Here is my entry ~ the final tutorial in our Make It Easy (Etsy Educationals) series. This is the last one of the series and I really hope you have enjoyed them. For a recap on the participants and their blogs please click on the names below. You can also purchase the beautiful ebook from today, which features all 11 tutorials from our series complete with instructions and photos.
Felt Flower cushion tutorial
Step 1
Cut your fabric for the cushion cover. My pillow form measures 16 x 16 inches. Please adjust measurements if you have a different size. Cut 1 piece of fabric 17 x 17 inches (the height and width of your pillow form plus 1 inch). Cut a second piece of fabric 17 x 9 inches (the length of your pillow form and approximately half the height). Cut a final piece of fabric measuring 17 x 12 inches (the length of your pillow form and approximately ¾ the height).
Step 2
Create a 2 1/2 inch diameter circle template from cardstock and use the template to cut circles from your wool felt. I needed about 80 circles to complete my flower. You will need to cut all your circles in half.
Step 3
Lay out your 17 x 17 inch piece of fabric and start to pin the first round of petals evenly. It helps if you find the center lines by folding the fabric in half both ways, pin the top/bottom/left and right petals first, then continue by filling in the gaps in between. Leave a 1 inch gap between the top, bottom and side petals and the edge of the fabric. Sew on the petals in continuous circle.
Step 4
Build up the next layer of petals by off-setting them against the previous layer. Sew one round at a time, carefully pinning first, to ensure accurate positioning.
Marvel at your growing flower as you continue in this way until you get close to the center.
For the last few rounds I used smaller circles (1 1/2 inch diameter) to fit in the final spaces.
Step 5
I finished my design with a pretty spiral flower center, though you could use a decorative button or crochet flower. To make the flower center I used, take one of the large felt circles and starting on the outside edge, cut a spiral all the way into the center.
Start to roll the spiral together (I used a hot glue gun along the edge of my spiral as I rolled it. This is essential to keep the spiral together – especially if you want your cushion to be functional as well as beautiful).
Fold the center part of the spiral onto the bottom of your flower and glue. I used the hot glue to then stick the flower into the center of my cushion.
Step 6
Now that your design is complete, it is time to finish the cushion cover. Take your two remaining pieces of fabric and hem along one long edge on both pieces. With right sides together, lay the smaller of the two pieces onto your cushion front and pin.
Next, lay the larger piece (right sides together) over the cushion front and pin.
Finally, sew all around your cushion. Turn the right way, slip over your pillow form and admire your lovely work.