How To Sew A Stars and Stripes Pillow

Stars and stripes or flag pillows are so summery. They are perfect all summer long, not just for the 4th of July.  I love how everyone decorates outdoor spaces with them.  I can never find them on sale so I decided to sew one instead. This sewing project was fun and quick to finish.

I already had the red, white and blue fabric to sew my stars and stripes pillow. My fabrics are all twill which is a lightweight denim. This gives the pillow cover some body so it doesn’t slump over.

 I used my Accuquilt  fabric cutter and star die to cut out the stars.

Stars And Stripes Pillow Tutorial

Supplies:

• cut 3 white  stripes 20.5 inches long and 2.5 inches wide
• cut 2 red  stripes 20.5 inches long and 2.5 inches wide
• cut 1 base for stars 10.5″ x 20.5″ piece of blue fabric
•  Accuquilt cutter and star die or your favorite method for cutting the stars (paper template, cookie cutter, etc) Cut 14 stars from scrap of white fabric

Using the above fabric measurement, this project will produce a 20 inch square pillow. Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Place the stars on the blue base fabric. Arranging them evenly in lines. Pin each star in place.

I appliqued them with my sewing machine. You could use a fabric glue or another method to adhere the stars but sewing them was easy. These are raggy stars. I didn’t turn any edges. I like this vintage look.

I used a clear presser foot with red markings on them to guide me while I sewed. This let me see where I was going and when to stop at the corners. The red line on the presser foot was my seam allowance guide. I placed the red line on the edge of the star and moved my needle position to the far left position. This way I could sew close to the edge and not veer off course.

How To Stitch Corners

When coming to the inside corner, stop one stitch beyond the corner. Use the needle down position if your machine has it. Makes sewing the stars so much easier. With the needle down one stitch beyond the corner, raise the presser foot. The needle is still in the fabric.Turn the corner and lower the presser foot. Continue to sew. This makes for the perfect distance to pivot your corner.

• Sew all 14 stars down and press the star base.
• Sew one white stripe to a red stripe lengthwise using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Continue till all the stripes are sewn together. Press the seam allowance to the red side. Press entire stripe piece.
• Sew blue base to stripe piece. Press seam allowance to blue side. Press entire flag pillow front.

To finish your pillow, cut two pieces of fabric 20 inches square each. Finish one edge of each piece of fabric. This will create an envelope backing.

Lay each piece of fabric on top of the flag pillow top, right sides together. The raw edges of the fabrics need to be aligned on the outside. The finished edges should be facing opposite ends as pictured. Pin together. Sew all 4 edges. Clip the 4 corners close to the stitches. This makes for a sharper corner. Turn pillow cover right side out. Press. Insert pillow form.

Completed. That was easy and fun, too.

I love having this stars and stripes pillow sit on my rocking chair on my porch. It is so festive and fun.

To add more DIY decor, try this Fourth Of July Wreath.

What summer sewing projects do you have planned?