From Pillows to Quilts: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Create a Pillow Quilt

AvatarByJill Nammar

Are you a crafty person who loves cozy blankets and pillows? If so, you may want to try your hand at making a pillow quilt. This unique and versatile DIY project combines the comfort of a pillow with the warmth of a quilt. And the best part? You can customize it to fit your style and décor. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating your very own pillow quilt. So grab your sewing machine and let’s get started!

What is a Pillow Quilt?

A pillow quilt, also known as a quillow, is a unique type of quilt that doubles as a pillow when folded up. It is perfect for snuggling up with on the couch or bringing along on road trips. Pillow quilts come in various sizes, from small lap quilts to larger ones that can fit a queen-sized bed. They also come in different patterns and designs, making them both functional and decorative.

Pillow quilts have been around for centuries and were often passed down as heirlooms in families. They were originally used as warm bed coverings during cold winter nights but have since evolved into versatile home accessories. With their convenient dual purpose, they have become popular among quilters and crafters alike.

The Benefits of Making Your Own Pillow Quilt

Making your own pillow quilt can be a rewarding experience. Not only do you get to create something beautiful and practical, but there are also several other benefits to making your own quilt.

Firstly, by making your own pillow quilt, you have complete control over the design and fabric choices. You can choose colors and patterns that match your home decor or make it personalized for the intended recipient. This allows for endless creativity and customization possibilities.

Furthermore, making your own pillow quilt can save you money in the long run. While purchasing a ready-made pillow quilt may seem more convenient at first, investing a little time and effort into creating your own can result in significant cost savings.

Lastly, creating something with your hands can be therapeutic and relaxing. Sewing has been known to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. So not only will you end up with a beautiful finished product, but making it can also be an enjoyable experience.

Materials Needed

To make your own pillow quilt, you will need the following materials:

  • Fabric – You will need at least two different types of fabric, one for the front and one for the back of the quilt. The amount of fabric needed will depend on the size of your desired quilt.
  • Batting – This is a layer of insulation material that goes in between the front and back layers of fabric to provide warmth and thickness to the quilt.
  • Rotary cutter or scissors – A rotary cutter is best for cutting precise lines, but scissors can work as well.
  • Cutting mat – This is necessary if using a rotary cutter to protect your work surface.
  • Sewing machine – While it is possible to hand-sew a pillow quilt, using a sewing machine will speed up the process and ensure more uniform stitches.
  • Pins or clips – These are used to hold together the layers of fabric while sewing.
  • Needle and thread – These will come in handy for any finishing touches or small repairs.

Steps to Make a Pillow Quilt

Now that you have gathered your materials, it’s time to get started on making your own pillow quilt. Below are general guidelines that can be adapted depending on the specific design and size of your quilt.

Step 1: Choose Your Fabric

As mentioned earlier, you will need at least two different types of fabric for your pillow quilt. Choose fabrics that coordinate well together and complement each other. Consider using heavier fabrics such as flannel or fleece for colder climates.

Step 2: Measure and Cut

Using a ruler, cut out identical-sized squares from both types of fabric. These squares should be slightly larger than the desired size of your finished quilt as they will shrink after sewing.

Step 3: Layer Your Fabrics

Place your front (right side facing down) and back (right side facing up) fabric squares on top of each other. Sandwich a layer of batting in between the two layers. Make sure all edges are aligned.

Step 4: Pin or Clip Fabric Layers Together

To keep the layers from shifting while sewing, use pins or clips to secure them together along the edges.

Step 5: Sew Around the Edges

Using a sewing machine, stitch around the edges of the pinned layers, leaving a small opening for turning.

Step 6: Flip Inside Out and Stitch Opening Closed

Gently flip your quilt inside out through the small opening. Use a needle and thread to close this opening with an invisible stitch.

Step 7: Create Pillow Pocket

Fold one corner of your quilt about two-thirds up towards the center. Do the same with the opposite corner, making sure they overlap in the middle. This creates a pocket for your pillow.

Step 8: Sew on Buttons (optional)

If desired, you can sew on buttons or other closures to keep your pillow quilt securely folded up as a pillow.

Caring for Your Pillow Quilt

After making your own pillow quilt, you’ll want to ensure it stays in good condition for years to come. Here are some tips for caring for your quilt:

    What is a Pillow Quilt?

    A pillow quilt is a type of quilt that combines the functionality of a pillow with the coziness and warmth of a traditional quilt. It is essentially a large, square-shaped pillow that can be opened up to reveal a quilt inside. This unique design allows for easy storage and transportation, making it a popular choice for camping trips or travel.

    Why Make a Pillow Quilt?

    There are numerous reasons why you might want to make a pillow quilt. Firstly, it offers the convenience of having both your pillow and blanket in one compact item, saving space in your luggage or home. Secondly, it can be a fun DIY project that allows you to showcase your creativity and personal style. Additionally, using your own handmade pillow quilt can add a special touch of comfort to your daily routine.

