We're always thinking about new ways to use all the great decorative stitches available on our Janome machines. This pillow features them in a unique way that makes ordinary piping pop. You start with jumbo half inch piping, which requires a wide fabric strip as a wrap. This fabric strip becomes the base for two rows of bold decorative stitching. We used the full 9mm stitch width available on our Janome Skyline S5. When wrapped around the piping cord, these stitches create a striking embellishment that beautifully frames the entire pillow. 

The front of the pillow continues the decorative design, but more subtly. A delicate blanket stitch appliqués four triangle accents to the simple base patchwork. 

If you are new to either technique, we do have extended tutorials on both decorative stitching and appliqué. Check them out for tips and techniques that can help you get the most professional results. 

The stitching is the star of this pillow, so look for a trio of solid fabrics that blend well with one another but don't detract from the decorative thread work. One light and one dark tone works well for the simple front patchwork. The dark tone is then used for the envelope back. 

For the best look to the piping's decorative stitching, we recommend a darker fabric with light thread. On the front, to achieve the more muted look, use a thread about one shade deeper than the darkest of your two fabrics. 

Our piping fabric is cut on the bias then interfaced. This interfacing provides a bit of stabilization to the lightweight quilting weight cotton so the decorative stitching is as crisp and clean as possible. Yes, the interfacing does cancel out some of the benefit of the stretchy bias cut, but not all. There's still enough ease within the strip to allow a smooth curve around each corner of the pillow.

We recommend adding a layer of batting to both the front as well as the back for a super smooth finish.

Our pillow finishes at approximately 20" x 20", excluding the piping, which adds approximately 1" overallrr

Start reading the tutorial here. Via Sew for home