Level: Beginner - Intermediate

To introduce the new Memory Craft 4800QC, we developed a bunch of projects to entice you to try this wonderful machine.

Using the "Card Trick" quilting technique creates this charming pillow. It is a project that will challenge and excite you beyond your wildest dreams. This pillow makes a delightful conversation piece as well as a beautiful accent to your living room dÈcor. Toss it on the sofa and just see how many of your friends want you to make them one.

The Fourever Friends Pillow utilizes a favorite quilting technique loved by quilters all over the world. Now you can learn to create "Card Trick" quilt squares with these easy-to-read and follow instructions. The trick is revealed so that you can make as many pillows as you like in a short amount of time.

Janome Supplies Required:

• Memory Craft 4800QC or any Janome sewing machine
• 1/4 in. Seam Foot O
• Zipper foot E
• Zig-zag foot A
• Blue Tip needle 75/11

Fabric and Notions Required:

• 1/2 yd. lavender cotton
• 1/4 yd. dark print cotton
• 1/4 yd. light print cotton
• Triangle ruler (Maddie used Kaye Wood's StarmakerÆ 8)
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• 22" zipper
• 18" pillow form
• All purpose thread

Instructions:

1. Attach 1/4 in. Seam foot O. Select a Straight stitch. Adjust the stitch length to 2.0mm. Use 1/4" seam allowance.
2. Cut one 6 1/2" square and two 6" squares from each fabric.
3. Cut the 6 1/2" squares in half diagonally, then diagonally again at the opposite corners. You should have 4 triangles of each color.
4. Cut the 6" squares in half diagonally. You should have 4 triangles of each color.
5. Arrange pieces to match assembly diagram provided above.
6. Starting at one of the corners, sew one background fabric and one card fabric at the long side, right sides together.
7. Press flat to set seam and then press to one side.
8. True sides for a 5 1/2" square, using your triangle ruler.
   Note: You need to trim so all squares are 5 1/2" when completed for the "Card Trick" block to form correctly.
9. Sew triangle pieces to form squares in between the corner squares.
10. Sew pieces to form center square.
11. Press each square as they are completed. Trim to equal 5 1/2" square. Press seam to one side.
12. Sew squares across the top to form a strip. Be careful to match seams.
    Hint: Place a pin about 1 1/4 " to the left of the raw edge to hold squares in place. Remove when sewing is completed.
13. Sew the top strip to the center strip.
14. Sew the bottom strip to the center strip.
15. Trim all sides to equal 15 1/2" on all sides.
16. Attach the Standard foot A. Adjust the stitch width to 7.0. This will create a 1/8" seam allowance, which prevents you from distorting the points.
17. Cut two 16" x 1 1/2" and two 19" x 1 1/2"strips from the dark print fabric.
18. Sew the 16" strips to the top and bottom of the square.
19. Press to set seam and then press to one side. Trim excess as needed.
20. Sew the 19" strips to the left and right side of the square.
21. Press to set seam and then press to one side. Trim excess as needed.
22. Cut one 18" x 10" and one 18" x 11" pieces from the lavender fabric.
23. If desired, you may install the zipper using the "lap zipper" method using Zipper Foot E. Refer to page 41 of the MC4800QC Instruction Manual for instructions.
24. Trim the pillow back to 17 1/2" square. Open the zipper.
25. Attach the 1/4 in Seam foot O. Select a Straight stitch.
26. Sew pillow front to the pillow back.
27. Turn right side out and insert 18" pillow form.