The inspiration for this pillow project came from a pillow I saw at Hobby Lobby. I thought the fringe was such a fun addition, I had to make one for myself. Let me tell you how I did it.
I started with a red, white and blue fat quarter and a little bit of fringe.
Here’s what you’ll need.
Red fabric: (2) 2″ x 11″
(2) 2″ x 15- 1/2
White Fabric: (2) 2″ x 11″
(2) 2″ x 15- 1/2
Blue Fabric: (1) 5″ x 5″ square
Fringe: 1- 1/2 yards (I used 2″ wide fringe)
Pillow Back Fabric: 15 1/2 x. 12 1/2 (Measure your finished block before cutting backing. Cut backing to exact size)
Fiberfill for stuffing pillow
If you choose to quilt your pillow, you’ll also need:
Quilt Batting and Backing – 17″ x 14″ piece (this should be larger than pillow top)
Start by sewing the top two red and white 2″ x 11″ strips together. Press seams toward red. Then you will need to sew the first piece of fringe to the top white strip. I cut my fringe about an inch larger than the strip — to give me a little wiggle room. Place the braided side of the fringe even with the top edge of the white strip. Stitch 1/4″ from the top.
Place the next 11″ piece of fringe on red strip, so that the braided edge is even with the bottom of the red strip.
Then place the next 11″ background strip on top of the red strip and fringe. Matching edges. Pin in place.
Stitch 1/4″ from the edge through all layers.
Repeat this process for the bottom four 15 1/2″ strips. Placing the fringe in between a red and white strip. Stitch in place. Press toward red. (Note: test the iron on your fringe, make sure it’s not too hot. You can also press from the back of the strip). Bottom unit will have 2 white strips and 3 red strips.
Sew the blue 5″ x 5″ square to the left side of the shorter strip unit. Open and press toward blue fabric. Press toward blue square.
If you decide to quilt your flag block, make a quilt sandwich. I spray baste the batting and backing together.
Then place your flag block on top of the batting, and again light spray batting. I’m using 505 spray. You only need a little bit.
For the quilting, I am keeping it simple with some wishbones, ribbon candy and a feather. Forgot to take a picture of the blue square quilted…oops. I added stars and loops in the blue square.
Next, take your pillow back fabric and place flag block on top — right sides together. I had a piece of fabric larger than what I needed so I lay my flag block on that and pinned and sewed the sides. I trimmed before I turned inside out.
Stitch 1/4″ around all 4 sides, being careful to make sure the fringe is inside, free of your stitching path. Leave a 5″ opening on one side.
Pull the pillow right side out through the 5″ opening.
Stuff with fiberfill to your desired fullness.
Fold in 1/4″ at the opening of pillow back and front. Pin together. Topstitch the opening closed with your sewing machine or hand sew. I opted to hand sew because I didn’t want to change the thread color in my machine!
That’s it. It’s done. I’m thrilled with how it turned out. As a side note, you do not have to use the fringe if you don’t want to, and the pillow will still look great. Also, quilting is optional as well. If you make this, I’d love to see it. Share a photo on social media. Tag me on Instagram or Facebook.
