Cath Kidston Elephant Cushion Tutorial

Welcome to the first tutorial of many for you to enjoy. The first project is a handmade cushion combining applique, embroidery and fabulous fabric from Cath Kidston.

The theme this month at the 'Stitch & Bitch' was cushions. Thursday was one of the first meets at the new house and the evening went so well. I was overwhelmed by the variety of creative ideas of the group. I felt quite despondent as I had no idea what i was going to do, so I spent most of evening occupying myself with one of our previous group projects while I watched in awe as everyone else steamed ahead. I hope to post the pictures of the finished articles following our next meet.

I did not return to my sewing room until late Sunday evening, when I found the in the remnants box, a set of coordinating fat quarters from a Cath Kidston bundle I had brought for my birthday in August. That combined with seeing my daughter playing merrily on "Elvis the rocking Elephant". So I made a contrasting pair of Elephant Cushions for her bedroom.

A Handmade Cath Kidston Elephant Cushion

Tools:

Tape Measure

Needles

Pins

Scissors 

Pinking Shears

Matching Cotton Thread

Coordinating Embroidery Thread

Felt (for eye and ear)

Cushion Inner 25cm x 35cm

2 x contrasting fabric - fat quarters 

Template (I used an elephant from the Cath Kidston mini SEW book)

Sewing Machine - Optional

Step 1:

Cut out 26.5cm x 37.5cm rectangle (this includes 1.5cm seam allowance) from both fabrics. 

One fabric rectangle will make up the back and the other the front.

Pin the template to the remaining fabric that is the same as what will make up the back of the cushion, cut around the template using pinking shears. Pin the ear and eye mini templates to the felt and cut out.

Step 2:

Find the centre of the fabric which will make up the front of the cushion.

Find the centre of the template.

Match the centres and pin the template to the front fabric.

Draw in pencil on the fabric the water from the trunk over the Elephants body.

Remove the pins. 

Step 3:

Using white embroidery thread, start at the bottom of the first water spray (pencil line).

Use a split stitch follow the pencil lines. 

I used an embroidery ring at this point (optional).

Step 4:

Pin the Elephant back to the centre.

Using a straight stitch sew a small stitch at each inward zig zag (created by the pinching shears) to attach to the front panel.

Step 5:

Pin the felt ear to the elephant. 

Attach using a blanket stitch all the way around the felt ear. Use a small cross stitch to attach the eye like so.

Step 6:

Put the finished front panel (right-sides facing) to the back panel. Sew all sides (1.5cm seam allowance), leaving a gap on one width side (to insert cushion inner). You can use a hand or machine straight stitch. 

Step 7:

Clip the corners with scissors. 

Wash the cushion cover (to remove all previous pencil markings) and iron out all creases.

Step 8:

Finally, insert the cushion inner carefully through the gap.

Using a slip stitch sew the opening closed.

Your Handmade Elephant Cushion is complete - Congratulations!! 

The beauty of this project is you can use any combination of beautiful fabrics to suit your style or themes.  I look forward to hearing all about your own creations.  

Nice to see you again
Xxx.