Add surface texture and design to a modern quilted pillow by including the quarter-inch seams on the outside.
MAKE A MODERN AND TACTILE QUILTED PILLOW
6 hours: We usually hide our quarter-inch seam allowances on the back of our quilts, but that’s a missed opportunity for design and texture. In the Seams-Out Quilted Pillow workshop, we’ll make those seams an integral part of the design, adding an artistic touch.
We will make two strip sets, slice and splice them together, and then use the quilt-as-you-go technique and a walking foot to quickly create sumptuous, quilted fabric. Next, we’ll turn that fabric into the front and back of a fabulous, quilted pillow. You’ll also learn to put in an invisible zipper!
Participants will receive guidance for choosing fabric colors (see below), textures and printed designs that allow the seams-out texture to really shine. Once you have the technique down, you can apply the seams-out idea to all kinds of quilted projects.
PRINTED FABRIC SHOWS THIS TECHNIQUE BEST!
Batiks and yard-dyed solids do not show off the texture very well, so avoid those. Select printed fabrics that appear tone-on-tone: low contrast designs with smaller prints or printed textures are perfect. You can have one highlight fabric that has a more prominent design. Printed quilting cotton is easiest to work with!
You will need 7–8 fat quarters in one color family with similar values: for example, all cobalt blues. These colors, all close together on the color wheel, are called analogous colors. Here are some examples:
Notice how most of the fabrics have a fairly flat, low-contrast appearance, even if they have texture or pattern. It’s nice to choose one highlight fabric that has a stronger design to go with the other fabrics. Here are some more examples:
Keep in mind: if the patterns are very high-contrast or busy, this may not show the seams-out technique very well… the strong patterns may disguise the seam texture.
FREE VIDEO TUTORIAL: PUT IN AN INVISIBLE ZIPPER
I demonstrate this technique for sewing an invisible zipper into a quilted pillow during my Seams-Out Quilted Pillow workshop, but I’ve also recorded the steps in a handy video. This is very helpful if you need a reminder of the steps, after taking my workshop. Enjoy!
Workshop Overview
- Choosing complimentary fabrics for an attractive result
- Sewing strip sets with seams on the front
- Quilt-as-you-go method, using your domestic machine and a walking foot
- How to sew an invisible zipper
- Precision sewing tips for a professional finish
A complete PDF supply list will be provided. Class sizes are limited to ensure one-on-one time. This is an all-levels class. You should be comfortable using your sewing machine and walking foot (or dual feed), and both should be in good working order. Basic knowledge of walking foot quilting is helpful, but not necessary. We will learn together!
WORKSHOP DETAILS
This workshop is available virtually using Zoom technology, as well as for in person events. It is 6 hours long with a long break halfway through, plus 2 shorter breaks.
Contact David if you are interested in booking this workshop for your guild.