This tutorial was written by Kim Hood at CurtainQueenCreates.com

Don't you love fall decor? Acorns are very popular these days, so let's add one to the back side of the thrift store sweater we made into a pillow (see my last post).

Remember, the other side of the pillow was the sweater front with all that pretty cable stitching. It's nice to have a soft pillow on the reverse side when you want to lay your head on the pillow - like when watching TV on the couch. And, we want that side to be pretty, as well, right? 

For the acorn side, let's get started with the easy applique process.

Download and print this acorn page for free to use as your applique template. (Who knew kids' coloring book pages are so useful?) Trim around both pieces. No need to trim the acorn stem. You see by the finished pillow, we will use a tassel for that - or a button, if you prefer.

Once you choose your fabrics, cut the fabric into the pattern piece shapes. Since my quote fabric is on the thin side, I added a layer of plain damask lining behind it. That may not be necessary for your fabrics.

The roll you see above is the heat-and-bond material. You can purchase it by the yard at your local fabric store. Using the pattern, cut pieces of bond material for each fabric piece you cut - and warm your iron to the setting recommended in your heat-and-bond instructions.

Following those same instructions, bond one side of the heat-and-bond to the back side of each fabric piece. (Remember, my plain fabric piece below is lining.)

Bond the lining fabric to the back of its matching fabric piece. (For my pillow, it's the quote fabric piece that I attached to the lining.)

Arrange your applique pieces on the pillow front to decide placement. First bond the bottom portion of the acorn to the pillow front. Next, bond the acorn cap fabric. Then press the entire applique again for a secure bond to your pillow.

In a coordinating color, zig-zag a wide stitch (wide width, but small stitch length) around the acorn pieces, including the edges that overlap another layer.

For the stem, add a decorative tassel or button by hand-stitching it to the pillow cover. Insert pillow form, button the closure buttons, and you're all set.

Enjoy your new applique pillow...a conversation piece, to be sure.