How to Make a Quillow Pattern: A Comprehensive Guide
Embarking on a crafting project can be both exciting and challenging. One such project that combines the beauty of a quilt with the practicality of a pillow is the quillow pattern. A quillow is a unique and versatile item that serves as both a cozy blanket and a comfortable pillow. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to make a quillow pattern, ensuring that you create a beautiful and functional piece for your home or as a thoughtful gift.
Understanding the Quillow Pattern
Before diving into the steps of making a quillow pattern, it’s essential to understand its basic structure. A quillow consists of two main components: the quilt top and the pillow insert. The quilt top is made with a layer of batting and backing fabric, while the pillow insert is a pillowcase that can be used separately or zipped together with the quilt top to create a pillow. The beauty of the quillow lies in its ability to transform from a blanket to a pillow with a simple zip closure.
Materials Needed
To create your quillow pattern, you will need the following materials:
– Fabric: Choose a beautiful fabric for the quilt top and a coordinating fabric for the pillow insert. You will also need a piece of batting that is slightly larger than your fabric pieces.
– Thread: Select a thread color that complements your fabric.
– Quilting needles: Use a size 90/14 or 100/16 needle for machine quilting.
– Batting: Choose a high-quality batting that is suitable for quilting.
– Backing fabric: This will be the outer layer of your quillow and should be slightly larger than your quilt top.
– Zipper: A coordinating zipper that is long enough to zip the quilt top and pillow insert together.
– Scissors: A pair of sharp scissors for cutting fabric and batting.
– Pins: Pins for holding fabric pieces in place while sewing.
– Sewing machine: A sewing machine with a free arm or a quilting foot for easy handling of large fabric pieces.
Steps to Make a Quillow Pattern
1.
Choose Your Fabric
Select a beautiful fabric for the quilt top and a coordinating fabric for the pillow insert. Ensure that you have enough fabric to cover the quilt top and pillow insert, as well as the batting and backing fabric.
2.
Cut Your Fabric Pieces
Cut your fabric pieces according to the following measurements:
– Quilt top: Width and length of your desired blanket size plus 1/2 inch for seam allowances.
– Pillow insert: Width and length of your desired pillow size plus 1/2 inch for seam allowances.
– Backing fabric: Width and length of your quilt top plus 1/2 inch for seam allowances.
– Batting: Width and length of your quilt top.
3.
Layer Your Fabric and Batting
Place the batting on top of the backing fabric, then place the quilt top fabric on top of the batting. Make sure the fabric is aligned and smooth.
4.
Quilt Your Fabric
Use your sewing machine to quilt the fabric layers together. You can choose any quilting pattern you like, or simply stitch in the ditch to create a simple design.
5.
Prepare the Pillow Insert
Cut your pillow insert fabric to the same size as your quilt top. Sew the pillow insert together, leaving an opening for turning the pillow right side out.
6.
Attach the Zipper
Attach the zipper to the pillow insert using a zipper foot on your sewing machine. Make sure the zipper is aligned with the edges of the pillow insert.
7.
Zip the Quillow Together
Zip the quilt top and pillow insert together to create your quillow. Make sure the zipper is secure and the quilt top is smooth.
8.
Enjoy Your Quillow
Your quillow is now complete! Use it as a cozy blanket or a comfortable pillow, and enjoy the versatility of this unique craft.
In conclusion, making a quillow pattern is a delightful and rewarding project that combines the beauty of quilting with the functionality of a pillow. By following this comprehensive guide, you will be able to create a beautiful and practical quillow for your home or as a thoughtful gift for someone special. Happy crafting!
