Molly's Sketchbook: Curved Seam Pillows

When I initially set out to make these pillows I had modest expectations: I just wanted to make a simple pieced pillow with a circle in the center. After a lot of tinkering with a compass and scrap fabric I finally figured out how to do it using four identically pieced quadrants, but I also figured out something unexpected.  If I played with the orientation of the quadrants I could make a bunch of other equally cool designs. I love discovering simple tricks like this and I had a great time deciding on my favorite arrangements.

In addition to adding a bold bit of design to your bedroom or livingroom, these pillows can help you conquer the dreaded curved seam. A lot of beginning sewers are intimidated by curved seams but once you know the basic principles behind them they aren't hard at all. Each of these pillows has eight curved seams and thus eight chances to practice this valuable skill.

I used the graphic, modern Fab Pre-Cut fabric in the Measuring Tape print. These 1-meter by 55-centimeter (39.4-inches by 21.7-inches) pre-cut pieces have a really wonderful graphic measuring tape printed along the selvage edge that I enjoyed using in unexpected places. I really like the basic colors they come in so I picked some strong Kona Cotton and P & B Color Spectrum solids to match the brown, red, and white color palette. I love the way all of the colors work together, complimenting the striking modern design of the big curves in the pillows. If you'd like to make some for yourself, and learn how to sew a curved seam in the process please visit my Curved Seam Pillows Project Journal.  Enjoy! --Molly

Comments

[ina and gumby]

... molly ... on the dot fantastic pillows ... happy days ... and they look great for pillow fights too non?!!!

[angel]

Gorgeous! I love the color combination.

[darlene]

they look absolutely great! and pack a lot of style with a little bit of fabric!

[shannon]

i love these! they look great! this will definitely give me some courage to start sewing more curved seams. i love the pop of red in them.

[meg (kiss my style)]

love them - they are so sleek!

[brooke]

They turned out beautifully.. and they look so mod. I may have to try those blocks in a quilt too.. so many possibilities! Nice job Molly!

[Amy]

There's an Award for you on my blog! http://downsouthmusings.blogspot.com/

[mikawendy]

Thanks for posting about this project! The red circle is very striking. The ladies at the quilt fabric store near me have recommended using a smaller than 1/4" seam allowance when piecing curved seams. I have yet to try this, but they say it helps the fabric lay more flat once the seam is sewn.

[Carrie]

Stunning pillows!

[becky]

these are delicious! I can see them dotting my couch right now...

[Cami]

These are so my style! They are gorgeous! Love 'em. Thanks for the post.

[Kim]

You should check out Dale Fleming's book "Pieced Curves So Simple." She has an ingenious technique that involves freezer paper and a water-soluble glue stick. Seriously, it will change your life ... no more pinning and easing the fabric. Sorry for the self-promotion, but I just posted a tutorial here: http://www.dioramarama.com/2009/02/tutorial_easy_pieced.html

[Beth]

Fantastic Pillows, they turned out great!

[melinda]

i am defiantly going to try these. it will be a great way to spice up my room

[Cait]

I was wondering if I could add a link to your page from mine?

Mine's zidotty.blogspot.com :).

[purl bee]

Hi Cait,
Yes of course! Thank you for sharing.

[peanut]

Thanks for your tutorial on sewing curved seams - they always kind of intimidated me. Now I have two new pillow covers for our family room.

(I couldn't put my blog address in the URL spot for some reason so here you go: www.inapeanutshell.com )

[Sharon]

What kind of pillow form or stuffing did you use---they are so plump! The ones I see at Joann fabrics (here in Michigan) are rather flat compared to yours. Beautiful.

Sharon