Storybook Crafts Project - Father Christmas Cushion

There are less than two weeks now until Christmas - how exciting! And my week is going really well, my to-do list is almost complete and I have got a first draft of my assignment that is due after the Christmas hols!

A couple of weeks ago, the Storybook Craft Project was The Snowman by Raymond Briggs. This week, it is Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs. I love the illustrations in these books and, as I am feeling mighty festive, was very keen to make a Father Christmas inspired cushion. 

This is a simple enough cushion, it was only complicated for me by my sewing machine's dislike of leatherette meaning that I had to hand sew my belt in place, but oh well! I found a Top Gear special and got on with it!

Materials

1/2m Red Fleece

Brown Leatherette

Yellow Fabric

Coordinating Thread

1. Cut out a 14"x14" square and two 14"x9" rectangles from your red fleece

2. Cut a strip of brown leatherette 3" by 15"

3. Line up the leatherette in the centre of your fleece square and sew across the top and bottom to make the belt (hand sew or machine - which ever you prefer)

4. Cut a strip of yellow, 3 1/2" x 24" (or two strips of shorter length)

5. Fold strip in half, right sides together and sew down the long edge. Turn right way out and press down the middle as shown. 

6. Cut the strips so your have two 6 1/2" long and two 3 1/2" long. Fold in the ends to get a neat hem and press (you should now have two 6" and two 3" strips)

7. Position the strips as in the picture to form Father Christmas's buckle. Pin in place and sew all the way round the inside and outside of the buckle. Sew down any other loose seams. Make sure you use a yellow thread to blend in!

8. Take your fleece rectangles, hem one long edge on each. Line up the rectangles and square front, right sides together to form an envelope back.

9. Sew all the way round the cushion cover, turn right side out.

Join me next week for the last Storybook Crafts Project before Christmas!

Love Rebecca