How to sew a ghost cushion for Halloween using foundation paper piecing 👻
Are you looking for a fun and original Halloween sewing project? Learn how to sew this original ghost-shaped Halloween cushion using the foundation paper piecing (FPP) technique. A patchwork project created in collaboration with Patricia from @kilubo and made with Katia Fabrics.
As well as making the perfect cushion to decorate your home for fall and Halloween, this project is a chance to learn or practice a patchwork technique that allows you to create figures using very precise shapes and angles.
A Halloween cushion to learn foundation paper piecing
The star of this project is a cute ghost made from different pieces of fabric. To create it, Patricia uses the foundation paper piecing technique, also known as FPP or sewing on paper.
Unlike traditional patchwork, in this technique fabric pieces are sewn following the lines of a printed paper pattern. The paper works as a guide during the entire process, helping you achieve precise seams, defined corners and pieces that fit correctly.
This ghost pattern is split into 7 different blocks, from A to G, which are made separately and then joined like a puzzle. The center blocks shape the face, mouth and body of the ghost, while the sides and top and bottom borders complete the design.
What do you need to sew the ghost cushion?
For this project, we have chosen different printed fabrics by Katia Fabrics in soft and natural shades. The prints, featuring birds, flowers and motifs inspired by nature create a different Halloween combination to the traditional black and orange.
Fabrics for this project:
- Bird fabric for the ghost
- Green fabric for the ghost outline
- Black poplin for the eyes
- Floral fabric for the cushion
- Sherpa for the back of the cushion
The finished cushion includes an envelope-style back in sheepskin fabric and piping around the entire edge, which provides structure and a more polished finish. In the pattern you will find the measurements of the different pieces needed to make the cushion.
You will also need
- Ghost pattern download
- Cord for the piping
- Paper to print the FPP pattern
- Usual sewing and patchwork materials
Learn foundation paper piecing step by step
If you have never tried this technique, don’t worry. In Patricia’s video tutorial, you can follow the entire process. In the video, she also shares some tips to achieve perfect results.
💡 One tip before you start: print the first page including the gauge square. It should measure exactly 4 × 4 cm. To maintain the proper measurements of the pattern, print the PDF at full size or 100% scale, never with the “Adjust to page” option.
A special finish: learn how to make your own piping
Another detail we love about this project is the finishes. The edge is finished with piping, which frames the design and provides a professional result.
In the instructions, Patricia also explains how to create your own continuous bias binding using fabric and how to insert the cord to create the piping. So, you can make it using one of the fabrics in the collection and make all the details match.
Follow the video tutorial and sew your Halloween decoration 🎃
Now you know the materials and some tricks for this technique, it’s time to get to work. In this step-by-step video tutorial, Patricia from @kilubo shows you how to sew this ghost cushion using the foundation paper piecing technique.
Do you dare to try foundation paper piecing?
Download the free ghost cushion pattern, prepare your favorite fabrics by Katia Fabrics and follow the video tutorial by @kilubo to sew it step by step.
A DIY idea to decorate your favorite Halloween corner and learn a new patchwork technique while you are at it.
If you make this project, share it on social media using the #KatiaFabrics hashtag and tag @kilubo and @katiafabrics. We’d love to see your version!
