Confusion Corner Cushion

If you are a Winnipegger or have ever visited the city, you will most likely know of this intersection, where four roads meet.  Although the official name is Osborne Junction, it is commonly know as "Confusion Corner." I thought it would be fun to turn one of Winnipeg's iconic road signs into a cushion!  

My finished cushion is 22" square and fabric requirements and instructions below are for this size.  I think if I were to do it again, I'd size up to 26" square, which would make the design a bit more prominent and also fit a readily available larger cushion insert (I bought mine at IKEA).  

Fabric Requirements for the Top:

• 0.65 m Kona Fern 
• 0.5 m Kona White
• 0.15 m binding fabric

Special Tools:

• marking pen of choice
• 25mm bias tape maker
• plate or bowl with a 6" diameter
• glue (optional)
• stiff paper or card stock

To get started, cut an oversized square (about 26" square) of the Kona Fern, low-loft batting (I used some leftover 100% cotton by Quilters Dream) and a muslin backing.  Baste together and quilt as desired.  Set aside.

From your piece of Kona White, cut 4 - 1 7/8" bias strips (the longest piece will need to be 20"). Use the bias tape maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions to turn the edges under.  Your bias strips will now be 1" wide.

Trim the four bias binding strips to these lengths (one of each):  20", 12", 10", 6".

Back to the quilted green square.  Find the vertical centre and place your small bowl or plate slightly to the right of centre.  This isn't exact - use the diagram below or a picture of the sign to eyeball where your large curve should be.  Trace approximately halfway around the bowl or plate on the top and right sides of the circle.  This will be the line you follow when machine appliquéing the strip.

The diagram shows the order (numbers in green) that should be followed to appliqué the strips.

When appliquéing the curves, stitch down the inner curve first.  Gently press the tape down and then stitch the outer curve.  The arrows will cover all raw edges, except for the vertical line.  Press under the bottom raw edge before stitching it in place.

Using the card stock, cut four equilateral triangles.  You can use a triangle ruler, find an object to trace or make your own.  For my sample, the ruler sides measured approximately 2 7/8" finished after folding a 1/4" under on each side.  I used glue and heat set it to hold the triangles in place before stitching.  Trim the square to 22 1/2".

Your top is finished!  I opted for a simple envelope back for mine and pinned the back and top together and then basted around.  Using a fun black and white stripe and finishing the raw edges with binding - quilty style - is my favourite way to finish a cushion.  You might choose to install a zipper or sew top and back right sides together for a knife-edge finish, it's up to you!