Comfort Pillow and Tote Bag Instructions The pattern for this comfort cushion and tote bag was originally designed by members of the Shenandoah Valley Quilters Guild as a community service project.  Cushions such as these are used by those who have had breast or underarm surgery.  The cushion is placed between the arm and the torso to lessen direct pressure on the wound area.  Machine wash and dry all fabric before sewing.  Remove all selvedges.  Use ½ inch seams, unless otherwise indicated.  Please read all of the instructions before constructing the cushion or bag. Because of the way that the cushions are used, the tote bag is essential to keep the cushion in place against the body. Cushion: Cut 1 piece cotton fabric, 8 ½ X 11 ½ Cut 1 piece cotton flannel, 8 ½ X 11 ½ Cut 2 pieces thin batting or fleece, 8 ½ X 11 ½ Stack the pieces in the following order:   Batting or fleece   Flannel, right side UP   Fabric, right side DOWN Pin securely.  Leaving a 3 inch opening for turning, sew around the pieces using a scant ½ inch seam allowance.  Lengthen your stitch to accommodate the bulk of the layers.  Use a walking foot or even-feed system to help prevent layers from shifting. Clip the corners and turn the cushion right side out.  Stuff lightly with polyester filling.  The cushion should be full, but not hard. Sew the opening closed. Carrying Bag:    Cut 1 piece main fabric, 2 ½ inches wide, from selvedge to selvedge, for the handle. Cut 2 pieces main fabric, 10 ½ X 13 ½ Cut 2 pieces lining, 10 ½ X 13 ½ Make handle:  Fold 2 ½ “ strip of fabric right sides together to make a long strip.  Sew ends together.  Press seam open.  You should have a long loop of fabric. Fold both edges in, wrong sides together, to meet in the center of the strip.  Press.  Turn loop right side out and flatten it, bringing the folded-in sides together.  You should have a strip 1 ¼” wide by approximately 18- 20” long.  Press.  Topstitch 1/8” from each edge and one or two times down the center of the strip.  The more stitching, the firmer the handle. Make tote:  Place main fabric rectangles together and sew around three sides, leaving one short side open for the top of the bag.  Repeat with the lining fabric.   Fold top edges of each bag under, about ½”.  Insert handle ends at each side seam between the main fabric and the lining. Topstitch 1/8 from edge around top of bag.  Backstitch over each handle end to secure.  Stitch around the bag a second time ½” from edge, being sure to backstitch over the handle again.