Mustache Applique Pillow

June 7, 2012 By 23 Comments

Whenever I teach an applique class things move very fast.  I am trying to teach the very basics of applique alongside creative applique ideas.  It’s a three hour class and I’m covering the basics.  This doesn’t leave a lot of time for a fun and creative project to take home.

For my upcoming summer class, I thought I’d put together a super easy and really fun tutorial for my students to do once they get home.

And what, may I ask, is more fun than a mustache?  How about a mustache pillow?

Before starting on the applique, you will need to get your pillow parts together.  You will also need a fusible web product like WonderUnder or Steam A Seam 2.  These can be purchased in packages or by the yard at Joann’s and Hobby Lobby.

Step One:  The Pillow Front

Choose your pillow form.
  

I’m working with an 18″ x 18″ pillow form.  You can find these at Joann’s and Hobby Lobby {check for sales or coupons}.  The applique for this project will also fit a 16″ x 16″ pillow form or a 12″ x 16″ pillow form.

Choose your pillow fabric.

I am using a canvas drop cloth from Home Depot for my pillow.  I’ve bleached and neutralized it before beginning my project.  If you want to make this project for gifts or to sell at craft shows, this is your best option because it looks kind of linen-y but costs kind of cotton-y.

Step 2:  Cutting out the Pillow Front

Cut a square for your pillow front that is 1″ greater in length and 1″ greater in width.  I cut out a piece that is 19″ x 19″ since my pillow form is 18″ x 18″.   Be sure it is square.

Step 3:  The Pillow Back

Since this is an Envelope Pillow, you are going to need a piece that is a little bit wider for your pillow back.  To make the envelope part, follow this simple formula:  Add 1″ to the length and 5″ to the width.

For our pillow, that means cutting out a piece of fabric that is 19″ x 23″ {because my pillow form is 18″ x 18″ and 18 + 5 = 23}.

Once you have your pillow back cut out, find the center 11.5″ from the side and draw a cutting line with a pencil.

Now, cut the pillow back in half on the cutting line.  This will leave you with two pieces that are 19″ x 11.5″.

OPTIONAL STEP:  Finishing the Raw Edges

***If you have a serger, you may want to consider serging around the raw edges of your pillow front and your pillow back pieces.  The drop cloth fabric tends to unravel and stretch.   This additional step will make attaching the front and back easier because you won’t be dealing with lots of unruly threads.  If you don’t own a serger,  this can be done with a wide zigzag stitch.  Or you can skip this step.

You will now need to finish the edges that form the ‘envelope’ for your pillow back.  

Fold the long edge (the side that is 19″) under 1/4″ and press.
Turn under a second time and press.
Stitch down the folded edge using a 2.5mm stitch length.
Repeat on the other pillow back piece.
Set your pillow front and pillow back pieces aside in order to work on the mustache applique.

Step 4:  Mustache Applique

I’ve drawn two pdf’s for you to use and stored them here.  I am only showing the mustache, but I’ve included the glasses in case you want to make a set of pillows. 

Just open the link and download your designs; print and you will have two templates.  

Cut out the half mustache design.  Fold the fusible web in half, rough sides together.  Place design on the fold of the smooth side of fusible web.

Trace the design onto the smooth side of the fusible web.  Flip fusible web over in order to trace the other half of moustache.  Then rough-cut around the design.  Leave a margin around the design to get a cleaner cut when you apply the design to the fabric.

Place the mustache, web (or rough) side down, to the back of your fabric.   With a hot, dry iron, press for 5-8 seconds.  Let cool.  HINT:  If you are new to applique, I recommend that you put a clean tea towel or a sheet of parchment paper over the design.  This will prevent you from accidentally getting gooey fusible web on the surface of your iron.

Cut out the mustache on the drawing lines.  Here’s the front.  Notice those clean edges.
Here’s the mustache back with the smooth paper backing ready to be peeled off.
 Step 5:  Appliqueing Mustache to Pillow Front

Lay the pillow front onto a flat surface and, using a yardstick or quilter’s ruler, find the middle.
On the back of the mustache, mark the center.  Since the paper backing that you’ve just marked on is going to be peeled away, be sure to stick a pin through the center mark.
Carefully peel off the paper backing, revealing the fusible backing. Keep the pin in place.  
Place the fusible web side of mustache onto the pillow front matching the point of the pin with the center point.  It is very important to make sure that the mustache is straight.  Pin in place to hold.

Fuse the mustache to the pillow front using a hot, dry iron.

