It’s Amy here today from During Quiet Time to share a tutorial for a pillow set using a fat quarter bundle of Ashe by Dear Stella. When I opened my bundle of Ashe, it was clear to me that the design should play off of light and dark since the bundle was easily split into 5 lights and 5 darks. So many traditional blocks look their best when constructed with high contrast that I turned to my trusty book of quilt blocks and started flipping. I settled on a simple but modern looking and striking block called the Bradford Nine Patch.
To make one pillow (just double your cutting for 2) you will need to cut the following:
8 rectangles of dark prints 2 1/2″ x 6 1/2″
4 rectangles of light prints 2 1/2″ x 6 1/2″
4 squares of dark prints 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
5 squares of light prints 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
4 squares of light prints 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″
I mixed and matched my prints for a scrappy look but you could certainly keep to just two prints if you prefer.
First assemble the strip blocks by sewing together a dark strip to a light strip to another dark strip. Press all the seams to one side. Make 4 of these units.
Next sew three rows of squares. The first and third rows are light, dark, light. The center row is dark, light, dark. Press the seams to the right for the first and third rows and to the left for the middle row. Sew the rows together. The seams should nest nicely.
Lay out your blocks as shown in the image above. Next assemble them by sewing each row, then joining the rows.
Next, fuse the pillow front to an 18 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ piece of ThermOWeb Fusible Fleece High Loft. Quilt as desired. I stitched 1/4″ to either side of the seams.
Create two backings from your remaining fabric and assemble your pillows using your favorite technique. I used invisible zippers from Zipit.
Enjoy!
