Have you ever tried sewing up hexagons? I have been wanting to give them a try for quite a while now and I decided it was finally time to jump in and go for it!
And I have to say – I am hooked! I love doing hand sewing anyway – you can tell that by the number of embroidery projects around here. Paper pieced hexagons are kind of like the same things but with fabric – you get to make this cute little shape in just a few minutes and you can use them in so many different ways!
I was able to combine my new love for hexagons and some fun embroidery in this cute pillow – I think it’s a great way to show off this fabulous Curiosities line from Art Gallery Fabrics!
I made up the hexies from the fabrics in the line and then pulled some of the designs in the fabric for the flower and butterflies in the embroidery – I love combining embroidery with styles from the fabrics I’m using!
Here’s a quick tutorial to make your own!
Materials:
- Fat quarters from Curiosities
- 16″ square of linen
- 1/2″ yard of fabric for back of pillow
- Coordinating embroidery thread – three colors
- 16″ pillow form
- 1 1/2″ hexagon paper piece patterns
- Embroidery marking pen
- Thread to match
Start by sewing up your hexagons. You’ll need enough to make two rows that measure at least 16″ long.
Lay the hexagons on the left side of the linen square. On the right side, draw out your design from the fabrics. I did this awesome flower decorated with little x’s and three little butterflies.
Embroidery the design. I used a chain stitch for the outline of the flower, stem and leaves and back stitches for the butterflies.
Hand sew the rows of hexagons to the left side of the pillow front.
Create 2 yards of piping by cutting strips of fabric that are 1 1/2″ wide and an assortment of lengths long. Sew the strips together, then sew them around cotton piping.
Pin the piping around the edge of the pillow front, so the piping seam allowance lines up with the edges of the pillow front. Sew in place around the pillow.
Create an envelope back for the pillow by cutting a piece of fabric 16″ x 10″ and a piece 16″ x 8″. Hem the top of the 8″ piece and the bottom of the 10″ piece. Overlap the larger piece of the smaller so the two pieces make an 16″ square.
Place the back of the pillow face down on the pillow front and sew around all four sides, right up against the piping. A zipper foot works great for this.
Turn the pillow cover right side out and press.
That’s it!
Now you’ve got a super cute new pillow cover all decorated up with colorful fabrics. This would be such a great gift too!
I’d love to see a photo if you make one up!
Rachel @ Engineering A Joyful Family says
This is so cute! I love the way you incorporated the fabric into the embroidery by sewing those little butterfly/moths! Great job!
Colleen says
Great pillow Bev! Hexagons always making everything better.
Raw says
I like it!
Claire says
My Sister recently introduced me to Hexies and appliquing them to cushions, I did a post about them. (http://www.pillarboxblue.com/applique-hexagon-patchwork-cushion/). I love your cushion though with the extra element of embroidery they look fantastic. I’m going to have do some myself.
Mandalika says
I am in love! I am going to try this this weekend.
Alextilalila says
This pillow is just stunning!! I love every little detail on it, lovely handmade embroidery!! Really beautiful work! ;))
Lisa in Port Hope says
Great ideas, I need a hand sewing project for an upcoming vacation (away from my sewing machine) and I would love to make something similar.
T'onna @ USS Crafty says
Wow! This pillow is so beautiful! I’m pinning it!
Navy Wifey Peters @ The Submarine Sunday Link Party
iHanna says
I’m a fan of EPP and hexies for sure, and want to make more. Your pillow looks great, also I love the piping.
Iryna Bychkiv says
This is so pretty! I’ve always wished to be good at sewing, but never have time to master it.
Stephanie @ Mommyzoid says
umm… this is exactly what I want to do! I’ve got the envelope case down now but I’ve been crushing on hexxys for a while now and I think you’ve inspired me to take the plunge! Thanks so much. I’m definitely pinning this one to try later.
Stephanie @ Mommyzoid.ca
PS: You should come share this post at the Ladies Collective Linkup! <3
Julie says
I’m in the middle of a hexie project right now and I’m loving it, I hadn’t stitched them by hand like this since I was about 12 and made some cushion covers for my bedroom. I love your combination of the hexagons and the embroidery and the piping is just a perfect finishing touch.
Karren Haller says
I wanted to stop by and let you know that your post has been Featured as part of our Oh My Heartsie Girls Wordless Wednesday.
Hope you will join us and Linkup, in progress!!
Have a great week, Karren
Audrey says
Adorable! I have never gotten the hang of making my own piping. Guess I need to practice.
Thanks for sharing on Tasty Tuesdays.
Evija says
Absolutely gorgeous pillow!! Thank you for the instructions, would love to try it not sure mine will turn out as lovely through. x
Miss Manitas says
OOOOHHHH!! adorable!!!
All that's Jas says
Such a neat idea! Thanks for linking up with Thursday Favorite Things, hope to see you again this week!
Mrs Major Hoff says
BEV!!!!!!!! This is like the CUTEST thing I have ever seen! I am so in love with this! I.just.can’t.
It’s amazing!
Linda says
Featured and PINNED!! What beautiful work! Have a great week. Linda @Crafts a la mode
Theresa @DearCreatives says
Love your pillow. Pinned & shared. Thanks for joining the Inspiration Spotlight party. Hope to see you again soon.
Jessica says
Very nice pillow!