Quick appliqued cushion ideas for the holidays

We always seem to need that last-minute Christmas gift for an unexpected person on our holiday gift list. I recently found these really cute (and free!) designs from ShinyHappyWorld.com, and I thought they’d be perfect for some quick and easy applique Christmas cushions using HeatnBond Featherlite fusible web. These designs are for a 10″ block, so you could use another 10″ design of your choice if you wish.

materials to make 1 cushion:

• applique design for a 10″ finished block; here’s the link to the free Snowman design by Wendi Ganz of ShinyHappyWorld.com
• scraps of fabric for the design
• ⅓ yd fabric for the cushion (I used plaid flannel)
• ⅓ yd fabric for the cushion form
• stuffing (I used Fairfield Poly-fil)
• fusible web (I used HeatnBond Featherlite 8½” x 11″ sheets) 

Let’s get started!

• Trace your design on a HeatnBond Featherlite 8½” x 11″ sheet. You can also print the design from your computer directly onto a Featherlite sheet. What a great feature this is!
• Cut out the paper shapes, leaving about ⅛” around the outside edges.
• Following the manufacturer’s instructions, press a piece of fusible web to the back of each fabric for the snowman shape.
• Cut out each shape on the drawn lines. Carefully remove the paper backing from the fusible web, one shape at a time, as you need it. I like to use a pin or needle to score the paper backing, making it easier to remove. A thin layer of fusible web will remain on the fabric.
• From background fabric, cut 1 – 12″ square for the cushion front.
• Cut 2 – 7½” x 10½” rectangles for the cushion back. Set these aside for now.
• Place the applique shapes on the 12″ square. When you’re satisfied with the placement of the shapes, fuse them in place, following the manufacturer’s directions.

• Stitch around each shape by hand or machine, using the stitch of your choice. I used a machine blanket stitch on my cushion.

Be sure to try one of the new SCHMETZ Susper NonStick Needles when stitching shapes with fusible web. This needle has a slippery surface that ensures less adhesive residue sticks to the needle. Itʼs ideal for users of fusible web, self-adhesive stabilizers, temporary spray adhesives, tapes and more.

• Trim the cushion front so it measures 10½” x 10½”. I used an Olfa frosted 12½” square ruler for this step. You can cut any size square up to 12½” and I love the non-slip finish on this ruler!

Be sure to come back tomorrow to see how to put all the pieces together to make your Christmas cushion!

This is part 1 of 5 in this series

Go to part 2: A holiday cushion finished in a flash!