    Materials Needed

    To make a pillow quilt, you will need the following materials:

    • Fabric for the outer casing – choose something soft and durable like cotton.
    • Fabric for the inner lining – this should be thicker and provide warmth such as fleece or flannel.
    • Polyester filling – this will be used as stuffing for the pillow portion.
    • Batting – this will be used as filling for the quilt portion.
    • Thread – choose a high-quality thread that is strong enough to withstand frequent use.
    • Sewing machine – while hand-sewing is an option, using a sewing machine will save time and ensure clean, even stitches.
    • Ruler or measuring tape
    • Scissors
    • Pins
    • Sewing needle

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Now that you have gathered all the necessary materials, let’s get started on making your own pillow quilt!

    Step 1: Cut the Fabric

    First, you will need to cut your fabric into the required sizes. The dimensions will depend on how large or small you want your pillow quilt to be. A standard size for a square-shaped pillow quilt is approximately 45 inches by 45 inches.

    Cut two pieces of outer fabric and two pieces of inner lining fabric in this size. Also, cut two pieces of batting and one piece of polyester filling in the same size.

    Step 2: Sew the Outer Casing and Lining

    Take one piece of outer fabric and one piece of inner lining fabric and place them right sides (the sides you want to show) together. Pin them together along three edges, leaving the fourth edge open for stuffing later. Repeat this step for the other set of fabrics.

    Sew along the pinned edges with a ½ inch seam allowance, leaving a small gap at one end to turn the fabric right side out.

    Once sewn, turn the fabrics right side out through the gap. Use a pencil or ruler to push out the corners for a neat finish.

    Step 3: Add Batting and Stuffing

    Place one piece of batting on top of one set of fabrics and one piece of polyester filling on top of that. Make sure they both cover only half of the stiched edge, so when folded over, they will cover the whole inside surface evenly.

    Fold over this stiched edge onto itself in halves again like making a sandwich with batting and filling in between outer casing and inner lining.
    Sew along this folded edge with both batting and filling together within its safety bags halves shape without batting or filling getting caught up in stitches within it as they are stuffed very snugly within it.

    Now fold over this stitched edge onto itself with all safety bags still being sandwiched within. Do this such that the other half of still open roughly 90 degree angle from it is then sewn at the edge of its own perimeter. That edge afterwards should be folded onto itself.

    Repeat this last step for the other set of fabrics.

    Now both sets have a roughly 90 degree angle side that having each been already sewn on their 3 edges, remaining to be sewn yet another stich along that perforated fold or crease perpendicular to where they were already sewn together somewhat like a zipper strategy but in our case we CAUSE THE FOLD.

    Once you open your now-turn-opened-sandwichup-based-pillow quilt enough to see the direction in which the fold will come into view after being stitched upon one end youcan reconfirm that possibly slightly shady hiddenness slightly intimidated and needlessly unfriendly so far perhaps out of s–

    Begin from this corner edge towards this end trying not to get caught up into stiches. Once completed turn these last sets inside out so you can insert one inside another inside your created pillow quilt.

    Step 4: Sew Everything Together

    Take both sets with their safety bags edges first two stich them together in their middles as well as

    Q: What materials do I need to make a pillow quilt?
    A: To make a pillow quilt, you will need fabric, batting, sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins, rotary cutter (optional), and a cutting mat.

    Q: How much fabric is required for making a pillow quilt?
    A: The amount of fabric needed depends on the size of your desired quilt. On average, you will need 1 yard of fabric for the front and back of the quilt and 1.5 yards of batting.

    Q: Can I use different types of fabric for my pillow quilt?
    A: Yes, you can use any type of fabric for your pillow quilt. However, it is recommended to use quilting cotton or flannel as they are durable and easy to work with.

    Q: Do I need to prewash my fabrics before making a pillow quilt?
    A: It is always best to prewash your fabrics before starting any sewing project. This will prevent any shrinkage or color bleeding once the quilt is complete.

    Q: Can I hand-sew instead of using a sewing machine for my pillow quilt?
    A: Yes, you can hand-sew your pillow quilt if you do not have access to a sewing machine. However, keep in mind that it may take more time and effort to complete the project.

    Q: How do I finish the edges of my pillow quilt?
    A: There are multiple ways to finish the edges depending on your preferred method. You can either add binding around the edges or sew them right sides together leaving an opening for flipping. Topstitching or tying knots at regular intervals are also common techniques. Choose the one that works best for you.

    In conclusion, making a pillow quilt can be a fun and rewarding project for anyone with basic sewing skills. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can create a beautiful and functional pillow quilt to add to your home decor.

    First, it is important to gather all the necessary materials and tools before starting the project. This includes fabric, batting, scissors, pins, sewing machine, and thread. It is also helpful to have a design or pattern in mind before beginning the quilting process.

    Next, choose and cut the fabric pieces according to your desired design. Then layer the batting between two fabric pieces and secure them with pins. This step will create the quilt sandwich which will be sewn together to create the pillow quilt.

    Once all the pieces are sewn together, it is time to add finishing touches such as borders or embellishments. This is where your creativity can shine as you personalize your pillow quilt with unique designs or patterns.

    Finally, properly bind and finish off your pillow quilt by stitching around the edges and adding a closure for easy removal of the insert. With these steps completed, you will have successfully made a beautiful pillow quilt that is both functional and decorative.

    Not only does creating a pillow quilt provide you with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, it also

    Author Profile

    Avatar
    Jill Nammar
    My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
    I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

    My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

    From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

    The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

    Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.