Beginner-Friendly, Quick and Simple
A few weeks ago I shared a video tutorial here on the Zen Chic blog and on my YouTube channel showing you how to make an improvisational modern pillow. I had already had a plan in the works to create another video how-to as I thought it might be helpful to give you some some general tips and tricks on how to make the closure for a pillow. So, I’m excited to bring that to you this week!
When creating a pillow closure you can of course use zippers or buttons. I personally like the envelope closure most as it doesn’t require any extra notions, and it’s easy to make. Any beginner can sew a closure like this – it’s done in a couple of minutes and it works perfectly for any pillow. In this very beginner-friendly tutorial I’ll show you how to make a pillow cover in general and then finish things up with a quick and simple envelope closure.
And now on to this week’s Block for our year-long sew-along… Ready?
FREE QUILT ALONG BLOCKHEADS 2020
BLOCK #31
BASKET COLLECTOR
We’re well into Moda Blockheads 3 this year, and so far it’s been another wonderful experience! In case you’re just learning about what we’re doing here, each week we share a free block pattern from a Moda designer – for an entire year. You can put together your own projects with these blocks, or create a fun, unique sampler quilt. And, even though we’re well into it, you can still join in any time!
Simply check out this post to find out what fabrics you’ll need to get started creating your own sampler quilt, and you can also go back through the last few months here on the Zen Chic blog to catch up with the blocks that have been shared so far. You can even check out Blockheads 2, our last round of Moda Blockheads to see what all the excitement is about!
And be sure to visit our thriving Facebook community – it’s where we share our blocks and get to see the sampler quilts and other projects that are coming together. We’d love to see your blocks too – you can also share them on Instagram using the hashtags #modablockheads and #modablockheads3.
This week we get to see a block from Moda designer Betsy Chutchian. Betsy is one of Moda’s very traditional designers, and her contribution this week is also a very traditional block style. As you can see, though, the fabric makes the look of the block and if you go for a very contemporary fabric choice your block will have a modern look. Enjoy Betsy’s design and be sure to share your blocks with us!
Free quilt along Blockheads 2020, Block 31: Basket Collector.
Fabric used in the block is from Zen Chic by Moda, SPOTTED.
Don't miss the other blockheads involved in this project:
Free quilt along Blockheads 2020, Block 31: Basket Collector
Fabric used in this block is from Zen Chic by Moda, SPOTTED.
Betsy Chutchian
Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilt
Janet Clare
Jan Patek
Jen Kingwell
Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree
Jo Morton
Laurie Simpson
Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings
Lissa Alexander of Moda
Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles
Me & My Sister Designs
Robin Pickens
Sherri McConnell of A Quilting Life
Stacy Iest Hsu
Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique
Carrie Nelson
Stay tuned… Each week I’ll reveal more of my layout with the next block!
Free quilt along with Moda Blockheads 2020, Block 31: Basket Collector using the SPOTTED fabric collection from Zen Chic.
Would you go with solids or prints for this improvisational scrap pillow? Share with us in the comments below!
Would you like to know how to sew these fun mini fabric baskets with this free tutorial? They are quick to make and perfect for storing and organizing so many small items. Think of sewing notions, any sweets, or - as I used them - as a decorative flower pot. And the EVEN MORE PAPER fabrics make for a nice exterior!