Patchwork quilted pillows are one of my favorite things to sew! They are perfect when you want a fast sewing or quilting project but don’t want to commit to making an entire quilt.
Over the years, we’ve shared quite a few quilted pillow patterns with our readers. Last year we even had a “pillow of the month” series!
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Quilted pillows are essentially mini quilts, and are perfect when you want a “quick fix” project! Those times when you just REALLY need to finish something you started.
In this article, we not only list our most popular patchwork pillow patterns, but we also walk you through the steps from quilt block to the finished pillow.
What is a Patchwork Pillow?
A patchwork pillow is created using traditional or modern quilting methods to create a patchwork design out of fabric. They can be single quilt blocks, improv blocks, or simply strips of fabric sewn together. After the patchwork top is created, the piece is finished using a variety of methods so that a pillow form can be inserted.
You could also create a “whole cloth” pillow, which would be one piece of fabric, that is quilted and then turned into a pillow.
How to Turn the Quilted Top into a Pillow
Creating a quilted pillow is the same method as creating a quilt. A quilted pillow is essentially a mini quilt. The difference between a mini quilt and a pillow is pretty obvious; you need to add a second layer to create a pocket for the pillow.
When turning your quilted piece into a pillow, there are a few options.
You can sew a piece to the back of the patchwork portion of the pillow, leave a hole to insert the pillow form, and hand stitch the opening closed. That is not my favorite method. I prefer to create my quilted pillows with reusable openings. That way, I can easily swap out my pillow covers seasonally and I just need one pillow form!
As shown in our Reading Pillow tutorial, you can create a simple envelope back.
You can also add a zippered back; we’ve got an article showing you how to do this for any size pillow.
If you are familiar with binding a quilt, you can finish your pillow with a binding instead of the traditional “right sides facing” seam. This pumpkin pillow tutorial uses that method.
Finishing Touches
If you want to add a little something “extra” to your pillow, you can add something to the seam to “frame” the pillow.
One of my favorite things to add to a pillow is piping. Don’t be intimidated by inserting piping into a seam! In one of our previous sewing lessons, we covered all things piping and even shared a tip for perfect piping every time.
For something more fun, you can also add pom pom trim to the outside of the pillow cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several things you can use to stuff your pillow. You’ll need to use polyester fiberfill if it’s a custom size. However, I don’t like to use it unless absolutely necessary. I prefer to purchase premade down or down alternative pillow forms. You can find one the same size as most quilted pillow patterns.
Your pillow form should be the same size as your pattern piece before it’s sewn. So if your pattern calls for an 18″ x 18″ square, you should use an 18″ x 18″ pillow form. This is true even though the finished pillow cover will be 18″ (due to seam allowances). Having the pillow cover slightly smaller than the pillow form helps the pillow to “puff” and gives it a better shape.
How to Quilt a Patchwork Pillow
There are numerous ways to quilt a patchwork pillow. My favorite method uses a scrap piece of fabric and cotton batting. I create a quilt “sandwich” and then use the walking foot on my sewing machine to quilt straight lines ½″ apart.
Free Patchwork Pillow Patterns
Quilted Pillow Patterns
Turn a few pieces of fabric into a cherished heirloom! Learn how to make a patchwork pillow with one of our free tutorials.
Strawberry Fields Bench Pillow Pattern
Shared as a part of our "pillow of the month" series, this cute pillow features three pieced strawberry quilt blocks.
Sleep; Patchwork Quilted Pillow Pattern
This pillow featuring pieced lettering would be so cute on a kids bed.
Prism Paw Quilted Pillow Pattern
This pillow is a unique take on a bear patch quilt block.
Christmas Presents Quilt Block Pillow Pattern
Four gift quilt blocks make up this sweet Christmas pillow.
Peeking Rudolph Christmas Pillow Pattern
A fun take on a reindeer quilt block designed by Amy Ball as a part of our pillow pattern series.
Twin Pines Quilted Pillow Pattern
Depending on your fabric choices, this pattern could be used as a Christmas pillow!
Improv Patchwork Easy Going Pillow Pattern
Improv piecing is a less structured take on traditional quilt piecing. Pillow projects are just the right size to practice this unique piecing method.
Moroccan Tile Inspired Patchwork Pillow Pattern
This bright and colorful pillow is perfect for summer!
Jubilee Celebration Quilted Pillow Pattern
This beautiful pillow pattern was inspired by the Union Jack and features a purple and yellow color scheme in honor of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebration.
Patchwork Beehive Pillow Pattern
I grew up in the "beehive" state and have always loved cute things with beehive decorations!
Patchwork Heart Quilted Pillow Tutorial
This pillow is created from a large patchwork heart quilt block.
Plaid Quilted Pillow Tutorial
Strips of fabric in varying sizes create a plaid pattern out of fabric.
Quilted Patchwork Flower Pillow Tutorial
A beautiful pillow created from a blossom quilt block.
How to Make a Bench Pillow with Quilt Blocks
If you have a few quilt blocks left over from another project, this pillow pattern is perfect! You can use it to turn any three of your favorite blocks into a bench pillow.
How to Make a Quilted Pillow using Triangle Quilt Blocks
Half square triangle quilt blocks are a basic building block of most quilts. Turn a few of them into a simple pillow using our free pattern.
How to Make a Cute Patchwork Pumpkin Pillow
Celebrate Fall with this cute pumpkin pillow!
How to Make a Simple Patchwork Pillow using the Quilt As You Go Method
Quilt your pillow at the same time that you piece the fabric pieces together with this time-saving method.
Scrap Busting Postage Stamp Quilted Pillow Tutorial
Fussy cut a few of your favorite fabric scraps to create cute fabric postage stamps.
Learn How to Make a Book Pillow
This pillow pattern features a unique take on our popular reading pillow pattern. Create a pieced pocket made from rectangles or flying geese quilt blocks.
Norwegian Inspired Patchwork Snowflake Pillow
This pillow pieces quickly thanks to the use of gridded interfacing.
Hit the Open Road Pillow Sewing Tutorial
I created this pillow for our RV. It's made using raw edge applique.
EASY Log Cabin Quilted Pillow Tutorial
Cut, sew, and iron, and cut! Then repeat! This cheater log cabin block is that easy to make!
Patchwork Christmas Pillows
These Christmas pillows were created from left over quilt blocks. They are now one of my favorite Christmas decorations.
Patchwork Quilted Christmas Pillow Tutorial
These pillows are made from a variety of novelty Christmas fabrics, but you could swap out the fabrics to make it suitable for any holiday.
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