Mothers Dream { a Pillow Tutorial }

The inspiration for this pillow came from the PIF pincushion I received from the lovely Kerry.
The block is called Mothers Dream, I just enlarged it and changed the corner blocks to patchwork squares instead of rectangles.

This first pillow came out much smaller than I anticipated because I got all my math figures wrong.
But I have since mastered the art of calculating the diagonals on my triangles, it's Pythagoras  all over again people it's terribly complicated and I am just that clever! {nah not really!  I found this amazing link that will do all the brainwork for you}

This tutorial has cutting instructions to make the same pillow in three different sizes (A)14" - (B)18 1/2" - (C)20"
I am making the largest size in Halloween style fabrics, it's something I haven't done before and I thought it might be fun with the holiday season fast approaching on us. {it's cold and stormy here autumn has definitely begun!}

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Tutorial

As with all tutorials and patterns please read all the way through first before you begin. Press your fabrics along the way. All seam allowances are 1/4" unless it's stated otherwise and included in the cutting instructions.

What you will need:
(A) = 14" pillow
(B) = 18 1/2" pillow
(C) = 20 " pillow

• For the center of the block cut one (A) 5"- (B) 6 1/2" - (C) 7 1/2" square. This square will be set on point so if you are using a directional print like I am you will need to cut this square on point.

• For the patchwork blocks cut sixteen (A) 2 3/4"- (B) 3 1/2"- (C) 4" squares.
• From your background fabric cut two (A) 4 3/8" - (B) 5 1/2" - (C) 5 7/8" squares to render 4 half square triangles for the corners.
• Also from your background fabric cut two ( A) 5 7/8" - (B) 7 1/2" - (C) 7 7/8' squares to render 4 half square triangles for the sides. 

I like to cut both of these last two squares 1/8" larger because I find it easier to measure on the 1/4" and 1/2" when cutting fabric. And also I'd rather trim my block after sewing it together. Bias cuts can shift and move and 1/8" gives you some wriggle room for seam allowances.
 

Step 1
Start by sewing the 4" squares together. Make four blocks.

 Step 2
Sew your small half square triangles (the 5 7/8" ones) to each of the four patchwork  blocks.

Trim if necessary.

Step 3
Sew two of your corner blocks to your center square, one on each opposite side.

Step 4
Sew two large half square triangles to each side of your remaining patchwork blocks to form one large triangle.

Trim if necessary.

Step 5
Sew the large triangles to the center strip.

Like so.

Easy peasy right?!

Quilt as you wish. 

I'm finishing my pillow with a simple envelope closure at the back.

If you would like to do the same cut two rectangles 14"x20" Fold under your seam allowance twice approximately 1/2", press and sew. 

Step 6

Place your envelope back on top of your pillow front, right sides together. Sew all the way round using a 1/4" seam. Serge or zig zag the raw edges of your seam to stop them from fraying. 

Or if you like your pillows nice and plump like I do you can enclose the raw edges with a 'reverse french seam"

Trim back your seams to a scant 1/4" and clip the corners. Turn your pillow case right side out and press your seams carefully. If the seams are bulky, roll them between your fingers before pressing. This helps the seams to sit nice and flat.

Sew a 3/8" seam around your pillow on the right side, enclosing the raw edges of your previous seam.

And now you're done!

Don't forget to send me a picture if you make this pillow I would love to show it off on my blog!!

x Leila