Joan Gorman

By Joan Gorman

01st February 2009

Simple to make and easy to stitch, this is a great project for fledgling crafters. Follow the simple step by-step instructions to make these delightful scented heart cushions. The loose weave of the fabrics we have used make them easy to stitch around and a perfect project for children. Also useful for using up scraps of discarded fabric.

Joan Gorman

By Joan Gorman

01st February 2009

Joan Gorman

By Joan Gorman

01st February 2009

What you need:
Linen or hessian fabric, printed cotton fabric scraps, felt, embroidery floss, a tapestry needle, straight pins, a pencil, narrow ribbon, buttons, scissors or pinking shears, dried cloves, cinnamon quills and a template which you can download here.

What to do:
1 Trace two large hearts from the template onto linen, hessian or heavy cotton and cut them out with scissors or pinking shears. Then trace and cut out the medium size and small heart from the cotton print fabric and the felt.

2 Arrange a large heart with the medium size and small heart stacked in the middle and place a button on the top. Starting from the back of the hearts, sew the button through the middle of the layered hearts with embroidery floss until secure and then tie the button off at the back.

“Try different fillings; lavender will make a sweet herbal sleep pillow”

3 Now place the two large hearts together with the hearts and button you sewed on the top. Form a loop with the ribbon and tuck the ends of the ribbon into the top of the heart, leaving the loop out to hang the heart. Put a few straight pins in the two hearts to hold them together.

4 Next sew the front and back hearts together using a running stitch about 5mm from the edge being sure to sew through the ribbon as you stitch around the top of the heart. Leave an opening in the side to add the filling.

5 Mix together whole cloves and crushed cinnamon quills (not ground cinnamon.) Fill the heart with the mixture, then sew up the rest of the heart and tie it off at the back.

NOTE To crush the cinnamon quills into small pieces place them in a bag or between a folded tea towel and bash them with a tin can – they break up quite easily.

ALTERNATIVES Experiment with other fillings. Instead of using cinnamon and cloves stuff the hearts with dried lavender or a mixture of other dried herbs such as rosemary, mint, lemon balm, sage, thyme, and marjoram.

MAKE SCENTED COASTERS Use the cinnamon and clove mixture to fill squares ten centimeters wide instead of hearts and leave off the button. These scented squares release a seasonal aroma when a hot mug is placed on them. Be sure not to overfill the squares or they will not be flat enough to place a drink on.

Hang as decorations for a fabulous aroma.

loading