Tutorial: Quilted Throw Pillow
The holidays are just around the corner and I hear you - you need a quick make to your holiday gifting. Look no further, we can whip-up this quilted pillow in an afternoon!
The Modern Colorblock Pillow
MATERIALS & SUPPLIES
Fabric:
Fabric A (Teal print in the sample pillow)
(1) 8.5 x 8.5 square
(1) 8.5 x 4.5 rectangle
(1) 8.5 x 2.5 rectangle
Fabric B (Red in the sample pillow)
(1) 8.5 x 8.5 square
(2) 8.5 x 2.5 rectangles
Fabric C (White in the sample pillow)
(1) 8.5 x 4.5 rectangle
(1) 8.5 x 2.5 rectangle
Backing
(2) 16 x 10 rectangles
Lining
approximately 18 x 18 square (This is the back of your quilt top and will not be visible)
Batting:
1 piece of batting approximately 18 x 18 square
16” Pillow Form Yes, you can make your own! Get the tutorial here:
CONSTRUCTION
Top Assembly
Using a quarter inch seam allownace, stitch each piece together in two rows as shown.
Press seams open or towards darker fabrics, as you prefer.
Stitch the two rows together and press.
Quilting
Lay out your lining fabric right side down.
Place the batting on top of it, smoothing out any wrinkles.
Lay the quilt top over the batting.
Baste with pins or a light dusting of basting spray
Quilt as desired. For my sample, I used vertical lines to mimic the look of the candy canes on the red fabric.
Trim the quilted piece to 16” square.
Backing
Your two backing rectangles will overlap to form an envelope closure that allows you to switch out the pillow insert for easy washing.
First, we need to “finish” one 16” edge. You can use any finishing method you prefer - pinking, overlocking, etc. I like the look of a french seam, so that’s what we’ll do here.
At the ironing board, lay out one backing rectangle wrong side up.
Fold over the 16” edge to about 1/4” of an inch. Press down.
Fold this fabric over again another 1/4” of an inch so that the raw edge of the fabric is tucked into the crease. Press down.
Sew along the folded edge.
Repeat with the second backing rectangle.
final assembly
Lay out your quilted top, right side up.
Place one backing rectangle over it, right side down with the stitched edge on the inside.
Place the second backing rectangle over the other side of the quilt top, so that it overlaps the first rectangle. Refer to diagrams below.
Stitch around all four edges with a 1/4” seam allowance.
Using the envelope opening just created, turn the pillow right side out.
Stuff with your pillow insert and enjoy!
