The shapes in nature are pleasing and calming. The simplicity of the leaf in nature and in art makes it a splendid project. With this leaf-shaped accent pillow, the color scheme can mimic nature or be playful. Varying the fabric and thread combination can change the impact of this powerful little cushion.
Are you an environmentalist? Perhaps you’d like to express your love of nature using recycled fabric like a tablecloth. For more repurposing, stuff it with diced up old socks. Imagine a pile of green or fall-hued pillows to bring the seasons inside. Or perhaps you’re a spirited soul soul who simply wants to add variety to an existing pile of accent pillows on your bed or couch. Using fanciful colors with contrasting thread brings excitement to otherwise bland furniture. This cute leaf is easy. The leaf shape is simple enough to draw freehand directly onto the fabric. The stitching is 101 in complexity: You could sew the whole thing with a running stitch. Draw on the vein pattern of the leaf with fabric chalk if you’re insecure about stitching on the fly.
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Materials
- 24-inch square of fabric -- a fleece-lined tablecloth works well
- Fabric marker
- Scalloped edge fabric scissors
- Iron
- Large embroidery needle
- Contrasting embroidery thread
- Polyfill stuffing or cotton filling
- Fabric marker
- Scalloped edge fabric scissors
- Iron
- Large embroidery needle
- Contrasting embroidery thread
- Polyfill stuffing or cotton filling
DIY Everywhere
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Instructions
1. Fold the fabric in half, patterned-side out.
2. Smooth the fabric onto your work surface.
3. Using the fabric marker, draw a leaf freehand.
Pro tip: If you’re uncomfortable drawing directly onto the fabric, practice on a paper bag until you get it right. Alternately, it’s possible to find a leaf pattern, even printing it off the internet, then cutting it out and pinning it onto the fabric as a pattern.
4. Cut out the leaf pattern from both layers with the scalloped edge scissors.
5. Cut out any details on the leaf.
6. Iron the leaf on the work surface.
7. Thread the needle with the embroidery thread.
8. Going along outside edge, sew the two sides together. Alternate the whip stitch with the running stitch.
9. Continue around the edge leaving a 3-inch gap.
Pro tip: You should tie off the needle, but you can leave it attached while you stuff, so it will be conveniently ready for the next step.
10. Stuff the pillow with polyfill or cotton until moderately puffy.
11. Sew up the opening, and tie off the ends.
12. Using the same thread, begin at the heart-shaped end of the leaf. Sew from the back through the pillow to the front.
13. Use a running stitch up the center of the pillow to form the leaf’s main vein. Near the top, curve to one side. Tie off.
14. Beginning at the point where the first line curved, sew another line curving to the other direction.
15. Start again about 3 inches down from that split, and create a line curving off the one side and then the other.
16. Repeat this side pattern, making each line a little longer as the “leaf” widens.
18. Tie off the last vein and place where the pillow can be admired!
2. Smooth the fabric onto your work surface.
3. Using the fabric marker, draw a leaf freehand.
Pro tip: If you’re uncomfortable drawing directly onto the fabric, practice on a paper bag until you get it right. Alternately, it’s possible to find a leaf pattern, even printing it off the internet, then cutting it out and pinning it onto the fabric as a pattern.
4. Cut out the leaf pattern from both layers with the scalloped edge scissors.
5. Cut out any details on the leaf.
6. Iron the leaf on the work surface.
7. Thread the needle with the embroidery thread.
8. Going along outside edge, sew the two sides together. Alternate the whip stitch with the running stitch.
9. Continue around the edge leaving a 3-inch gap.
Pro tip: You should tie off the needle, but you can leave it attached while you stuff, so it will be conveniently ready for the next step.
10. Stuff the pillow with polyfill or cotton until moderately puffy.
11. Sew up the opening, and tie off the ends.
12. Using the same thread, begin at the heart-shaped end of the leaf. Sew from the back through the pillow to the front.
13. Use a running stitch up the center of the pillow to form the leaf’s main vein. Near the top, curve to one side. Tie off.
14. Beginning at the point where the first line curved, sew another line curving to the other direction.
15. Start again about 3 inches down from that split, and create a line curving off the one side and then the other.
16. Repeat this side pattern, making each line a little longer as the “leaf” widens.
18. Tie off the last vein and place where the pillow can be admired!