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Eccentric Beauty Patchwork Cushion Pattern | Guest Designer Jo Avery
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Quilter Jo Avery will show you how to make a playful Eccentric Beauty patchwork cushion using the freehand foundation piecing technique.
About the Project
This wonderful cushion design has been extracted from Journey to the Centre of a Quilter by Jo Avery. Jo shares: "I have always adored the traditional New York Beauty block with its curves and spikes. I have been reinventing it endlessly for the last three decades and I’m still not through with it yet! The original block is based on the crown that adorns the Statue of Liberty, which has always been a symbol of refuge and hope.
"I have chosen this block as a way for us to explore my Freehand Foundation Piecing technique which is the basis for so many quilts in my book. We will use it here to create improv pieced NYB quarter blocks that shouldn’t really fit together but they do. It’s their very wonkiness and eccentricity that makes them so beautiful."
Finished size: cushion: 18” square (45.5cm), block: 9” square (23cm)
Top Tips From Jo Avery
Below you will find instructions for the general technique of freehand foundation piecing and improv curves. As with all improv piecing patterns, the fabric amounts are somewhat approximate. Be careful pressing the sew-in interfacing, turn your iron temperature down and try to press the fabric rather than the interfacing. Remember that RS = right side.Fabric Notes
I have mainly used printed fabric for this project, utilising blenders and some solids for the pieced spikes and larger prints for background and inner curves. I chose a palette of coral pink, a sky-blue verging on turquoise, lime green/acid yellow and a pop of orange. These are paired with shades of black, low volume and grey neutrals.Sew-in Interfacing
I use a non-woven sew-in interfacing in a medium weight as a foundation (light weight will also be fine). This is the precursor to iron-on interfacing which we would have used in skirt waistbands when I was learning dressmaking at school. It’s very easy to draw on and light enough to stay in the quilt without notice. If you can’t get hold of this then you can use regular cotton fabric as a foundation. Choose lightweight calico and cottons or recycle cotton shirting, but make sure to prewash to avoid shrinkage.Freehand Foundation Piecing Technique
The most important word in this technique's name is ‘freehand’. This means you will be drawing up your own design! You can use my design as a guide, but your block doesn’t need to be a replica, this technique gives you the freedom to make your block unique to you. For those of you familiar with paper piecing, this technique is the same except for a few points:- The foundation fabric doesn't get removed, so you don’t need to shorten your stitch length.
- It is easier to unpick and doesn't fall apart if you make a mistake.
- You can see through the interfacing.
- As you are drawing the template you can redraw it at any time if you make a mistake or misjudge the amount of fabric needed, so there should be no need to unpick!
- As with paper piecing the side that you draw on will become the back of the finished block.
- Always remember that whatever your design is, with FPP the finished block will be reversed.
Guidance for Improv Curves
- Make sure both pieces of fabric are right side up before you start cutting.
- You can use your fingernail to trace out your planned curve before you cut, or if you wish, use a washable pen.
- For subsequent curves you can either overlap the two strips of fabric and cut through both layers together or you can cut one layer first before laying it on top of the other and ‘shadow’ cutting the second layer.
- When adding outer curves remember that it’s always the inner curve that overhangs by ½”.
- I find using a smaller 28mm rotary cutter makes cutting improv curves easier.
- As the curved seams become larger they can become a little trickier to do. If you are having trouble, try piecing them from the centre out. Fold in half to find the centre of both curves and then stitch from the centre outwards towards one edge. Flip over and complete the seam from the other side.
- Fine-tipped permanent pen
- Pencil
- Add-a-quarter ruler (optional)
- Spray adhesive
- Sewing machine
- Background fabric: four different squares, each 11in (28cm)
- Spike or wedge fabrics: four strips, each 5 x 12in (12.5 x 30.5cm)
- Background for spikes or wedges: four strips, each 5 x 15in (12.5 x 38 cm)
- Inner circles: a mix of fabrics cut into squares from 4 to 7 in (10 to 18cm) - Jo has used seven in total.
- Outer ring fabric: one square, 8in (20.5cm)
- Sew-in interfacing: four squares, each 9.5in (24cm)
- Wadding: one square, 20in (51cm)
- Backing fabric: two pieces, each 19 x 12.5in (48.5 x 32cm)
- Cushion pad: one pad, 18in (46cm)
- Thread: Aurifil 50wt (optional)
Get To Know Jo Avery
Jo Avery is a UK textile artist, quilter, and one-third of the Thread House Academy. Head to the blog section to read Jo's interview and discover more about her quilting journey.
Enjoyed stitching this cushion? This project comes from Jo's book Journey to the Centre of a Quilter. Get 10% off this title if you order by 31st December 2025 - find your member discount code at the bottom of Jo's interview.
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Project steps:
Step 1
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Step 2
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