I am so excited to share this tutorial with you! You can find it here on Youtube, I am sharing how to make both a standard body pillow and 18" square pillow. Both can be adjusted to really make any size you'd like though.
For the body pillow I'll show how to do a hidden zipper enclosure on the bottom seam and for the 18" square pillow we'll be doing an easy envelope back! I loved making both of these and can't for you to try my latest new obsession, chunky hand stitched quilting!
This project is a great way to shred through your scrap pile, and quick! Especially with the body pillow size. I used 3" squares but also included 2.5" and 5" squares in the requirements below in case you want to use up a mini charm pack or charm pack. Check out our precut section of the shop!
Body Pillow - Trim down to 55"x21" AFTER piecing and Quilting
3" Squares (as shown in tutorial) - 396 Squares (9x22 layout for front and back) (I know it seems like a lot, it goes quick!)
2.5 " Squares - 616 Squares (11x28 layout for both front and back)
5" Squares - 130 Squares (5x13 layout for front and back - this layout will have a lot to trim off, you could try to make it work with 5x12 layout but would be cutting it close)
Fabric (lining, I like to use a solid or even scrap fabric as it'll never be seen) and batting - 2 pieces each 22x56"
18" Square Pillow - Trim down to 19" Square AFTER piecing and Quilting
3" Squares (as shown in tutorial) - 64 Squares (8x8 layout)
2.5" Squares - 100 Squares (10x10 layout)
5" Squares - 25 Squares (5x5 layout)
Fabric for lining (will not be seen) and batting (great use for scrap batting from quilts) - 22" Square (3/4 yard if using one continuous cut)
Fabric for Envelope Back - 1/2 yard, two pieces 19"x12"
Other required Materials:
Body Pillow only - 20"-30" Zipper, I used this 22" one here
Pillow Insert, either 18" square or body pillow
Seam Ripper
Thread, I used Aurifil for Piecing and Size 12 Perle Cotton in Black for Quilting
Sashiko Needle for Hand quilting with chunky thread
Thimble
Other Basic Sewing supplies such as sewing machine, rulers, cutting mat, rotary cutter, fabric scissors, etc.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I do, happy quilting!