A Wool Hexagon Appliqué Pillow

Wool hexagons fused and blanket-stitched onto a wool background make a calm, meditative project. The result is a small decorative pillow, perfect for slow stitching by the fire. This post covers fusing and cutting the hexagons, then positioning them evenly on the background. It also covers a beginner-friendly blanket stitch, plus finishing the pillow with a cotton back and a hand-stitched closure. Let’s go!

materials

fabric

• cream wool, for the background, at least 13″ x 18″ [33 x 45.7cm]
• assorted blue and green wool pieces, for about 15 hexagons
• cotton fat quarter, for the backing

thread

• 4 variegated three-strand cotton embroidery floss, for the blanket stitch
• matching cotton thread, for machine sewing

notions

• lightweight fusible web
• hexagon template
• chenille needles, size 22
• sharp embroidery scissors
• air-erasable marking pen
• 1″ x 12″ ruler
• rotary cutter and a large square ruler, for trimming
• wool pressing mat and a non-stick pressing sheet
• iron
• pins
• polyester fiberfill

Mark and cut the hexagons

Draw a hexagon on the paper side of lightweight fusible web, using a template. First, mark two parallel lines the width of the hexagon. Then position the template between them to mark the other four edges. Cut out the shapes, leaving about ¼″ of excess web around each one. Fuse one or two hexagons to each wool piece, using a pressing sheet to protect the iron. Cut the hexagons out with sharp embroidery scissors. A pointed tip and straight blade cut through wool cleanly.

Position the hexagons

Audition the hexagons on the background wool to check the color flow. Squint at the layout, or use a tonal guide to spot any hexagon that doesn’t sit well. Then mark the background before fixing anything in place. Draw a line down the center, both vertically and horizontally, with an air-erasable pen. Add a horizontal line above and below the center to keep the first row straight. Leave an even ¼″ between hexagons, using a narrow ruler or the template’s seam allowance mark. Position the remaining rows ¼″ above or below the center row. Fuse everything in place on a wool pressing mat, which also holds pins.

Blanket stitch the edges

Blanket stitch works beautifully for appliqueing wool. Use three-strand cotton floss and a chenille needle. It glides through the wool without leaving large holes. Mark each hexagon ¼″ in from the edge, and mark every corner, to keep the stitches even in height and spacing.

Tie a knot at the end of the thread. Come up through the back of the wool at a corner of the hexagon. Insert the needle about ¼″ inside the applique and ¼″ to the right. Bring it back up just above, on the edge. Let the thread hang under the needle, then pull it through. Don’t pull too tight. Repeat around the hexagon. To finish, pass the needle under several stitches on the back, make a small hidden stitch, and trim the thread.

Finish the pillow

Trim the stitched wool and the cotton backing to 13″ x 18″ using a rotary cutter and ruler. Sew the layers right sides together by machine, leaving a 4″ opening along the bottom. A quick zigzag over the seam adds sturdiness. Wool backing works too: place the layers wrong sides together and blanket stitch the edges. Clip the corners to reduce bulk, then turn the pillow right side out and press the seams. Stuff it with polyester fiberfill until it feels dense and holds its shape. Close the opening by hand.

Original series by Claire Haillot on QUILTsocial.com. Photos by Claire Haillot