A quillow is a versatile, cozy, and stylish item that can be easily transformed from a beautiful quilt into an equally comfortable pillow. This creative and functional addition to your home is perfect for creating personalized gifts, adding flair to your décor, or just snuggling up with on cool evenings. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make your own quillow.

Materials You Will Need:

1. Two large pieces of fabric (quilting cotton or flannel works well)

2. One piece of batting (the same size as your fabric; you can use thin polyester batting or cotton)

3. A smaller pillow-size piece of fabric (for the pillow pocket)

4. Sewing machine

5. Coordinating thread

6. Scissors

7. Pins (safety pins and straight pins)

8. Ruler or measuring tape

9. Fabric marker (optional)

Step 1: Choose Your Fabric and Size

Choose two coordinating fabric designs for the front and back of your quillow and a separate fabric for the pocket that will house the folded quilt when used as a pillow. The size of your finished quillow depends on your preference; popular dimensions include 45×65 inches for a lap-sized quilt or 60×80 inches for a larger option.

Step 2: Cut Your Fabric and Batting

Cut both the front and back pieces of fabric to the dimensions you prefer, making sure they are the same exact size. Then cut your batting material to match the dimensions of your two fabric pieces.

Step 3: Create Your Pillow Pocket

For the pocket, cut one piece of fabric to about one-third of the width and half the length of your main quilt piece (for example, if your quillow measures 45×65 inches, cut your pocket piece to 22×30 inches).

Fold this piece in half with the right sides together (the side with the printed design) and sew along the open edge, leaving a small opening to flip the pocket inside out. Press the seams flat and close the opening by folding it inwards; then stitch the edge closed.

Step 4: Assemble Your Quillow

Lay your front quillow piece on a flat surface with the right side (printed design) facing up. Place your assembled pocket on top, aligning it evenly along one width side of the fabric. The pocket’s open edges should be facing outward, towards the edge of the quillow.

Next, layer your batting on top of your fabric and pocket, followed by placing your second fabric piece face down over them. Pin all layers to secure them in place.

Step 5: Sew and Finish Your Quillow

Sew all four layers (back fabric, batting, front fabric, pillow pocket) together, leaving an opening on one side large enough to turn everything inside out. Trim any excess fabric from the edges and corners.

Turn your quillow right-side-out through the opening you left, utilizing a pointy object (like a chopstick or pencil eraser) to push out corners for neat points. Press along all edges, then sew around to close the remaining gap and finish your quillow neatly.

That’s it – you’ve successfully made a quillow! Now you can fold it into a pillow for easy storage, or unfold it for use as a cozy quilt. These versatile and heartwarming creations make fantastic gifts for family and friends or an expert touch to your home’s décor!