• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Polka Dot Chair logo

  • SEWING
    • Free Sewing Patterns
    • Bag Patterns
    • Costumes
    • Apparel
    • Learn to Sew
    • Beginner Friendly
    • Embroidery Projects
    • Tips & Techniques
    • All Sewing
  • QUILTING
    • Quilt Blocks
    • Learn to Quilt
    • Free Patterns
    • Quilt Patterns
    • All Quilting
  • CRAFTS
    • Disney
    • Cricut
    • Printables
    • All Crafts
  • HOLIDAYS
    • Seasonal Projects
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • All Holidays
  • TUTORIALS
  • ABOUT
    • About Me
    • My Fabric Collections
    • Published Books
    • Press
    • FAQ’s
    • Contact
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • SHOP
menu icon
go to homepage
  • SHOP
  • TUTORIALS
  • SEWING
  • QUILTING
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • CRAFTS
  • HOLIDAY PROJECTS
  • ABOUT
    • Published Books
    • My Fabric Collections
  • CONTACT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • SHOP
    • TUTORIALS
    • SEWING
    • QUILTING
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • CRAFTS
    • HOLIDAY PROJECTS
    • ABOUT
      • Published Books
      • My Fabric Collections
    • CONTACT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Quilts

    How to Make a Patchwork Pillow using Quilt As You Go Method

    Updated: Jan 27, 2022 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 9 Comments

    Learn how to “Quilt As You Go” when you make this simple patchwork pillow using today’s tutorial!

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    Back in February 2019 was Quilt Con in Nashville and I was so lucky to be able to attend, all the way from England!  And even luckier for me, I was able to meet Melissa for myself, which was just wonderful.  It really was such a pleasure, especially after about 18 months of knowing and working together online.

    Table of Contents
    • How to make a Simple Patchwork Pillow using the Quilt as You Go Method
    • Quilt as You Go Patchwork Pillow Supplies
    • How to Start
    • Adding the Second Piece:
    • Adding Additional Pieces:
    • Finishing
    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    So what better way to celebrate than to create a project than using Melissa’s latest fabric collection, Let’s Be Mermaids.  My goodness, what an adorable collection it is; there are so many wonderful prints and designs to choose from, it really was tricky working out which ones to use. 

    This is why I decided to opt for a scrappy improv quilt so that I could showcase a little bit of everything!  And I wanted to introduce a new technique too – quilt as you go.  This method is really fun because you do all the work as you piece and go along, then there’s no quilting at the end, just a really quick envelope back, some binding, and ta-da, you have a finished cushion!

    How to make a Simple Patchwork Pillow using the Quilt as You Go Method

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    Quilt as You Go Patchwork Pillow Supplies

    • Central motif for the fussy cut center
    • Scraps of fabric from your stash or from a fabric collection
    • Batting 18” square
    • Basting Spray (optional)
    • Hera Marker
    • Neutral thread
    • Envelope back – top 16”  x 13”
    • Envelope back  – bottom  16” x 8”
    • Binding  –  70” x 1 ¾” wide
    • Cushion pad – 16” square
    • Usual sewing supplies (rotary cutter, mat, ruler, sewing machine thread, scissors etc.)

    Note: 

    Given that this is an improv QAYG pattern, there aren’t any set measurements, but it does help if you cut your pieces to easy sizes.  So, for example, my fussy cut center measures 4 ½” tall by 3 ½” wide.  So if I want to add a piece to the right of it, I know it needs to be 4 ½” tall.

    How to Start

    First of all, fold the batting in half and in half again to find the center.  Then take your fussy cut centerpiece, and place it in the center.  You may wish to fuse this first piece with basting spray.

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    Use a Hera marker to draw a line down the centre of the fussy cut motif.  I’ve chosen a vertical line but you may wish to have horizontal lines.  This line will be your first quilting line, and then your guide for subsequent lines.

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    Using a neutral thread, stitch down this line, using a slightly longer stitch length.  (I’ve used a 3.25 stitch length.)  Using this line as your guide, stitch either side of the line until all the fabric is quilted.

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    Now you can add to any side of your central motif.  I’m going to add a section to the right.  So I know that my mermaid motif measures 4 ½” in length so I’m going to cut a piece of fabric 4 ½” in length, and I can decide how wide it is, ideally using a whole or half number to make it easier.  (Don’t forget to consider your quarter-inch seam allowance all the way around.)

    Place your second piece right sides together with the first section, lining up the edge of the fabric to the side you want to join.  Stitch a quarter-inch seam along that edge.

    Adding the Second Piece:

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    Open out and press, then quilt either horizontally or vertically according to your preference.  Although bear in mind you might want to avoid having to pull seams to the back, which is why I’ve opted to quilt vertically again.

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    Adding Additional Pieces:

    This time we’re going to add a section to the left of the central motif.  But instead of using just one strip, I’ve taken two pieces and stitched them together.  As long as the length is 4 ½” inches in total, this strip can be made up of as many pieces as you like. Attach it with a quarter-inch seam and quilt in the same way.

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    Now keep adding to the central section.  I’ve added below by measuring the length of the central section and creating a strip made of two fabrics that is the same length as the central section.  Add in the same way and quilt.  This time I’ve changed the direction of my stitching and quilted horizontally.    

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    Keep adding to the patchwork in the same way until you have more than covered all the batting.  Don’t try to plan too far in advance, just try to work organically, step by step.  I’ve also tried to offset my seams.  I purposely don’t want things lining up for this project.

