Whenever I'm out hiking with Winston (my corgi) I pick up "Treasures." Really they're just little bits of nature, like an unusually colored leaf, a piece of bark with a hole in it, a dried gourd, or acorns. I fill my pockets and when I get home I empty the contents into a bowl on my desk to await further inspection. Most of the time it ends up in the dust bin, but occasionally a spark of a idea appears.

The variety of color and shape of the acorns were the inspiration for this design. My original idea was to have four acorns (see below), but three looked better on the size of pillow that I chose.

Acorns and leaves on a platter made by my son.

This is an easy project that uses only four different stitches. I used black wool for the background, but I think a black cotton with a subtle print would work nicely also.

You will need:

Pillow Front (fabric A) - One fat quarter of black wool (on model) or cotton
Pillow Back (fabrics B & C)
- Two different cotton fat quarters
- 1/2 yard of 3/4" wide ric rac (use a color that compliments the fat quarter fabrics)
Applique - wool (The colors are all in various shades of brown except for the the seed of Acorn #3 and leaves. Use plaids for the caps and leaves. Use solids for the seeds)
- Acorn #1 ( Use the same pattern, but different wools for the acorn on the pillow back)
  - Cap - 2 1/2" square
  - Seed - 2" x 3 1/2"
- Acorn #2
  - Cap - 3 1/2" x 4"
  - Seed - 2" x 3"
- Acorn #3
  - Cap - 2 1/2" square
  - Seed - 2" x 4"
- Acorn #4
  - Cap - 2" square
  - Seed - 1" x 1 1/2"
- Leaves - 4" x 5"
- Stems - Twill Ribbon
  - Acorn #1 and pillow back acorn - 6" length of 3/8" wide light brown ribbon
  - Acorns #2 & #3 - 6" length of 1/2" wide medium brown ribbon
Thread - Valdani perle cotton (valdani.com)
- Veins and stems of leaves - size 8, color #P12
- Outline and whip stitch for acorns, acorn stems and leaves - size 12, color #P9
Miscellaneous
- Freezer paper
- Featherweight fusible web (optional)
- pins
- Chenille needle, size 24
- Fine point chalk pencil
- Pillow form - 12" x 16"
- Steam iron if using fusible web
- Sewing machine with thread to match fabric

Instructions

Download Acorn Trio Layout, Acorn Trio Pattern and Butternut Plaid Stitch Guide.
Cut
- Fabric A
  - 14" x 18" (This will be trimmed to 13" x 17" after applique is complete)
- Fabric B
  - 10 1/2" x 13"
  - 8" x 13"
- Fabric C
  - 8" x 13"
- 3/8" wide ribbon (Acorn #1 and Pillow Back Acorn)
  - two 2 1/2" pieces
- 1/2" wide ribbon (Acorns #2 & #3)
  - two 2" pieces
Trace pattern pieces onto freezer paper or fusible web (reverse image if using fusible web).
Cut out pattern pieces and fuse to desired wool. Hint: Position acorn cap patterns diagonally on plaids).

5. Cut out wool pattern pieces and position everthing except the pillow back acorn on the pillow front making sure to allow for trimming and seam allowance. Hint: Fold under ends of ribbon stems 1/4". Pin all pieces in place if you're not using fusible web.

6. If you are using fusible web, remove the stems and set aside. Fuse pieces in place using steam. Don't forget to remove the paper backing before you fuse!

7. Use one strand of Valdani, size 12, color #P9 to whip stitch all pattern pieces.

8. Pin each of the acorn stems in place and whip stitch with the same thread.

9. Draw stems and veins of leaves with a chalk pencil.

10. Use one strand of Valdani perle cotton, size 8, color #P12 to stitch a closed fly stitch for the veins.

11. Use the same thread to stem stitch the stems of the leaves and the small acorn.

12. Use use one strand of Valdani perle cotton, size 12, color #P9 to outline acorns and leaves with a running stitch 1/8" from edge.

13. When you are finished outlining all of the acorns and leaves, trim the pillow front to 13" x 17".

14. Pillow Assembly

Fold under one long side of Fabric C 1/2" and press.
Pin the ric rac to the folded side and top stitch in place approximately 1/4" from the folded edge.
Trim excess ric rac flush with sides of fabric.

Pin the opposite end of Fabric C (right side down) to the long end of the 8" x 13" Fabric B (wrong side). Sew together with a 1/4" seam.
Press seam toward Fabric C.
Fold the ric rac end toward the seam so that the fabric edge lines up with the seam. Top stitch 1/8" from edge.

Fold under one long end of remaining Fabric B 3/8" twice. Press.
Top stitch 1/4 from edge. Set aside.

Position the acorn cap and seed on the bottom left side of the ric rac piece. Fuse in place using steam.
Use Valdani perle cotton, size 12, color #P9 to whip stitch acorn cap and seed.
Pin stem in place (the stem curves to the left) and whip stitch with the same thread.
Use the same thread to outline the acorn with a running stitch.

Lay the pillow front, right side up, on your worktable.
Lay the appliqued side of the pillow back, wrong side up, on the right side of the pillow front.
Lay the remaining side of the pillow back, wrong side up, on the left isde of the pillow front.
Pin to secure.
Machine stitch, using a 1/4" seam, all around outer edge.

Clip corners.
Turn right side out.
Slide pillow form into cover.
Enjoy!