You have several choices for stitching your mustache to the pillow top.
I’ve used a heavier weight thread {12 wt. by Sulky} and a straight stitch to secure the mustache.  All purpose thread will also work.  If you prefer covering the raw edge, you may want to use a zigzag stitch to secure.
Step 6:  Making the Envelope Pillow 

On a flat surface, lay out the pillow front with the mustache design facing up.  With right sides together, lay the left pillow back piece on top of pillow front, matching the left corners.  Pin to hold.
Next, with right sides together, place the right side of pillow back on top of pillow front.  This piece will overlap the left side of pillow back.
Using a 1/2″ seam allowance, stitch around the entire pillow.  Turn pillow right side out.  Slip the pillow form into the envelope opening in the back…
…and enjoy.
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Filed Under: Applique, Home, patterns, sewing, tutorials
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Comments

  1. Stacey says:
    June 7, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    That pillow is just adorable!
    I would love if you stopped by to link it up to my party which is happening now!
    Stacey of Embracing Change
    http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com

    Reply
  2. Jess_LyMi says:
    June 7, 2012 at 6:45 pm

    What a cute pillow. My niece would love it! :)

    Jess
    http://thedelightfulcrafter.com

    Reply
  3. Maria says:
    June 10, 2012 at 3:36 am

    Love the pillow, so cute!!! Thanks for the wonderful detailed tutorial!

    Reply
  4. Brittany Stewart says:
    June 11, 2012 at 12:41 am

    This is amazing! Glad that i found you on the hop! I would love it if you can check my blog out sometime :)

    -Brittany
    http://buttonsbirdsandbs.blogspot.com

    Reply
  5. Crafty Mischief says:
    June 11, 2012 at 7:03 pm

    Love this!

    Reply
  6. Erika says:
    June 12, 2012 at 1:35 am

    This pillow is awesome and the tutorial is very clear, thank you very much for sharing. I will definitely try it sometime.

    Reply
  7. Sarah says:
    June 12, 2012 at 12:27 pm

    I love how this turned out! I would love for you to share this at my link party http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/share-it-link-party-15.html

    Reply
  8. Amy - while wearing heels says:
    June 12, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    I’ll have to dig into my pillow ‘stache’ and make one of these. You provided such a clean, detailed, bright tutorial. Wonderful job!

    Reply
  9. Stacey says:
    June 13, 2012 at 3:11 am

    Featured you!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

    Reply
  10. Laura @ House Of Joyful Noise says:
    June 14, 2012 at 2:38 am

    I like it! Very original, and a diversion from the popular pretty pillows.

    Reply
  11. mycreativelyvintagelife.com says:
    June 15, 2012 at 5:25 am

    Love Love this project and how it turned out. Seems pretty easy to. I just might try one. Found you via a blog hop and am now a new follower! :)

    Reply
  12. Sarah Larsen says:
    June 15, 2012 at 11:26 am

    Very cute. The mustache look is so in right now. Haha

    I would love for you to link this to my Flaunt It Friday link party! Also, follow my new blog Blissful Bucket List! :)

    http://www.blissfulbucketlist.com/

    Reply
  13. Junky Vagabond says:
    June 15, 2012 at 3:02 pm

    hahaha! Too cute :) Thanks for the detailed instructions!

    Reply
  14. Junky Vagabond says:
    June 15, 2012 at 3:03 pm

    hahahaha! Too cute :) Thanks for the detailed instructions!

    Reply
  15. Lauren says:
    June 16, 2012 at 2:29 pm

    Very cute! Thanks so much for the tutorial! It was so detailed that I think even I might be able to follow it. :)

    I hope you’ll link up at Off the Hook.

    Reply
  16. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says:
    June 18, 2012 at 8:36 pm

    What a cute pillow and a nicely detailed tutorial!

    Reply
  17. Misty @Creative Itch says:
    June 19, 2012 at 4:01 am

    I’m a fan of all things mustache…LOVE this pillow!

    Thanks for sharing @’Sew Cute Tuesday. I’ll be featuring you tomorrow, so be sure to stop by and grab a ‘featured’ button!

    Reply
  18. Katie says:
    June 20, 2012 at 2:26 am

    Super cute and creative pillow! I am featuring your pillow tomorrow on Sew Woodsy during our weekly link party!

    Reply
  19. Linda @ it all started with paint says:
    June 25, 2012 at 6:45 pm

    I love you pillow and your tutorial … and I’m pinning so I can follow your excellent directions …

    I’m thinking I may do numbers … or monograms … in some reds and blues and blacks …

    Thanks for the inspiration!

    :)

    Linda

    Reply
  20. Ann says:
    June 26, 2012 at 2:28 am

    Love it. I have to make one of these for my son.

    Reply
  21. Linda @ it all started with paint says:
    June 26, 2012 at 7:45 pm

    So happy to see you at the Pillowpalooza party! Thanks for sharing …

    :)

    Linda

    Reply
  22. EADH says:
    July 7, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    I made this pillow for my dad for father’s day (but with a gray mustache) – it was a big hit! Thanks for the idea and the pdf pattern – I pinned my pillow here: http://pinterest.com/pin/240731542552314171/
    if you want to see how it turned out! Thanks again,
    EADH from hemshaws.blogspot.com

    Reply
  23. We♥Cards says:
    July 29, 2012 at 9:44 am

    This is so great! Thank you! I linked to your blog http://wp.me/p1aFNB-1q Esther

    Reply

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