This how to make a patchwork pillow guide will aid you in sewing patchwork squares or rectangles and creating borderlines to make a feature of your bare pillow.
A Closer Look at What Patchwork Is
Did you know that a patchwork refers to a piece of cloth or fabric that’s created by sewing together smaller pieces of fabric called “patches”? In other words, you can simply choose to make patchwork simply by joining similarly-shaped or even identical patches in sections to make up one large piece of fabric.
Although this type of material assembly is usually called patchwork, others also refer to it as piecework. While some quilters and craftspeople still choose to sew these pieces by hand as in the olden times, others prefer to use sewing machines.
What are the Different Types of Patchwork?
In case you’re not aware, patchwork comes in various types that are sorted into different categories. These categories are labeled according to the number of pieces in each quilt block or the details of the patchwork’s overall structure. Check out some of these types here:
One patch quilts
These are often characterized by the repetition of similar shapes.
Four patch quilt blocks
As the name suggests, this type of patchwork features four pieces of patches or fabric which are arranged by twos across and down. In some cases, the shapes in this patchwork are divided into many segments.
Five patch quilt blocks
These come with about 25 patches arranged with five patches across and another five down. Each patch can be divided as well.
Seven patch quilt blocks
This type consists of seven different patches across and down. Every piece may change its shape. However, you can rarely find seven patch blocks that are being divided into multiple shapes each.
Your Guide on Making a Patchwork Pillow
Many articles online will suggest that you try to look for various patterned fabrics to be made into a patchwork pillow. These different fabrics will make up the entire pillow making it look pleasing and aesthetic.
It is also advisable to use vintage patterns since they are on-trend. To save time and resources, you can sew patchwork pillows that exactly fit your actual or ideal interior design than looking and purchasing them at the shopping mall.
Step 1: Prepare all materials needed
The things you will need include a central pattern for the center cut, stocks of chosen fabrics, 18″ square batting, spray basting (optional), a Hera marker, thread with a matching or neutral color, back envelope of 16″ x 13″, and 16″ x 8″ top envelope.
You’ll also need to prepare 70″ x 1 3⁄4″ broad binding, 16″ square pad, and necessary sewing supplies such as scissors, rotary cutter, ruler, mat, sewing machine thread, etc.
No fixed proportions are in place, so it helps if you split the pieces into basic sizes. So if your center cut is 4 1⁄2″ tall and 3 1/2″ wide, for example, then the fabric pieces to be added need to be 41⁄2″ in size.
Step 2: Getting started
To start with, fold halfway through the batting and find the middle portion. Then take the centerpiece of your fuzzy cut and set it on the top. You can blend this first piece with a spray.
To draw a line across the middle of the fuzzy motif, use a Hera marker. You may apply a horizontal or vertical line. This first line will be the reference for the next line until all needed lines are drawn.
Stitch the lines for an extended stitch length with a neutral thread. Stitch per side of the line before the fabric is cut. You can use a 3.25 stitch length as your reference for the next lines.
Step 3: Stitching other fabrics
You may now incorporate another motif to every side of the piece. If your motif is 4.5″ long, then cut another piece of cloth that is 4.5″ long and determine how big it is, preferably by applying a half or whole number.
Remember to consider the seam allowance of a quarter-inch throughout. After that, place the first segment on the second piece on the right side and line up the fabric’s ends on your side. Stitch on the side of the seam for a quarter inch.
Step 4: Work on the back part
It is now time to get started on the back part of the cushion cover. Cut another chosen fabric for the back to use. Leave around every extra inch for the edges and an entire inch downwards.
You can hem the edges at the lower part of the backcloth. This again is an attempt to reduce the number of raw ends on the cushion cover. You may iron it twice and stitch it off for a quarter of an inch.
Step 5: Install a zipper
Now, you can have a zipper installed. Then, pin the ends together with the zipper mounted and the fabrics on the right side. This is the beginning of the French sewing method.
Then, turn the cover over on the wrong side and stitch the edges around. You may stitch this part twice every time. Often, a lot of stuffing is needed to place the pillows inside the cover, and it would be inconvenient to tear a seam.
Final Thoughts on How to Make a Patchwork Pillow
The most important step in stitching a patchwork pillow is when choosing a variety of fabrics. Since these fabric pieces are sewn together, it is recommended that they are of similar motifs and patterns. Otherwise, the pillow cover would look catastrophic.
This tutorial on how to make a patchwork pillow is quite easy if you understand the process well. Instead of looking for pillow covers at malls, you can easily sew your cover ideal for your home.