April showers bring May flowers, but with this project you don't have to wait until next month to enjoy the blooms.
Fresh flowers abound with this embroidered pillowcase which features a field of delightful, 3-dimensional petals.
Throughout this post, I'll walk you through how I made the flowers and share a few tips on finishing off a perfect pillowcase.
First, allow me to back up a bit and share my inspiration for this project.
Of course, inspiration comes from just about anywhere and in this case it came in the form of seed packs that my kids found in our garage.
I love Zinnias and the packaging here reminded me of an embroidery disc in my collection.
Actually, I'm not sure whether these embroidered flowers are Zinnias or Chrysanthemums but I was inspired nonetheless.
As you can see in the photo below, a reference box stitches out first. This is really helpful because it allows me to see the boundries of the design and to see how the dimensions of each flower will line up, in relation to what has already been stitched out.
The use of vellum templates also help to line up exactly where to position each flower set as you're moving across the fabric.
Reminder: Always use a water soluble marker when drawing guide lines and marking your reference points. The markings are easily removed with a damp cloth.
Continue to stitch out the design across the fabric until you have the desired number of flower sets in place.
As you can see in the photo below, the embroidery is flat and all the threads are still intact.
Don't be afraid to experiment with design placement. I staggered the flower sets here to add more visual interest to the overall design.
Once the flowers are all stitched out, now comes the fun part, albeit a little scary. The fringe is created by cutting the threads on the back of the design.
Initially, I was a tad nervous about cutting into all this great stitching. However, as long as you cut slowly and carefully along the outside of each circle there's little risk of messing this up.
Note: The white material you see around the design is called "stabilizer". It's used to help hold the fabric firmly in the embroidery hoop so it doesn't slip around during the stitching process. It's easily cut and peels away from the back of the finished embroidery.
Once the flower threads have been cut from the back, return to the front and use the tip of the scissors to carefully pull the cut-threads through the fabric. This creates the fringe.
The main threads are held in place thanks to reinforced areas that are stitched into the design during the embroidery process.
Here's a closer look at how the fringed flowers look compared to the flat, uncut ones.
While I love the loose flower edges, you could also mix up this layout by including some fringed flowers and leaving others uncut in a different project.
Before attaching the back pillowcase panel to the front, I decided to add another embroidered element.
Even though most people will never see the back of the pillow unless they pick it up, you can still add a splash of color to an otherwise plain, off-white backside.
Use the same thread colors for the back element that are in the front pattern to maintain a coordinated overall appearance.
Small, extra touches and details can give a project a much bigger WOW factor.
For example, take a close look at this finished pillowcase in the photo below. Looks fine, right?
Now, take another look at the same pillowcase with the addition of leaf-green piping.
The piping is such a simple element but it packs a big punch by framing the pillow with a thin border of pretty green.
Not only does the green piping help the pillow "pop", it also gives the pillowcase a more formal appearance.
I actually like both versions but I think the pillowcase sans piping definitely has a more casual feel to it.
Which version do you like better?
For a long time, I skipped using piping on projects because I could never get it to look as neat as I wanted.
After much practice, here's my bit of advice (and alliteration) on piping.
Practice, pacing, plus plenty of pinning and piles of patience make perfect piping possible.
Now, try saying that six times fast.
I use a lot of pins to hold the piping in place between the two pieces of fabric while stitching. This really makes a difference by helping to prevent any puckering.
A zipper foot attachment is also essential to perfectly-fitted piping because it allows the sewing machine needle to get as close as possible to the piping as you stitch the seam.
A zipper foot is a standard attachment and should be included with most sewing machines.
However, if you've lost yours along the way, you can always order one on-line to fit your machine. You may also be able to order one through your local sewing machine shop.
I know of two ways to connect the two loose ends of binding within a seam.
The first involves overlapping the two ends and sewing them into the seam as you can see in the photo below.
Technique #2 (below photo) involves fitting one end of the piping inside the other and stitching it into the seam.
I personally think this second technique provides a more seamless-looking appearance and since that's the technique I used for these pillows, that's the technique I'll illustrate for you here.
