PREPARE AND CUT FABRIC

1. Wash and press your fabric.
   
2. With fabric folded selvage to selvage, cut one 15.5 inch wide strip of pillow front fabric. 
   
3. From the front fabric strip, cut two 15.5 inch pieces.  If you are using a separate fabric for the pillow back, only cut one 15.5 inch square.  Cut one 15.5 inch wide strip from the back fabric; then cut one 15.5 inch square from that strip. Set aside the back piece for now.
   
4. Fold the fabric square in half lengthwise, then in half widthwise. Lightly press with your fingers, then unfold.
   
5. Using the creases as a guide, draw a circle slightly off center in one of the quadrants.  Add as many circles as you want, or just start with one.
   

 
MAKE A HANDFUL OF FRENCH DOTS

1. Follow the French Knot directions in our Knot Know How Tutorial.
   
2. Fit the fabric into the hoop, then begin embroidering with the darkest color thread.  This will be the center of the color burst. 
3. Work in rounds, changing colors every few rows.  Experiment with making more rounds of lighter colors than darker ones, or vice versa.  You can achieve lively optical effects by playing with the balance of dark and light colors.

SEW UP THE PILLOW

1. Pin the front and back fabric pieces right side together.
2. Beginning in the middle of one side, sew a 1/4 inch seam around three sides of the square.  Sew part of the way on the first side, leaving a 5 inch gap between where you end and where you began.  Be sure to back stitch at each end.
3. Turn the pillow right side out and press well. 
4. Fill the pillow with stuffing.
5. Hand stitch the opening shut.