How to Make a Quarter Square Triangle Pillow Cover
I decided to teach myself how to make this simple or not so simple quilted quarter square triangle pillow case. I do not quilt. To be honest, I really do not have the patience for it but I have decided that it is skill that I want to learn. I have made a few quilts in the past that have not come out particularly well. I vowed this time I would take my time and create something worthy of showing off. With all of my remnant fabrics I figured this was the perfect project to use them up. I also have plans to make a quilted sewing machine cover so this seemed like a good way to start.
After looking on line and on YouTube this is what I came up with as the process for making my pillow cover. I hope that I can explain it and that it comes out alright as I will be making it along with you. For the fabrics I am using my stash of remnant fabrics that I purchased at JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores but you could head to fabric.com or onlinefabricstore.net to create 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 Quilted Quarter Square Triangle Pillow Cover
- 16 Scraps of fabric for the quarter square triangles that are larger than 6″ square
- Half yard of fabric for the back
- 20″ x 20″ quilt batting
- 16″ Pillow form
- Rotary Cutter and Mat
- Pen
- Quilting ruler
- Iron
Step 1: Cut your Fabrics
For this project I am using quilt blocks that have a finished measurement of 4″ square. In order to accomplish this using quarter square triangle blocks cut contrasting squares that measure the finished size of the block plus 1 1/4″ for a total of 5 1/4″ squares. No matter the size of the block you will add the additional 1 1/4″ to the finished size that you want.
In this instance I cut 16 5 1/4″ squares for the front of my quilted pillow cover.
In addition cut two back pieces. One that measures 22″ x 16″ and one that measures 11″ x 22″.
Step 2: Create Half Square Triangles
Take a light square and a dark square of fabric and place them right sides together. Draw diagonal lines from each corner to the other as shown. Stitch 1/4″ on either side of one of the drawn lines through both layers. Using your rotary cutter and mat cut the pieces along the diagonal line that is not cut between the sewn lines. Abut the pieces together and cut along the diagonal line between the stitching lines. You will now have four half square triangles of alternating fabric. Press the pieces open so that the seams are pressed toward the dark side.
Step 3: Create the Quarter Square Triangle Block
Place two half square triangles together so that the colors are alternating and stitch them together using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Step 4: Create the Front of the Pillow Cover
Stitch the blocks together in rows. Start by stitching two blocks right sides together using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Add a third block and then a fourth block to complete the row. Press the seams in the opposite direction so that they will nest with the next row. Create four rows of four blocks each. Once the rows have been completed stitch the rows right sides together also using a 1/4″ seam allowance making sure that the seams nest together for a nice finish. If you are unfamiliar with nesting it is the process where the seams that match up are facing in opposite directions. Stitch all the way around the pieced cover to stabilize.
Step 5: Quilt the Front of the Pillow Cover
Place the pieced cover onto the batting either by spray basting or pinning. Quilt the pieced cover to the batting any way you like. I just followed the lines of the stitching to make it easier since I am a beginner. Remember the quilting is not the piecing but the stitching to the batting. I stitched 1/4″ lines along both sides of all the seam lines for my quilting. Trim off the excess batting and square up the quilt.
Step 6: Create the Back of the Pillow Cover
For this we are going to use my how to make an envelope pillow tutorial. Hem one of the 16″ sides of both of the back pieces by folding the raw edge under 1/2″ then again by 1/2″. Sew the hem either by hand or machine. Do the same for the smaller piece.
Step 7: Create the Pillow Cover
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