Start by pinning the piping into place all the way around the pillow.
Make sure that the two ends come together at the bottom of the pillow because it will be less visible and won't take away from the clean, more visible edges of the pillow.
Cut one end of the piping @1/2 inch longer than the other end.
Use a seam ripper to gently open piping seam on one end (right side here).
Stretch the piping on the other end (left side here) so that it extends about 1/2 inch beyond the end of the piping on the opposite side.
Fold over the piping end with the opened seam about 1/4 inch. Trim the cording inside the opened-seam to the point where the other end of the cording naturally meets it.
Look at the photo below and you can see how the intact-cording and the trimmed-cording will come together.
Make sure both ends of cording meet each other and then fold the opened-seam back to its original position and pin in place.
Make sure the piping with the opened-seam is pulled tightly in position between the two pieces of pillowcase fabric.
As you stitch along the outside, you'll be able to see and feel the piping under the fabric.
Gently push the piping toward the zipper foot and needle with your fingers on one side of the piping at the same time stitching as close to the piping as possible on the other side.
This will give you a nice, close piping fit.
Whether you use the insert or the overlap technique, remember to always connect your two loose piping ends at the bottom of the pillow.
That way, when the pillow is displayed upright, the piping connection will be obscured and nearly invisible along the bottom of the pillow edge.
If you decide to use the same design on a pair of pillows, it's a good idea to arrange the design so that the finished embroidery creates a mirror image when propped up side by side.
I think this makes for a less cookie-cutter look if using them as book-ends on a sofa.
Meanwhile, when it comes to this particular embroidery design, it looks wonderful on just about anything.
I added a stem to one of Cameron's old denim vests to give the garment new life and she loved the tweak.
While the threads in these embroidered flowers seem secure, I suggest always spot cleaning embroidered projects gently and by hand as opposed to machine washing.
Whether you're adorning a garment or embellishing pillows for your home or gifts, fresh flowers like this look great no matter where you place them.
Considering the long, harsh winter most of us have had, it certainly is a pleasant sight to finally spot a few flowers in full bloom. ♥
Just "pinterested" upon your blog and it's great! I'm a novice sewer but this particular blog post really helped to make piping a little less confusing for me. You are VERY talented. Oh my. Thanks for the tips!
Posted by: Jennifer | February 05, 2013 at 11:41 PM
These pillows are just so fabulous. This is lovely pillow project you have made. It design and colour combination is awesome. I appreciate the piping tutorial.
Posted by: akro mills | March 08, 2012 at 11:22 PM
I just found your site from the book "blogging for Bliss". These pillows just so awesome! Thank you for sharing it.
Posted by: | January 08, 2012 at 11:01 PM
Nice work on those pillows and they achieve just what you were after: a fresh new look without spending a fortune. Nice tutorial, as usual. Thanks.
Posted by: | December 12, 2011 at 05:42 AM
Those pillows are FANTASTIC! You do amazing work! I found your blog looking for how to do fringe embroidery. I am stuck. I would love to pick your brain on how to do this if you are inclined and/or have a moment to help a girl out!
AllieMakes.Blogspot.com
Posted by: AllieMakes | May 25, 2011 at 12:25 PM
These are very pretty and very thanks for the wonderful step by step tutorial.
Posted by: Sangheetha | November 02, 2010 at 01:20 AM
i know i'm late, but i had to pipe in (ha ha funny), but YES, piping, piping, piping! it makes the pillows look SO crisp and nice. the one thing i have a problem with are the corners, it's hard to get them right. also, i find that joanns have a VERY small selection of already made piping, so i tend to always have to make my own (which does look best), but it would be nice to just have some ready made piping laying around for those off the cuff projects. GORGEOUS GORGEOUS pillows! and you kind of owe it to the pillow to do piping since they are so pretty!:)
Posted by: Linda Stahl | July 25, 2010 at 12:25 PM
Just beautiful... the finished pillows look stunning on your couch. :)
It just might be time to upgrade my ol' sewing machine to an embroidery one! Love what you've done. Such a professional finished look with the element on the back as well!
