Simple Striped-Center Pillows

With right side up, align an assorted solid or floral 6-inch-long strip with an edge of the muslin 6-inch square. With right side down, place a second assorted strip atop the first strip. Sew together through all layers (Diagram 1).

Finger-press top strip open (Diagram 2). In the same manner add more assorted solid and floral strips until the muslin square is covered; press. Trim the covered muslin square to 5 3/4 inches square including seam allowances, to make the square pieced panel. In the same manner, cover the muslin 5-x-16-inch rectangle with assorted solid and floral 5-inch-long strips. Trim to 4-1/2-x-14-1/2-inch including seam allowances to make the rectangular pieced panel.

Sew solid light turquoise corner triangles to opposite edges of the square pieced panel (Diagram 3). Add solid light turquoise corner triangles to remaining edges; press all seams toward triangles. Trim to 8 1/2 inches square including seam allowances to make square pillow center.

1. Add green floral 2-1/2-x-8-1/2-inch border strips to opposite edges of the square pillow center. Add green floral 2-1/2-x-12-1/2-inch border strips to remaining edges to complete the square pillow top (Diagram 4). Press all seams toward border. The pillow top should be 12 1/2 inches square including seam allowances.
2. Join solid light green 2-1/2-x-4-1/2-inch border strips to short edges of the rectangular pieced panel. Add solid light green 2-1/2-x-18-1/2-inch border strips to remaining edges; press all seams toward border. Sew green floral 2-1/2-x-8-1/2-inch border strips to short edges of pillow center. Add green floral 2-1/2-x-22-1/2-inch border strips to remaining edges to complete the rectangular pillow top. Press all seams toward green floral border. The pillow top should be 12 1/2 x 22 1/2 inches including seam allowances.
3. Layer square pillow top with green floral 12-1/2-inch-square pillow back. Sew around all edges, leaving an opening for turning. Turn right side out through opening. Stuff with fiberfill, and whipstitch opening closed.
4. Layer rectangular pillow top with green floral 12-1/2-x-22-1/2-inch pillow back. Sew around all edges, leaving an opening for turning. Turn right side out through opening. Stuff with fiberfill, and whipstitch opening closed.