Fall Pillow with Wooden Buttons Tutorial

I'm sure you've hear the motto...

"When you're handed lemons, make lemonade." 

I considered it a wise motto to live by. Lately, however, I prefer a motto of my own with a similar message...

"When you're handed wooden branches, make buttons."

As clever as my adage is, it may not become wildly popular. I'm ok with that. I'll take a wooden button over lemonade any day. 

Several weeks ago I made some wooden buttons out of a branch from a peach tree that was felled in our backyard. I used those wooden buttons as a decoration on a pumpkin and butterscotch fall pillow that I dreamed up. It is an amazingly simple pillow, but I really love it. When my daughter saw it she said it was her most favorite pillow that I've ever made. I love those kinds of compliments. Armed with that endorsement, I decided to make a couple of pillows for my daughter's home using more homegrown wooden buttons and a fabric that would match her decor. I'll post about the first pillow I made for her today and show you the second pillow next week. 

This pillow is so simple that it doesn't need a tutorial, but I'll go ahead and give you its measurements in case you'd like to replicate it. I'll show you the dimensions for the front of the pillow. You'll have to decide how you want to finish the pillow to determine the measurements for the back of the pillow.

For the front of the pillow, you'll need a piece of fabric this size...

I also cut a piece of fusible fleece the same size as the front of the pillow and fused it to the wrong side of the fabric. It makes all the difference. When fusible fleece is applied to the front fabric of a pillow it makes the end product look much more professional and sturdy.

Three lines need to be sewn vertically on the pillow. The first is 3 inches from the right edge, then another 2 1/4 inches from the first line. Last, another line sewn 2 1/4 inches from the second line. Go here to discover the trick to sewing straight lines on fabric.

Next sew your buttons on the lines at irregular intervals. I used 1/2 inch seams to attach the back of the pillow to the front. 

The fabric I chose for this pillow was bought at Hancock Fabrics from their drapery/upholstery fabric. It's a lime green Herringbone.  It's luscious, rich texture is perfect for the fall and winter months.

Next week I'll show you an even simpler patterned pillow with larger handmade wooden buttons!

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Show Off Your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple