Step 2

To turn the owl into a cushion, trim your stitching with 3cm (1¼") of excess all the way round. Cut a piece of backing fabric to the same shape.
Step 3

Cut out felt shapes for the owl’s eyes, beak and feet. Use any color felt you like.
Step 4

Stitch two felt ‘feet’ together. Pin them on the front of your owl. With right sides together, pin your fabric over the top of your owl. Machine stitch around the shape, leaving a gap for turning.
Step 5

Turn right side out. Hand stitch the eyes in place. Attach the small circle to the large one with running stitch. Add a button or stitched curve. Attach using running stitch.
Step 6

Attach the beak by stitching through the center of the diamond. Choose a stiff felt. Fold in half and iron over the fold. Finally, stuff the cushion, then slip stitch the gap closed.
Step 7

This how-to is excerpted with permission from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1574214454/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1574214454&linkCode=as2&tag=craftfocom-20">"Irresistible Gifts to Cross Stitch: Inspired Designs and Patterns for Hand-Stitched Projects to Make and Give"</a> by the Editors Of CrossStitcher Magazine, published by Design Originals.