the pillow cover inside out and stuff a 16″ pillow form into it.
Additional Tips: Perfecting Your Scrap Buster Fall Pillow
- Consistent Seams: Ensure your seams are consistent throughout the project to keep your blocks and sashing aligned properly.
- Use Pins or Clips: To keep your pieces in place while sewing, use pins or fabric clips, especially when attaching sashing and borders.
- Quilting Techniques: Explore different quilting techniques, such as straight-line quilting or free-motion quilting, to add texture and dimension to your quilt.
Reflecting on Your Quilting Journey
Completing the Scrap Buster Fall Pillow is not just about creating a beautiful quilt; it’s about the journey and the joy of making something with your own hands. Each step, from selecting the fabrics to sewing the final stitch, is a testament to your creativity and dedication. Take a moment to admire your work, appreciate the effort you’ve put in, and enjoy the satisfaction of completing a project that’s both beautiful and meaningful.
