Tutorial : Twisted Ribbons Pillow

This tutorial is part of our Christmas in July series of tutorials.

I'm working with this fun bundle from Be Jolly by Deb Strain for Moda.  I actually have two different projects from this bundle to share.  First, I have a fun pillow for you today using the Bloc Loc HRT ruler and the reds and greens from our Be Jolly bundle.  (Check out my other tutorial with the blues here.)

Project Requirements: 

• You'll need four fat quarters and a half yard of background.  I'm using prints from Be Jolly and a half yard of the Tiny Dottie White Red.  
• You'll also need the "B" ruler from the Bloc Loc Half Rectangle Triangle (HRT) ruler.
• 20" square of batting and pillow front backing fabric
• Sewing machine and basic supplies

From two fat quarters (red and green), cut four strips 2.5" wide x 20" long.  Subcut each strip into four 2.5" x 5" rectangles.  You need 13 rectangles of each color.

From the background fabric, cut four strips 2.5" x WOF.  Subcut each into eight 2.5" x 5" rectangles.  You need 25 rectangles.

Cut each of the 2.5" x 5" rectangles in half along the diagonal. Cut them all the same and be sure its the same direction as your ruler!

You need 25 triangles of each color and 50 triangles of background.

Place two triangles right sides together and off set the points a little as shown in the photo.  Sew a 1/4" seam. Chain stitch and get all those triangles sewn together!

Press each triangle carefully to the main print (away from the background). Since we got some bias going on, I like to finger press then use the iron.

Place your ruler on top of the pieced unit and slide it toward the seam until it locks on. Be sure that your completed size (2" x 3.5") is included in the trim lines.  Trim the top and right sides.

Then slide the ruler up along the seam until the trimmed edges are lined up with the lines for the correct size (2" x 3.5").  Trim the left and bottom sides. Repeat to trim all 50 units.

Piece 10 columns of five blocks sewn end-to-end.  Five with green on the ends and five with red on the ends.  Press columns toward the bottom of the red & green triangles.

Piece the rows together. I ended up pressing seams open between the columns to reduce some of the bulk at the seams.

Cut two strips 3" x WOF from the background and use to add borders to the top. Baste and quilt as desired.  Then trim to 18.5" square.

Use the remaining two fat quarters to piece the backing.  (See more on how I piece backings for pillows in this tutorial here.)

Enjoy your new pillow!  :-)

If you make Twisted Ribbons pillow, I'd love to see it!  Tag me on Istagram (@sewlux) or link in the comments below!

Happy Sewing! :-)