Baby Lock Ambassador Mary Davis of Mary-Go-Round Quilts shares her process for creating this mesmerizing illusion pillow! Mary sewed this project with her Baby Lock Lyric sewing and quilting machine, and quilted using the 1/2” echo foot on the Baby Lock Regent.
You can download the instructions here.
Instructions: Illusion Pillow - 15” x 15”
NOTE:
All seam allowances are ¼". To achieve the correct seam allowance, use your Baby Lock ¼" quilting foot.
When stitching, line up the raw edge of your fabric with the right side of the ¼" presser foot, and you will get an accurate seam allowance every time.
Set your machine stitch length to 2.5. This will ensure your pieces are stitched securely.
SUPPLIES
Ruler
Scissors
Rotary cutter
Coordinating thread
16" x 16" square batting
FABRIC REQUIREMENTS
Fabric A – ¼ yard
Fabric B – ¼ yard
Fabric C – Fat Quarter (pillow back)
Fabric D – Fat Quarter (quilt sandwich backing)
CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS
Fabric A – Cut (1) 2 ¾” x WOF strip
Cut (2) 1 ½” x WOF strips
Fabric B - Cut (1) 2 ¾” x WOF strip
Cut (2) 1 ½” x WOF strips
Fabric C – Cut (1) 15” x 15” square
Fabric D – Cut (1) 15” x 15” square
ASSEMBLY
1. Cut all strips in half.
2. Arrange strips as follows according to pattern instructions. Stitch together. Press seams open.
3. From each strip set, cut (2) 8" squares.
4. Place blocks into two piles so that the stripes face horizontally. Cut all strip set A blocks diagonally from top left to bottom right. Cut all strip set B blocks diagonally from top right to bottom left.
5. Sew all Set A and Set B blocks together in pairs along the diagonal cut edge. Press seams open. You will have 4 pairs. Note: the small triangles will meet at the top, and the wide strips will meet at the bottom.
6. Arrange blocks as shown in pattern. Sew top two blocks together. Sew bottom two blocks together. Stich rows together. Press all press seams open. Small triangles will meet at the center to form a pinwheel.
7. Layer backing, batting and pillow top face up. Baste. Quilt pillow in any manner desired. Trim excess batting and backing fabric even with pillow top.
8. Place pillow top and pillow back right sides together. Stitch 1/4" around the pillow, leaving a 3" opening on one side. Clip all corners to reduce bulk.
9. Turn pillow right side out through the opening. Poke corners out. Stuff with fiberfill. Fold raw edges of opening to inside ¼”. Topstitch opening closed.
And just like that, you have a stylish pillow! For more quilting projects for makers of every level, follow Baby Lock Ambassador Mary Davis!
You can shop her favorite machines and accessories here.
