Gather and prepare the materials needed for this project. Read the directions carefully before beginning the project. Lightly starch and iron the fabrics. Print a design template. (A paper design template is the actual size of the stitch out. Use the template as a guide for placement and positioning of the design. Embrilliance Essentials embroidery software was used to print the template.)
Step 2:
Follow package directions to bond the SF101 to the back of the yellow 9.5"x9.5" focal fabric.
Step 3:
Trim any SF101 overlapping from around the edges of the 9.5"x9.5" piece of fabric.
Step 4:
Use the design template as a placement guide on the 9.5"x9.5" piece of fabric. If you are not using a design template, use a fabric marker or sticker to mark the center point and axis on the fabric.
Step 5:
Hoop one piece of cut away stabilizer. Center the fabric onto the stabilizer. Use a light mist of temporary adhesive spray to secure the fabric to the stabilizer. Add pins or wonder pins to hold the fabric securely in place.
Step 6:
Load the design onto your machine. Attach the hoop to the machine. Check the needle size. Follow the color guide to embroider the design.
Step 7:
After the design has completed stitching, remove the project from the hoop. Carefully trim excess stabilizer from around the design. Trim any long threads if needed.
Step 8:
Pin the 1.5"x9.5" strips of purple fabric to two sides of the square. Sew the fabrics together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press along the seam lines with an iron.
Step 9:
Pin the 1.5"x11.5" purple fabric strips to the other two sides of the center piece. Sew the fabrics together using a 1/4" seam. Press along the seam lines with an iron.
Step 10:
Square and trim the sides of the block if needed.
Step 11:
Pin the 3"x11.5" strips of floral fabric to the sides of the square. Sew the fabrics together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press along the seam lines with an iron.
Step 12:
Pin the 3"x16.5" strips of floral fabric to the sides of the square. Sew the fabrics together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press along the seam lines with an iron.
Step 13:
Square and trim the sides of the block if needed.
Step 14:
Next, you need the two pieces for the back (13.5"x16.5"). Fold one edge down 1/2" on one long side and press with an iron. Repeat this process for the second piece of fabric.
Step 15:
Fold the edge down another 1/2" and press. Pin the hem in place. Repeat this step for the other backing fabric.
Step 16:
Topstitch two rows along the edge of the fabric for each piece of backing fabric.
Step 17:
Place the embroidered block right side up on a flat surface. Place one of the pieces of the back cover right side down on the pillow front. The hemmed edge of the back cover will be near the top edge of the block.
Step 18:
Place the second backing cover face down. The pieces will overlap on the back of the block. Pin the front and back pieces together. Sew a 1/4" seam around the edges of the pillow.
Step 19:
Carefully clip the fabric tip off of each corner of the pillow. Do not cut the stitches in the seamline.
Step 20:
Turn the pillow right side out. Press around the seam lines with an iron.
Step 21:
Put the pillow insert into the pillow cover. Congrats! Great job! You have completed a religious Easter pillow.
Marisa Littleton is a retired educator with a love for teaching and learning. Interests include machine embroidery, hand embroidery, quilting, cooking, and antiques.