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    Finishing

    Once you’ve covered all the batting with patchwork and quilting, you need to trim to 16” square.  Find the center of the cushion (this will be the middle of your fussy cut center) and measure 8” from the center to each edge.  Mark the edges and trim with a rotary cutter and ruler.

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    How to Make an Envelope Back for the Pillow:

    Now to make the envelope back.  If you’re using directional fabric you need to ensure that you cut it 16” wide across, so that your motifs are upright.  This is the case for me, as I’m using the beautiful mermaid fabric for the top piece, and a text print fabric for the bottom piece.

    Hem the bottom of the top section and the top of the bottom section by turning once then once again.  Pin in place to secure then stitch close to the fold.  Press for a flat finish.

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    Take your cushion front and place right side down.  Lay the raw edge of the bottom panel right side up along the raw edge of the bottom of the cushion front.  The hem will be in the middle. 

    Take the large top panel and place on the top right sides up, aligning the top raw edge with the top of the cushion front.  Again, the hem will be in the middle.  Use binding clips to clip in place.

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    Stitch all the way around the edge using a quarter-inch seam.  Reinforce where the top and bottom panels overlap, as this is where there will be an extra strain as the cushion pad is inserted.

    Top Tip: 

    I always like to put my cushion pad in the cushion at this point to check that the cushion is the right size.  You can always make the cushion cover smaller by stitching a little further from the edge. Personally, I don’t like baggy cushions!  I’m pleased to say my cushion fits perfectly 🙂

    For cushions, I like to use single-fold binding, as it’s less bulky and uses less fabric.  Stitch the binding strips together and then machine stitch to the front of your cushion, mitering the corners. Hand stitch to the back of the cushion for a neat finish.

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    Oh my goodness, I’m so in love with this fabric!  And I’ve so enjoyed this quilt as you go technique too.  I hope you give it a try, it’s a lot of fun!

    Sarah

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    About the Maker:

    Sarah Ashford is a British Quilter and embroiderer and founder of the GreatBritishQuilter challenge on Instagram. Sarah regularly contributes projects to magazines and loves to spread the joy of quilting everywhere she goes. Follow her on Instagram at @sarahashfordstudio and be sure to check out her beautiful sewing room decals in her Etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/sarahashfordstudio

    More Simple Patchwork Projects You May Like:

    How to Make Quilted Potholders

    Scrappy Strips Baby Quilt Tutorial

    Snuggly Bricks Quilt Pattern

    quilt as you go patchwork pillow

    More Projects You May Enjoy

    • The Heart of Hearts Quilt Along
    • Fabric Flash Mug Rug Pattern
    • Meet My Valentine’s Day Fabric Collection
    • 40 Valentine’s Day Projects to Sew

    • Share
    • Email

    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rineke Nanlohij says

      March 16, 2019 at 4:36 am

      I’ve seen this fabric a few months ago and I’m waiting for it’s arrive in the EU. I couldn’t find the fabric until now. Do you know if I can buy it now in the EU (including the UK)?
      I love this pattern! I want to make my niece a pillow in this fabric. Thank you for the tutorial!

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        March 17, 2019 at 5:55 pm

        You can find a list of EU Stockists for Riley Blake Fabric here: https://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/international-distributors

        Reply
    2. Kay says

      March 16, 2019 at 9:41 am

      Fabulous. i will be looking out for this fabric. x

      Reply
    3. Karla says

      March 22, 2019 at 1:19 pm

      beautiful fabric and project! I definitely will give this a try ♥♥

      Reply
    4. Bonnie Stalker says

      March 27, 2019 at 10:32 am

      This is darling. I’m relatively new to quilting, but I’m going to try this. I do have a question, though. For your fussy cut center piece, did you add the 1/4 inch seam allowance to it or just the added pieces? Thanks for a great tutorial.

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        March 28, 2019 at 11:04 am

        No, but 1/4 will be covered so plan for that.

        Reply
    5. Debra says

      November 29, 2019 at 5:30 pm

      When you say “cushion pad”……is that a foam pad or is it a pillow form?

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        December 02, 2019 at 4:20 pm

        Pillow form. Sarah is from the UK, different terminology…

        Reply
    6. Anne says

      April 03, 2020 at 7:35 am

      This cushion cover is fantastic

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hello! It’s nice to meet you.

    I’m Melissa. I like to design things, like fabric, printables, and projects.

    I’m also a Mom and a Maker. I am like most of you, just trying to do my best every day. Some days I succeed, many days I fail.  I find joy in creating, if you do too, then I hope that you find something here bring a little “happy” to your life.  Find out more about me here.

    COPYRIGHT POLICY

    All my images and text are copyrighted. You may NOT use any images from this site in any kind of Video (this includes YouTube). If you would like to feature my work, you may use ONE (1) NON-COLLAGED image and must “follow” link back to my original blog post. You may NOT edit, crop, or change my images in any way without written permission. You MAY NOT print out or copy and distribute any text, images or patterns from this site. All patterns, content, instructions, and templates are for personal use ONLY! Thank you! Violators will be reported.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimers
    • About Melissa
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Press
    • Published Books
    • Fabric Collections

    Welcome to the Polka Dot Chair! Here you’ll find easy, step-by-step, sewing, quilting, and crafting projects. We design projects for Makers of all skill levels. Beginners are welcome!

    DISCLAIMER:

    While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content on this website, the information is made available without warranty of any kind. The Polka Dot Chair accepts no responsibility or liability, whether direct or indirect, as to the currency or accuracy of the information, nor any consequence of its uses. This website is not intended to substitute the advice of a professional.

    Copyright © 2022 Polka Dot Chair

    [ Placeholder content for popup link ] WordPress Download Manager - Best Download Management Plugin