CANDY CUSHIONS

Instructions

Reference the downloadable project sheet for project pattern diagrams.

Wrapped Candy Cushion

Note: This template is at scale.

Candy Cane Cushion

Note: This template has been scaled. You will need to print this template at actual size and blow it up by 160% to make it full size.

Peppermint Candy Cushion

Note: This template has been scaled. You will need to print this template at actual size and blow it up by 240% to make it full size.

Wrapped Candy Cushion

Cutting

From Fabric, cut:

• 1 body square measuring 20" x 20"
• 2 end rectangles measuring 20" x 8"
• 2 circles using the 6" diameter circle template provided

Construction

1. Fold the body rectangle in half with right sides together, matching the long edges. Sew the long edge using a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving a turning and stuffing opening in the centre of the seam. Press the seam open.
2. Fold each end rectangle in half with right sides together. Sew the short edge of each using a 1/4" seam allowance to create two tubes. Press the seams open.
3. Leave the body tube inside out. Insert one end tube into one open end of the body tube so the right sides are together and the raw edges are aligned.
4. Place one fabric circle over the end of the tubes with the right side facing in, sandwiching the end tube between the body tube and the circle. Pin around the curved edge, matching the raw edges.
5. Sew around the circle using a 1/4" seam allowance, then clip the seam allowance around the curve.
6. Repeat Steps 3-5 for the opposite end of the cushion.
7. Turn the cushion right side out through the opening in the body seam. Carefully shape the circular ends, then fold the raw edge of each end rectangle to the inside by 1/4". Press and top stitch around each folded edge to create a neat hem.
8. Fill the cushion firmly with polyester fibre fill.
9. Hand stitch the turning and stuffing opening closed.
10. Tie a ribbon securely around each end section to gather the fabric and create the wrapped candy shape.

Peppermint Candy Cushion

Cutting

• Fabric A Cut 2 x 10" x 10" squares.
• Fabric B Cut 2 x 10" x 10" squares.
• Backing Fabric Cut 1 circle using the template provided.
• Side Fabric Cut 4 x 13" x 7" rectangles.

Construction

Prepare the Cushion Front

1. Place one Fabric A square and one Fabric B square right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on the wrong side of the top square.
2. Sew a 1/4" seam on both sides of the drawn line.
3. Cut along the drawn diagonal line to create two half-square triangle blocks. Press the seams towards the darker fabric.
4. Repeat with the remaining Fabric A and Fabric B squares to create four half-square triangle blocks in total.
5. Arrange the four half-square triangle blocks to create the peppermint pinwheel design. Sew the blocks together in pairs, then join the two rows using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press the seams.
6. Position the circle template over the completed patchwork panel, centring the point where the four blocks meet. Trace around the template and cut out the cushion front.

Prepare the Wrapper Sections

1. Place the two 13" x 7" rectangles right sides together. Sew both short edges and one long edge using a 1/4" seam allowance, rounding the corners as you sew. Leave the remaining long edge open.
2. Trim the corners, turn the wrapper sections right side out and press.
3. Sew two rows of gathering stitches along the open edge of each wrapper section.

Assemble the Cushion

1. Pin one gathered wrapper section to each side of the front circle, adjusting the gathers evenly to fit. Baste in place using a scant 1/4" seam allowance.
2. Place the backing circle right sides together with the front, sandwiching the gathered wrapper sections between the front and back. Pin around the edge.
3. Sew around the cushion using a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving a turning and stuffing opening.
4. Clip the seam allowance around the curved edge.
5. Turn the cushion right side out through the opening and carefully shape the edges.
6. Fill the cushion firmly with polyester fibre fill.
7. Hand stitch the turning and stuffing opening closed.

Candy Cane Cushion

Cutting

Fabric

• Cut 2 rectangles large enough to fit the candy cane template.

Construction

1. Place the two fabric rectangles right sides together.
2. Position the candy cane template on top of the fabric and trace around the template.
3. Sew directly on the traced line, leaving a turning and stuffing opening along one straight section.
4. Trim around the stitched outline, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance. Clip the seam allowance around all curved edges, taking care not to cut through the stitching.
5. Turn the cushion right side out through the opening. Carefully shape all curves using a blunt turning tool.
6. Fill the cushion firmly and evenly with polyester fibre fill.
7. Hand stitch the turning and stuffing opening closed.