Blend Fabrics Congo Hippos Applique Pillows

It seems like there’s always got to be a cool or pretty one in a group and these two hippos are just that.  Blend Fabrics “Congo Hippos” make these two hippos stand out from the rest of the hippos in the pond. You’ll love this fabric designed by Katy Tanis. It’s 100 percent cotton and perfect for quilts, clothing, or home decor…like pillows!

Blend Fabrics Congo Hippo Applique Pillows

Therm O Web’s products make assembling “The Coolest Hippo in the Pond” and “The Prettiest Hippo in the Pond” a fun project! Aurifil 40wt thread was used to sew them together and 28wt thread was used to add some accents like the lashes and the mouth.

“The Coolest Hippo in the Pond” sports a dapper hat and hip glasses, so of course he’s admired by the other hippos in the neighborhood.

The Prettiest Hippo in the Pond” doesn’t act like she thinks the cool guy is all that great, but she secretly adores him!

“The Congo Hippos Collection by Katy Tanis is the lastest and most amusing addition to her fabulous wildlife creations. Adorable hippos and colorful fish swim among lily pads and dancing lights in two distinct color palettes of aqua, pink, navy and green to create this whimsical fabric collection.”

Don’t you just love all the bubbles and hippos in “Congo Hippos”!

Supplies to make one pillow:

Heat n Bond Lite Iron-on Adhesive
Heat n Bond Fusible Interfacing
Fabric Fuse Adhesive
Aurifil Thread
Oliso Purple Iron
18” x 18” preformed pillow
11 – 12 fat quarters

HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive

Using Heat n Bond Lite Iron-on Adhesive to add applique to fabric is so easy and you’ll love how the protective paper peels off without having to score the paper. It’s a breeze!

Ironing Heat n Bond Fusible Interfacing to the back of the applique block can help keep the threads from showing through the fabric and make stitching small pieces easier. An Oliso iron is a perfect tool for applying the interfacing!

Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive

Do you ever get frustrated trying to match up seams? A quick way to make those seams look perfectly matched is to use Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive. Dab a little adhesive (not too much) in the seam line of the two pieces that need matching. Line up the seams and finger press them in place. If you’re in a hurry, lightly press the seam with an iron.

Check the seams before sewing to make sure they are just how you want them. If they aren’t spot-on and matched, pull them apart and glue them again. Once they are just right, sew the seam. Make sure the adhesive is dry before sewing.

You can find PDF downloadable patterns for “The Coolest Hippo in the Pond” and “The Prettiest Hippo in the Pond” HERE and HERE.