Joyful QAL Christmas Cushion – Week 4

Woo hoo! We’ve nearly finished our Christmas cushion! So far, we’ve covered a range of different techniques, and now we need to make a couple of filler blocks so that we can piece all the blocks together and then turn it all into a cushion!

To make the Joyful QAL blocks, make sure that you have signed up here to be sent the FREE templates that you need for each of the blocks and if you haven’t already, you can find Part 1 here, Part 2 here and Part 3 here. There is also the opportunity to buy an ad-free copy of the pattern (which includes all block instructions, cushion making instructions and templates) in one handy file here.

These blocks are a bit of fun fun to fill in a couple of gaps between the blocks that we’ve already made, and help to add an improv vibe to the overall design. Alternatively, you can use just one piece of fabric if you have just the right piece (or don’t fancy piecing lots of tiny bits of fabric together!)….I even thought about doing this and adding an embroidered word to it!

Filler Block 1 (Candy Canes!)

• Finished Block Size: 4″ x 2″
• Materials Needed;
  • Variety of Strips: Six (6) 4 1/2” x 1 1/4“
  • OR
  • One Piece: One (1) 4 1/2” x 2 1/2“

• Take the first two (2) strips and place Right Sides Together, making sure to off-set the strips 1/2” at each end. Sew along the long edge (Y).
• Take the next strip and place Right Sides Together, off-set 1/2” from the edge and sew.
• Repeat with the remaining strips.
• Press the strips lengths, before trimming.
• Using the 60* line on a long quilting ruler to align with the seams, trim the strip to size so that it measures 4 1/2” wide x 2 1/2” tall

Filler Block 2 (Mini Rectangles)

• Finished Block Size: 4″ x 2″
• Materials Needed;
  • Variety of Rectangles: Seven (7) 2 1/2” x 1 1/2“
  • Variety of Squares: Two (2) 1 1/2” squares
  • OR
  • One Piece: One (1) 8 1/2” x 2 1/2“

• Using the diagram below as a guide, sew together the pieces until you have two (2) strips.
• Press the seams open.
• Sew the strips together. Press the seams open.

Joining the Blocks Together

• Using the diagram below as a guide, sew the blocks together into sections and then join the sections together.
• Press.
• Place Wrong Side Down on top of the wadding and quilt as desired. 
• Trim to size 20 1/2” x 12 1/2”

Making it into a Cushion

• Finished Cushion Size: 20″ x 12″
• Materials Needed;
  • Cushion Back: One (1) 20 1/2” x 17“
  • Binding: Four (4) 22″ x 2 1/2″ strips (Four (4) strips of a Fat Quarter or minimum 70″ of binding)
  • One (1) min. 21″ long zipper (note: I like to work with a longer zipper but if you have a preferred method, then pleas use that instead!)
  • Cushion Pad: One (1) 20″ x 12″ pillow insert

• Decide on where you would like to position the zip on the back of the cushion – I like to go about a third of the way up, but you can go for whatever you prefer!
• Cut the back piece of fabric into two pieces measuring;
  • Bottom Back: One (1) 20 1/2″ wide x 5″ tall
  • Top Back: One (1) 20 1/2″ wide x 12″ tall
• [Optional] For a neat finish inside the cushion where the zip is placed, overlock (serge) or zig-zap along the edge. 
• Take the Top Back, place Right Side Down and fold the bottom edge up by 1 1/2“. Press. Unfold.

To finish making the cushion, go and check out these tutorials which include all the step-by-step instructions you need to insert the zip easily, make a cushion cover and then add the binding;

• Tutorial to make and finish a Hidden Zippered Cushion Cover
• Tutorial for how to add Binding with Perfect Mitred Corners!

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Thank you so much for joining in the Joyful QAL fun – I hope you’ve enjoyed it, and if you have taken part, don’t forget to share on social media using #joyfulqal and #fabricandflowers so that I can see!

S x

Today’s sky::: grey, overcast and a little bit snowy!