*This post MAY contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I don’t ever recommend something that I don’t use myself. Not all links are affiliate links. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.
How to Make a Quillow
A quillow is a quilt with a reversible pocket strategically sewn on the quilt so it can be folded up to fit inside the pocket, making a pillow. These are the perfect sleepover accessory for kids to take with them or a nice item to keep in the car on long trips. Great for a couch throw, too. Quillows can be made any size, and are fun to do in a theme such as “bugs” or “autumn.”
To make a small quillow, you will need 2 yards of fabric for the top, 2 yards for the back, an 18″ square for the right side of the pillow (do you have an orphan block you could use?), and an 18″ square for the wrong side, plus a crib size batting.
Start by placing the top and bottom pieces right sides together. Put the batting on top. Sew along all four edges, leaving a 6-8″ opening. Turn your quilt inside out. Sew the opening closed. Topstitch along edges using your walking foot. Quilt or tie as desired to finish it.
To make the pillow pocket, repeat this process with the 18-inch squares. Quilt the pocket (if desired), then pin this pocket to the center bottom of the top of the quilt. Sew around both sides and the bottom, leaving the top open. That is where you will put your folded-up quilt. Again, a walking foot is really helpful.
You are done! Be sure to put a label on it. If you would like to label your quillow with usage information, try this little poem:
Use me as a pillow
Shelley Michel (c) 1989
Unless you get cold
Then pull out my stuffing
And gently unfold
I’m a lap quilt now
With space for your feet
And when you’re all done
Fold me back nice and neat
Used with permission
To fold it, turn the quillow over so that the pocket is on the bottom. Fold lengthwise into thirds, overlapping the center. Roll or fold the quilt into 18-inch sections. When you get to the end, the entire quilt will have been folded into an 18-inch block. Turn the pocket inside out over the top of the block, making a pillow. Now it looks like a pillow.
Have another tip to offer? Send it to me or reply below and I will add it here.
Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter! Once a week, I send updates on quilt-related information I have found while wandering the web. This might be an inspiring article, a tip or tutorial I have discovered (or written), and occasionally exclusive offers & discounts as well as immediate access to the secret page of free patterns, guides, and printables. You can follow my page on Facebook, or join the Make Believe Quilters group, too.
Just came upon this site!
I started learning to quilt by making quillows! They are a great gift.
Kris
I made several quillows when I first started quilting — didn’t have a walking foot on the first one — wow was that a mistake!! had to rip out the first entire row of stitching!!! That’s when I discovered walking feet!!! I was amazed at the difference — Thanks for a great article!