Applique Felt Pillow

So I've made a couple of these little pillows and I had so much fun, I thought I'd take a dew moments to share a mini tutorial.

Supplies needed:

• 2 sheets of contrasting color felt
• 3 shades of contrasting color embroidery floss (I used a matching shade to the leaf color, then brown for veins and burgundy for the blanket stitch on the border)
• embroidery needle
• stuffing
• scissors
• ruler
• marking pencil
  
• (optional) embroidery hoop
• (optional) stencil for piece to be appliqued
  

Cut out piece to be appliquéd and place on felt, fold backing felt in half lengthwise to get crease, opening and laying mostly flat again. Place applique close to the center of one half before putting on hoop (if you want to use a hoop).

Use simple running stitch around the outside to anchor the appliqué to the backing felt.

Back stitch the veins of the leaves with 3-6 strands with contrasting color thread...

And more veins....

Remove from hoop and flatten out creases from the hoop.

Fold in half lengthwise and try to measure out equal distance from applique to edge on either end to get a centered pillow.

Mark and remove excess to square (or rectangle) off.

Cut along the fold to make two pieces of the pillow.

Cut out and running stitch on three sides of contrasting felt onto the "right" side of the back piece of pillow. This will create the back pocket.

Blanket stitch around the edges of the two pieces of felt, wrong sides together. And stuff before it is completely closed. And voila!!!

And a picture of the back with the pocket where you can store little treasures or cotton balls scented with yummy oils!

I hope you like this tutorial and found it helpful! And feel free to ask if you have any questions!