You can understand how to fold a quillow into a pillow by starting with the sides; then the rest is easy. The quillow or a blanket that folds in a pillow requires a straightforward approach for you to transform it. However, it will also be useful to construct the blanket itself to understand the mechanism further.
Before getting started, remember to prepare your materials. They consist of two fabrics and batting to insulate your blanket. You can also opt to do this project by hand or with a machine, as long as you’re comfortable.
How Do You Fold A Quillow Into A Pillow
Step #1. Lay
First, find the pocket side of your quillow and lay it facing the surface of where you want to fold. You can use a table or even your knees for support. Then, fold one side onto the center and slightly overlap the other side onto it, so they meet in the middle.
Step #2. Join
To get a neat look, you want to fold along the stitch line that holds the blanket’s wadding. Once you’ve folded both sides towards the center, start folding from the quillow’s end three times. The directions start from the end farthest from the pocket so that the quilt ends up on top of it in the final fold.
Step #3. Turn
Finally, turn the pillow over and put your hand into the pocket. Turn the quillow right side out using one of the corners and repeat with the other to further flatten your pillow. The process is relatively quick and straightforward, so why not get your hands in making a quillow itself?
How To Make A Quillow
You can easily make a quillow yourself according to the dimensions you like. Don’t be intimidated in sewing with a machine because even those without experience shouldn’t encounter any drawbacks. However, you can sew by hand at the expense of more time and effort needed.
Construct the blanket
Start by laying your fabric pieces with their right sides together and then the batting on top of them. Pin the materials and stitch with half an inch of the seam allowance. However, you want to leave some parts unsewn.
Then, trim the corners diagonally and iron the edges for added durability and a neat finish. Using the opening you left, turn the blanket right side out and push out all the corners. Smoothen the blanket and iron the edges again before folding the sides of the opening.
Press these edges with iron and pin the excess fabric tucked before sewing all around the quilt to close this gap. Now that you finished the blanket, you’ll be sewing the part that makes it a quillow; the pocket. Make the pocket by folding a fabric right sides together to create a rectangle.
Sew the pocket
Sew the long edges with half an inch of seam allowance and leave one side for turning it right side out. Cut corners to create sharp edges and turn the blanket right side out. Iron the fabric and sew the open edge the same way you did earlier with the blanket.
Place your blanket on a surface and lay the pocket at the top center. Line the pocket’s stitched edge with the blanket’s edge and pin it into place. You want to ensure that the pocket is at the center edge and not the blanket’s middle before you sew.
Finally, stitch the pocket onto your blanket and sew its outer edges with ¼ inch seam. However, be mindful not to close the pocket thoroughly, or you won’t have an opening for tucking. And that’s it; you just finished making a quillow!
What Fabric Can You Use For A Quillow?
Now that you know how to fold a quillow into a pillow and you just learned how to make one, what’s next is selecting the materials for this incredible project. A simple blanket uses two fabric pieces, and you have freedom with the types, patterns, colors, and textures. As for the sizing, it will depend on who will use it.
For a cozy quillow, you can use flannel, fleece, and cotton. Any plush materials will also work, but opt for durable ones if you’ll use the blanket for picnics. A typical baby blanket will need two one and a half yards, and an adult blanket will use two pieces measuring two yards each.
What Batting Can You Use For A Quillow?
To make your quillow extra comfortable and homey, you want to add batting the same size as your fabrics. This is the insulative material that you add between the top and bottom fabric. However, it should also be thin enough for smooth folding into the pocket.
A breathable option is cotton batting, and it also adds fluffiness without you needing to worry about its washability. Another favorite is wool batting to add warmth at the expense of a higher price point. If this is an issue, polyester batting will do, and quality ones even hold their shape well.
Conclusion
A blanket that folds into a pillow is called a quillow. But do you know how to fold a quillow into a pillow to get the most of this nifty invention? It’s as easy as folding the sides, so they meet at the middle and then folding the blanket to reach the pocket.
Once done, smoothen the cushion you just made, and voila! Your cozy blanket is now a comfy pillow! What’s even more wonderful with a quillow is you can make one yourself using the guide above.