African Accents

Pillow

Materials:

pillow insert or polyfill
Kuba cloth (amount depending on size of pillow insert )
linen fabric for pillow back (amount depending on size of pillow insert)
1 " grid paper or rotary mat and ruler
thread
muslin fabric (same size as Kuba cloth)
trim

Steps:

1. Square off the Kuba cloth using the grid paper as a guide. Pin the grid paper to the Kuba cloth and cut out enough for the pillow (figure A) You can use a rotary mat and ruler instead of grid paper if you prefer.

2. Cut the muslin fabric the same dimensions as the Kuba cloth. Serge the muslin and Kuba cloth together. Machine-basting and a zigzag stitch can be used instead of serging. Adjust the tension and stitch length for heavier fabric to accommodate the Kuba cloth.

3. Pin and stitch trim to the pillow edge to cover the serged edge (figure B ). For the corner edge, fold the trim to go around the corner and continue stitching .

4. Cut the linen fabric for the backing and serge. Pin and stitch the linen fabric to the Kuba cloth (figure C) around three sides, leaving the fourth side open to insert the pillow.

5. Stuff the pillow with the pillow insert or polyfill.

6. Pin and hand-stitch the opening closed (figure D). Tip: To clean the Kuba cloth, hand-wash the pillow with a mild detergent.

Accent mat

Materials:

Kuba cloth
linen fabric for edges
1" grid paper or rotary mat and ruler
thread
muslin fabric (same size as Kuba cloth)
trim

1. Follow steps 1-3 above for attaching the Kuba cloth and muslin together (figure E).

2. Mat the Kuba cloth with linen. The linen should measure 6 inches larger than the Kuba cloth (figure F), resulting in a 3-inch border. Using a zigzag stitch , stitch a 1-1/2 inch border around the entire edge of the linen.

3.Center the linen on top of the Kuba cloth. Pin together and stitch around the edge of the linen with a zigzag stitch.

3. Attach decorative trim to cover all serged areas.

4. Fray the edge of the linen by pulling the threads (figure G).