Posted by: Laura | June 11, 2010 at 10:00 AM
This is the most creative pillow case I've ever seen. This is another delicious creation. I just love the pattern and color of your work.
Posted by: | May 25, 2010 at 04:09 AM
Hi Lisa,
I just found your website from Blogging For Bliss book. These pillows are just so gorgeous!! Thank you for sharing it..
Sincerely,
Made With Bliss
http://madewithbliss.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Made With Bliss | May 08, 2010 at 01:44 AM
I haven't stopped by your blog in quite a while but I just had to tell you that those pillows are stunning! I wish my machine had that capability. I just love them.
Posted by: Serendipity Handamde | April 23, 2010 at 02:32 PM
Hi, I like your blog soo much,
I am from Brazil, I love craft...
http://agulhaetricot.com
http://agulhaetricot.blogspot.com
Posted by: Tita Carré | April 16, 2010 at 10:13 PM
I am truly impressed. I'm very impressed with this lovely work. Good job!
Posted by: Baby registry | April 16, 2010 at 07:37 AM
Cute! Thanks for the tutorial. I always wondered how to do fringe!
Posted by: Tiff@DogwoodLaneDesigns | April 14, 2010 at 11:53 AM
Lisa:
How do you have time to create such BEAUTIFUL work?! It's more than a notion for me to leave the house clean/lookin' presentable and out to door on time for work.
Beautiful work!!! Would you PLEASE open an Etsy shop? PULEEZE?!
Posted by: Cee | April 12, 2010 at 06:00 AM
Just beautiful! Now, I wish I had a machine that would embroidery!
Posted by: D'Anna | April 09, 2010 at 01:41 AM
Thank you for sharing this fabulous tutorial. The pillows have a real spring feel!
Posted by: lorraine | April 08, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Beautiful pillows! So fresh and fun. I really love the casual whimsy you added by clipping the threads. Was that your idea or an idea that came with the embroidery pattern? I appreciate the piping tutorial. You always have such great visuals and explain things so it's easy to understand!
Posted by: Erin Rippy | April 07, 2010 at 08:21 PM
The pillows are FANTASTIC!!! I want to get a machine so I can do that! I love it!
Posted by: Nikki Brey | April 07, 2010 at 12:36 PM
Lisa, What a breath of fresh air! I love the piping on the pillows! Formal - yes, but oh so finished! Piping however scares me to death! I will try and take your suggestions on my next project!
Great re-make on the jacket as well!
Posted by: Vicki B | April 06, 2010 at 09:28 AM
Cool floral design! I like it. I also want to make something like that. Anyway, thanks for sharing this post. I've got an idea.
-pia-
Posted by: flower Philippine | April 05, 2010 at 12:07 AM
Wow! I'm speechless... those pillows are amazing!
Posted by: Angela | April 04, 2010 at 09:53 PM
after a long snow filled winter my garden is in bloom. And your pillows remind me of it. Thanks for sharing the step by step instructions. They are beautiful on you couch. QP
Posted by: Pam Brown | April 03, 2010 at 07:23 PM
beautiful pillows and great detailed tutorial! I love zinnias:)
Posted by: Bobbi | April 03, 2010 at 10:53 AM
Absolutely gorgeous! I was wishing for new pillows for our sofas and these would look PERFECT, but I think it perhaps require a little bit to much patience...
But I will definitely add piping on the next pillows. Always thought it looked so hard to make, even though it certainly add that extra feature on pillows! Thanks for the tute!
Posted by: Kaja | April 03, 2010 at 03:25 AM
This is so cool! I love how it turned out. If only I had an embroidery machine! :)
Posted by: Sarah Sarniak | April 02, 2010 at 11:34 PM
Beautiful pillows - love the piping! Have you ever tried the wash-away thread in the bobbin? It eliminates the picking and cutting, but still gives you the 3D effect. It's pretty cool!!! (you just have to make sure you change it before you do the centers!)
Posted by: Beth | April 02, 2010 at 11:12 PM
Lisa, those pillows and vest are beautiful!! Such a nice textural addition to an already beautiful design! And those colors are my favorites!! Give me anything orange, red, pink and yellow and I am happy! And the piping adds the perfect finish. Just how I add piping!
Posted by: Berta | April 02, 2010 at 02:26 PM
Wow!!! Those pillows are stunning!! I really like the pillow with the piping...I love piping on just about anything! I've never understood how to apply it though, so thank you for the lesson!
Happy Easter!
Posted by: Kate/Massachusetts | April 02, 2010 at 01:06 PM
What a wonderful project. I bet the same technique can be done on a felted bag.
Posted by: Sheri D. Maple | April 01, 2010 at 10:34 PM
Lisa,Your sewing skills are amazing. I adore the pillows. I can only imagine what they would cost if you purchased them.Please tell Cameron that she rocks that vest. Keep inspiring us! Robin
Posted by: Robin Clevenger | April 01, 2010 at 05:22 PM
Wow...wow...wow! Those pillows are divine.
Posted by: Judith Norman | April 01, 2010 at 05:10 PM
Incredibly creative; who but you would have thought to cut into their embroidered flowers? :) Beautiful.
Laurel
Posted by: Laurel Harper | April 01, 2010 at 04:38 PM
What a gorgeous project! I have some designs like that - it's always so fun to cut the threads and see the flowers really pop. I love the piping, you're right, it does add great zing to the pillow. I've never tried it but now I'll have to! Cameron's vest is DARLING!
Posted by: Allie | April 01, 2010 at 11:52 AM
I just love your blog! Would you share the pattern for the flowers and where that came from? The pillows are fabulous! I love them! I don't have an embroidery machine. Can you recommend a good brand?
Posted by: Carolyn | April 01, 2010 at 10:23 AM
WOW! Those are beautiful! Are they for sale? I'd buy them in a second!!! ;)
Posted by: summer | April 01, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Those pillows are adorable Lisa!!! I actually have the flower design from the front of the pillow (I used it on some quilts for girls several years ago and they turned out great!), but can you tell me where that cute little flower pot from the back came from? Thanks, as always for the inspiration!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | April 01, 2010 at 07:40 AM
Wow! I definitely like the pillows with cording better. Thanks for the demo on joining cording and for the idea to use a zipper foot when attaching(now why didn't I think of that?). It has always been a conundrum; kind of hit or miss whether it looks good or not. I literally just got a machine that embroiders so I am very excited to adorn things with it! Now I've decided that I must have new pillows for my couch! I was going to answer with an an alliteration...but it's sooooo early in the morning...zzzzzzz
Posted by: Vanessa S. | April 01, 2010 at 07:39 AM
What a lovely pillow project! Makes me wish I had an embroidery machine like that. I love seeing the seed packet that inspired you. And I love how you translated it onto the denim vest too - very cute. I have definitely been enjoying working with piping more these days, and I love the green you used to frame these pillows.
Posted by: Terri | April 01, 2010 at 07:29 AM
Lisa, yet again you have done a beautiful beautiful job. Thanks for sharing your techniques. I love the piping on the pillows. I was soo excited when I saw you made pillows, that's my first love when it comes to sewing. Now you have me wanting an embroidery machine:) The look of your pillows are so refreshing (especially being that I dreamed we received snow last night..lol). And I love Cameron's vest. She is too cute.
Posted by: Kisha | April 01, 2010 at 07:05 AM
Lisa, just STUNNING!!!!
Posted by: Adrienne | April 01, 2010 at 06:59 AM
Gorgeous. You are always so generous with your projects/techiniques and the photos are so helpful. Loving the embellished denim. Happy Spring.
Posted by: Stephanie | April 01, 2010 at 06:52 AM
Lisa, These pillows are just beautiful!! The technique adds another whole dimension to the embroidery. I like the piping too. But you are right if you are going for a more casual feel, definitely leave the piping off. And how cute is that on Cameron's vest?
Posted by: Jackie | April 01, 2010 at 06:32 AM