Modern Hexagon Quilted Pillow Tutorial

And this is the 3rd in the 3-part tutorial. This part will show you how to take a quilted orphan block and make it into an Envelope Style Back Throw Pillow. Each part can stand alone, but if you'd like to make the project just as its presented here, check out parts 1 and 2.

Supplies:
1 Quilted Quilt block (This tutorial uses a block that is cut to 14". The directions for making this hexagon quilt block is here.)
2 plain pieces of matching cotton fabric 10" x 14" each- for the envelope backing
Continuous quilt binding (for this, mine is cut 2" wide and about 68" long, pressed in half lengthwise) Binding tips can be found here.
Matching Thread

Note: Using an orphan quilt block to make this pillow? It will probably measure 12 1/2". If that is the case, cut your 2 rectangles for the envelop backing to measure 12 1/2" x 9".

Step 1. Fold the long side of each of the envelope rectangles twice, towards the wrong side 1/2" to create the hem along this edge. Stitch the hem 3/8" from the folded edge.

Step 2: Flip the quilted block over to reveal the backing fabric. Lay one envelope rectangle across the back. Make sure to align 3 sides of the rectangle with 3 sides of the quilted block.


Step 3: Lay the remaining envelope rectangle over the exposed area of the block. Both hemmed edges should be pointed towards the center of the block. (click to enlarge the picture above.) Pin baste the envelope rectangles around the perimeter of the block.

The two rectangles should overlap 4" to conceal the pillow insert, once the project is finished.

Step 4: Baste the envelope rectangles to the back of the quilt, using the sewing machine and stitching within 1/8" from the cut edge. Its narrow, but you can do it!

Step 5: We will now use the "machine applied continuous binding method" Binding is the last step, so if you are comfortable using another method- free free to do so. Apply the binding to the ENVELOPE side of the pillow. (pictured above)


Step 6: Flip the binding around to the front of the project and edge stitch right near the fold in the binding. Do this around the entire perimeter.

Step 7: Here's how I treat the corners of a quilt project, see the photos below:

Coming up on a corner, I fold the edge closest to me up. Make sure to have an "angle" pointed out towards the right, this will help make a pretty miter. - Like wrapping a present.

Then I fold the binding around to the front, making a tidy miter at the corner's point.

Stick a pin in the miter.

Sew right up to the miter, placing one or two stitches into the corner. Do NOT sew to the edge of the quilt binding. Instead...

Put your needle into the fabric at the corner. Lift up the presser foot and pivot the project 90 degrees, turning around the needle.

Lower the presser foot and continue sewing along the folded edge of the binding.

Step 8: Trim all your threads & add a pillow form insert. And its finished! Great job!!!

Here's the project flat. It finished to 14" square.

And with a 12" pillow form insert.

*Fabric used in this sample is by Art Gallery Fabrics + Kona Cotton Solid

If you make it, feel free to share it in the ReannaLily Designs Flickr pool.

Modern Hexagon Quilted Pillow Tutorial