I was curious if I could use my foundation paper piecing (FPP) skills to create a unique pictorial puff quilt. What would it look like after being pleated and would it still look like the image I designed? Lets find out!
I used the idea of my big puff quilt, the rainbow. However, I wanted to make the recognizable version of a rainbow. I used my base block as 5 inches (cut with muslin), I then made my FPP pattern 20 x 20 inches. I then divided that 20 inch block into 4 x 4 blocks. Making each block 5 inches. With FPP when you divide each block up into sections, those 5 inch squares/sections will then become 5.5 inch squares because the 1/4 inch seam allowance around each section. So you then have a 5 inch muslin block and a 5.5 inch top FPP block.
Heres what I am talking about:
You can see the rainbow is now divided into the 5 inch blocks.
Now we design the FPP pattern with in those 5 inch sections.
The white blocks would be cut at 5.5 inch squared.
After designing each block I then print those sections out and prep them to start sewing.
You can see the block is 5 inches with the 1/4 inch seam allowance around the edges, which makes it the 5.5 inch block I need.
I then start sewing the FPP pieces together, and cut out my 5.5 inch white blocks (which I need 6 of).
After sewing all the FPP blocks, I then trim them all to the 5.5 inch size and remove the paper.
Once the paper is removed I lay out the design to make sure all the blocks are facing up and in the correct position. Remember from the last blog post we will be sewing the right side, bottom and left sides of each block. I then start sewing them to the muslin and don't forget to add the pleat near the middle, and use a 1/8th of an inch seam allowance when sewing.
Once everything is sewn, I laid them out to see what it might look like at this point, but also to make sure and double check that each block is facing up and in the right direction. (Checking to make sure each block is still open at the TOP.)
The next step is to sew each row together. I start by sewing the bottom row, and work my way up.
Once all the rows are together, I then start assembling the puff pillow or I guess it could be a very mini puff quilt too.
If you are unsure as to what this process is, please check my last blog for the link to the original tutorial which explains how to make a puff quilt (link is also at the end of this blog). Above, you can see I am assembling the rows, stuffing them and bast stitching (1/8th inch seam allowance) them closed, sewing the next row on (with a 1/4 inch seam allowance) and then repeat.
Using the same fleece as I used on my larger quilt, the tan fleece, I basted it to the puff pillow back. I used a small amount of basting spray to help stick it to the back of the puff pillow quilt. Leaving the backing larger than the front, I then did a basting stitch (1/8 in seam allowance) around the entire thing, then trimmed the sides off.
The last thing to do was put the binding on. I again cut some random strip of the fabric at 2.25 inches, sewing them together and ironed them in half, wrong sides together.
Once the binding was sewn on the front, I then hand sewed the binding to the backing and then added some hand stitching! I seriously had so much fun making this puff pillow quilt. The cat has since taken over the puff quilt so now maybe I will be able to swap out the quilt with the pillow. Then the rest of the family can enjoy the puff quilt. Want to see more about the puff quilt please check here.
If you would like to create your own rainbow FPP puff quilt be sure to download the pattern:
You will need to know how to sew a puff quilt, as my pattern only gives directions on the FPP block. If you need a tutorial to follow please check Lo & Be Hold Stitchery as she has great pictures of how to sew a puff quilt. You'll need to make my pattern and then follow her tutorial from there. It's just so easy.
If you make the rainbow FPP puff pillow be sure to use the hashtag #pitchersboutique or #rainbowpuffpillow so I can see all your amazing creations! Thanks for hanging out with me today, and I hope you will come back and see whats next on the blog! I'll say, its something super fun!
Stay safe, stay healthy and be kind.