We’ve had fun in the Studio the past few months dreaming up some projects to make with our new Home Decor cotton canvas fabric.  This pillow design, called the Addison pillow, is a great beginner project for someone who is new to rag style stitching or for someone who is just new to sewing in general.   Start to finish this project should take about 2-3 hours.  So if you like the looks of this Addison Shabby Canvas Pillow, read on and I’ll walk you through the creation steps.  If you are a newcomer to rag style stitching, take a minute and read this quick overview of rag style:  About Rag Style Stitching

Materials List for 2 Addison Shabby Canvas Pillows:
(A fabric kit for this pattern is available at www.JubileeFabric.com)

• Fabric 1:  1/2 yd. of 54″ wide 100% cotton 7 oz canvas fabric
• Fabric 2:  1/2 yd. of 54″ wide 100% cotton 7 oz canvas complimentary fabric
• Fabric 3:  9″ x 20″ piece of blank natural 54″ wide 100% cotton 7 oz canvas fabric
  (optional – This extra bit of blank canvas will give the center block panel more fluffiness in the frayed edges)
• 24 wooden beads with at least a 6mm hole.
• 1-2 bags of polyfil (available from most department or craft stores)
• Thread

*I’ve also included some instructions for adapting this pillow design to homespun fabric instead of the cotton canvas fabric.  It makes a great looking pillow in homespun also!  See adaptation instructions.

Basic Assembly Instructions:

*Unless otherwise specified, all seams will be 5/8″ width and all pieces will be stitched with the WRONG sides together.

1. Prewash fabrics and press flat until they are smooth and wrinkle free.
2. From Fabric 1 cut two  panels measuring approx 17″ x 17″.  Clip the raw edges on all side with clips that are 1/2″ deep and 1/4″ apart.
3. From Fabric 1 and Fabric 2 cut one panel of each measuring approximately 9″ x 9″.  Clip the raw edges on all side with clips that are 1/2″ deep and 1/4″ apart.
4. From Fabric 2 cut two  panels measuring approx 17″ x 17″.  Clip the raw edges on all side with clips that are 1/2″ deep and 1/4″ apart.
5. If you choose to use Fabric 3, cut two panels 9″ x 9″ from Fabric 3.                                                                                                                            
6. Tear remnants into 1″ strips and then cut the strips into lengths of 6″.  You will need twelve of these from Fabric 1 and twelve from Fabric 2.
7. Tie a knot into the end of each of the 6″ strips.  Slip a wooden bead onto the strip by folding the end of the strip several times.  Push the bead all the way down to the knot.
   
8. Place one 9″ square of Fabric 2 on top of a 9″ square of Fabric 3 if you have chosen to use Fabric 3.  Then place the two layers onto the center of one 17″ square of Fabric 1.  Pin through all three layers and stitch around the perimeter of the 9″ square about 5/8″ from the raw edge.  This is the front panel of the pillow.
   
9. You may do some “detail” stitching inside the inner square at this point if you wish.  We often like to stitch along some of the natural fabric design lines for a “quilted” type look.
10. Now place this front panel on top of the remaining 17″ square of Fabric 1 with the WRONG sides together.  Pin in place and stitch around the perimeter about 5/8″ from the raw edge.    Leave about an 8″ gap unstitched so that you can stuff the pillow from there.
11. Stitch around the perimeter again about 1/4″ inside the first stitch line.  This will give your pillows a nice double stitching on the outer edge to keep that seam secured.
    
12. Now repeat steps 7 & 8 using the 17″ squares of Fabric 2 and the 9″ squares of Fabric 1.
13. Wash both pillow covers in a washing machine using a liquid fabric softener to loosen the strings and create the “fray” on the shabby edges.  Machine Dry.  Use a lint brush to remove excess strings and press from the back side if needed.
14. Using a seam ripper, open each corner about 1″ in each direction.  Insert the untied end of three of the beaded strips into the corner.  Pin in place.  Restitch the corner now and be sure to stitch both seam lines.  Take extra care to catch all the raw edges of the end of each strip into the stitching of the pillow.
    
     

    
    

15. Stuff the pillow with polyfill.  Using smaller handfuls of polyfill will result in a smoother pillow.
16. Close the opening and pin in place.  Stitch 5/8″ from the raw edges beginning and ending at the point of the existing stitching.
17. Ta Daa!!!  Your beautiful set of Addison Shabby Pillows are finished!  Enjoy!

The girls in the studio have put together some kits to make this Addison pillow which includes all the fabric you need and the beads.  The polyfil and thread is not included but you can usually pick that up at any department store or craft store if you don’t have any on hand already.  Pictured below are the fabric/color combinations available in the kits.

Do you have any great suggestions for projects with our Home Decor canvas fabrics?  We’d love to hear about them!