New England Pillow with Sashing Applique

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Size: 18in square

Skill level: Beginner

Pattern notes:

Please read all instructions before beginning.
Seam allowance is ¼” unless noted otherwise.
WOF = width of fabric: assume 21” for Fat Quarter (FQ) and 42” WOF for yardage (YD).

Tools:

Fabric Requirements:

6 x 6 grid patchwork \| 3in finished squares \| 18.5in unfinished block
Color A (cA) = Spring Blue	1 FE
Color B (cB) = Spring Cream	1 FE
Color C (cC) = Flowers	1 FE
Color D (cD) = Summer Cream	1 FE
Color E (cE) = Summer Yellow	1 FE
Color F (cF) = Fall Cream	1 FE
Color G (cG) = SASHING APPLIQUE = Fall Black	1 FQ
Backing	1/2yd
Binding = Leaves	1 FQ
Batting	20in square

Cutting instructions:

Color A through F = cut (1) 3 1/2in x WOF strips; sub-cut (6) 3 1/2in squares from each strip;

Color G = sashing applique strips = cut (10) 1 in x 19in strips; (these strips are NOT cut on the bias, cut them on the straight grain);

Backing = cut (2) 14in x 18 1/2in rectangles;

Binding: Cut (4) strips 2 1/2” x WOF, join the strips and prepare the binding.

Sew the block:

Sew (6) rows of (6) 3 1/2in squares.
Organize each row so each of the (6) colors/fabrics are distributed (1) square on each row.
Press seams to opposite directions, rows 1, 3 and 5 press to the left, and rows 2, 4 and 6 press to the right. This will help nesting seams precisely.
Sew the rows together, use pins or clips to hold the rows together before sewing. Start sewing row 1 and 2, and add the other rows in order.
TIP: If you decide to fussy cut the fabric squares, attention to the correct position when you sew the rows.
Press the quilt block when you finish.

Prepare the applique binding strips:

Fold each 1in x 19in strips of fabric cG on the long edge in half, with wrong sides of the fabric together, open and press the long edges 1/4in towards the center crease.
You can also use a bias tape maker tool for this, even though this strip is not cut on the bias, it will work in the same way.
Repeat this process for all strips.

Sew the sashing applique:

The strips will be attached in between the block’s square seams, to cover them. This will mock a sashing effect on the block.
Start aligning one sashing strip on top of a seam in between two square rows on the block, pin if preferred.
Align the presser foot and the needle to be 1/8in far from the edge of the strip. It is recommended to use a matching thread color in this step.

Prepare the envelope closure for the pillow:

Press both 14in x 18 1/2in rectangles.
On the long edge of each, fold twice 1in in to enclose the raw edge. Press and pin.
Sew to finish 1/8in on each side of the 1in folded edge.

With the quilted piece facing the wrong side up, lay the backing rectangles overlapping to create the envelope closure.
Clip or pin along the edges and sew using 1/8in seam allowance.