My Shining Snowflake block is available on my website (click here to purchase). The bonus option for January is creating a pillow cover for an 18" pillow form using the block.
Materials Needed:
After completing the Shining Snowflake Block (or any of the Shining Seasons 2024 Blocks), your block will measure 12.5" x 12.5". We will be making a pillow cover to fit at 18" pillow form.
Pay attention to Seam Allowances (which will be referred to as SA) as they change throughout the instructions. Always backstitch when beginning and ending.
Step 1: Using your coordinating fabric, measure and cut the fabric as follows:
(2) 3.75" x 12.5"
(2) 3.75" x 19"
(1) 19" x 19" (pillow backing)
Step 2: Lay both 3.75" x 12.5" pieces on opposite sides of block, RST. I like to start on the left and right side, but you can start on top or the sides. Pin or clip, then sew using a 1/4" SA. Press both sides towards the border. This portion should now measure 12.5" x 19". See fig 1 & 2.
FIG 1: 
FIG 2: 
Step 3: Lay both 3.75" x 19" pieces on edges without border, RST. Pin or clip, sew with a 1/4" SA and press towards the longer borders. See Fig 3 & 4.
FIG 3: 
FIG 4: 
(If you are planning on quilting your pillow cover top, now is the time to do so. Gather your batting which should be slightly larger than 19" x 19", and quilt using your preferred method.)
Step 4: Take completed pillow cover top, and mark 2" in, on bottom edges on both sides (see fig 5). Mark a starting point on the zipper tape, about 1/4" from the zipper head (see fig 6). Place zipper wrong side down, with head facing the right side, and match line made on fabric with line marked on zipper tape. Pin or clip to fabric. Your zipper tape should extend the mark made on the fabric's lower bottom left. Take to sewing machine, and using a zipper foot, line up zipper foot at the starting mark on the zipper tape, keeping the foot as close to the teeth as possible (see fig 7). Keeping the zipper tape edge lined up with the fabric edge, sew with the foot right next to the teeth until you reach the line you made on the fabric at the other end. Repeat Step 4 with the backing fabric, making sure to keep RST of the fabric and zipper tape (see fig 8 & 9).
FIG 5: 
FIG 6: 
FIG 7: 
FIG 8:
FIG 9: 
Step 5: OPEN ZIPPER HALFWAY!!!
Step 6: Now you're ready to sew the front and back pieces together. Place the two fabric pieces with right sides together, aligning the edges. Pin the sides and bottom, leaving the side with the zipper open. The marks you made on the bottom with the zipper will be your starting and stopping points. Begin sewing at the right marked line along the zipper. Place the fabric pieces perpendicular to the presser foot, starting on the line and sew, backstitchings a few times, until you clear the zipper tape (see fig 10). Then sew to the edge, and begin sewing with a 1/2" SA. Sew along the pinned edges, on all 3 sides. When you come to the other corner where your zipper tape is, stop before you come to the zipper tape. Turn and sew, following the zipper tape until you meet the other marked line. Turn your cover perpendicular to the presser foot again, sewing along that marked line, backstitching a few times.
FIG 10: 
Step 7: Trim the excess fabric from the seam allowances, especially around the corners. This will reduce bulk and help the corners look crisp when turned right side out.
Step 8: Carefully turn the pillow cover right side out through the open zipper. Use a pointed object, like a chopstick or the blunt end of a pencil, to gently push out the corners for a clean finish.
Step 9: Insert your pillow form through the open zipper. Make sure it fills the corners evenly for a plump and professional appearance. (see fig 11)
FIG 11: 
Step 10: Zip up the zipper, ensuring it moves smoothly without catching on the fabric. This step completes your handmade pillow cover.
Congratulations! You've successfully sewn a stylish pillow cover with a zipper. Enjoy your custom-made pillow cover!
Stay tuned for more Shining Seasons Quilt Blocks for 2024 - each one will have a bonus option included!
Happy Sewing!
Amanda
