Square Pillow Tutorial

After making ten of these pillows, I decided I should record the steps for the 11th pillow so the next time I want to make one I don't have to reinvent the wheel. Here's what I did, (after having someone else do the actual cross-stitch).

1. Iron the cross-stitch and 1/2 yard of fabric.
2. Cut the artwork into a ten inch square, and a same-sized square of backing fabric also.
3. Cut out two 4x10" pieces, two 4x17" pieces and two 11x17" pieces of fabric. Hem one long side of each of these largest pieces.
4. Sew the 4x10" pieces to either side of the combined cross-stitch and backing, using a 1/4" seam.
5. Press the seams.
6. Sew the long strips to the top and bottom, also using a 1/4" seam.
7. Press the seams.
8. This is how it looks on the back side.
9. Place right side up and position one of the 11x17" pieces right sides together at the top, with the hemmed edge near the middle.
10. Place the other piece at the bottom, also with the hemmed edge in the middle. Pin in place.
11. Sew all around the square, using a 1/2" seam.
12. Turn right side out from the opening in the middle back.
13. The finished back side.
14. The finished front side. Press as necessary.
15. Stuff a 16" pillow form into the case.
16. Tada! It's finished and ready to wrap and give away.