How to Make a Patchwork Autumn Throw Pillow

It is fall and time for our autumn decorating. A while ago I created a Christmas version of this adorable pillow and decided to create an Autumn version. I was really pleased with how this patchwork autumn throw pillow came out. It is a super simple beginner quilting project that anyone starting out with quilting can make.  There is some hand embroidery in this project but I have provided a video to guide you along.  The embroidery is a simple backstitch of the lettering and some straight lines so it was not too taxing for me and it came out lovely.  

I used fabrics from the Autumn Days fat quarter bundle that I purchased at JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores, but you could head to Amazon fabrics or onlinefabricstore.net to get exactly what you want for your project.  This post contains affiliate links that if you click on them and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

What you will Need: How to Make a Patchwork Christmas Pillow

• Letters Pattern you can get by clicking on this link
• 32 2 1/2″ squares in various autumn prints
• 2 strips of 16 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ cotton solid — I used brown
• 1 yd of backing fabric
• 1/2 yd of quilt batting
• 12 x 16 Pillow form.  
• Dritz Tracing Paper

Step 1: Cut your Fabrics

Cut the squares and strips as stated above.  Cut the quilt backing and batting 2″ larger all the way around of the pieced front of the pillow.  From the backing fabric, cut two pieces.  One piece will measure 13 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ and the other will measure 9 1/2″ x 12 1/2″.  

Step 2: Piece the Top

Stitch the squares right sides together using a 1/4″ seam allowance until you have 4 rows of 8.  Once you have a row of 8 add a strip of solid colored fabric right sides together and stitch using a 1/4″ seam allowance.  Add two more rows of the squares nesting the seams then the next strip and finally the last row of squares.  This will complete the piecing of the top.  Make sure that you press each row after stitching.  

Step 3: Trace the Letters

Using the letters in the pattern trace them onto the solid colored strips.  I used a white Dritz tracing paper for this.

Step 4: Add the Batting

Using a basting spray or pins attach the batting to the pieced front.  I used a basting spray that you can get here. Embroider the letters using a hand backstitch.  If you are unfamiliar with how to do an embroidery backstitch check out this video.

Backstitch

Step 5: Add the Backing to your Pillow Case

Add the backing fabric to the batting so that the backing is right sides out.  Use your basting spray or pins.  Quilt the quilt any way you like. I just used a few diagonal lines.  Do not quilt over the embroidery. Square up the pillow case front 

Step 6: Create the Back to your Pillow Case

Take two two pieces of backing fabric and hem one of the 12 1/2″ ends on both pieces.  Place the longer back piece right sides together with the pillow front and pin or clip.  Place the shorter piece on the other end and pin or clip.  It will be just like an envelope.  Stitch all the way around using a 1/4″ seam allowance.  Turn right sides out and press.  Insert a pillow form and you have completed your Patchwork Christmas Pillow.  

 

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