Summertime Citrus: Creating Free-Motion Embroidered Pillows

Introduction

Revitalise your outdoor space with vibrant citrus-themed pillows, the perfect accessory for any summer setting. Combining screen printing with free-motion embroidery introduces textures and colours that not only brighten up but also add a unique flair to your decor. This blog walks you through the steps of creating these beautiful pillows, ideal for both beginners and experienced crafters.

Materials Needed

To create one stylish pillow, gather the following materials: - ⅔ yard of fabric for the pillow cover (choose a durable, outdoor-friendly fabric if intended for outdoor use) - Embroidery thread in various citrus-themed colours - Screen printing supplies: screen, squeegee, inks - Sewing machine compatible with free-motion embroidery - Pillow insert to fit your desired pillow size - Basic sewing supplies: pins, scissors, ruler, and sewing needles

Benefits of Combining Screen Printing and Free-Motion Embroidery

Screen printing and free-motion embroidery are two techniques that, when combined, offer a limitless creative canvas. Screen printing allows you to lay down bold, colourful shapes with precision, serving as a vibrant backdrop to your detailed, thread-based designs. Free-motion embroidery, on the other hand, adds texture and depth, making your citrus designs pop.

Steps to Create Free-Motion Embroidered Pillows

1. Preparing Your Fabric

Start by cutting your fabric to size, leaving a little extra for seam allowances. Prewash and iron your fabric to remove any creases and prepare it for both printing and embroidery.

2. Screen Printing the Design

Using your screen printing supplies, lay down your citrus design by applying the ink evenly across your screen. This approach ensures that you have a vibrant foundation that will guide your embroidery work.

3. Setting Up for Free-Motion Embroidery

Attach the appropriate foot to your sewing machine and drop the feed dogs to allow for free-motion sewing. Secure your fabric in an embroidery hoop to keep it taut.

4. Embroidering the Design

Begin embroidering by following the outlines of the printed design. Blend different shades of embroidery thread to add depth and realism to your citrus motifs. Use different stitch techniques to add a variety of textures.

5. Constructing the Pillow

Once your embroidery is complete, sew the fabric pieces together, right sides facing each other. Leave an opening to insert your pillow. After sewing, turn the fabric right-side out and insert the pillow form. Close the opening with a hidden stitch.

Maintaining Your Embroidered Pillows

To ensure your embroidered pillows remain vibrant and fresh, hand wash or machine wash on a delicate cycle using mild detergent. Avoid excessive sun exposure to prevent colours from fading over time.

Conclusion

Creating citrus-themed free-motion embroidered pillows is an enjoyable activity that results in a stunning, functional piece of art. By combining the solid foundation of screen printing with the intricate details of free-motion embroidery, you bring dimension and character to your home decor.

First Trim's Hot Take

Embrace the summer spirit by blending vibrant hues and dynamic textures in your embroidery projects. At First Trim, we believe that the fusion of traditional techniques with modern creativity opens up endless possibilities. Try mixing screen printing and free-motion embroidery to bring a burst of citrus freshness to your outdoor living space. Original Article: https://s32088.pcdn.co/embroidery/summertime-citrus-free-motion-embroidered-pillows/