Free Crazy Quilt Pillow Pattern

Materials:

• Foundation fabric

• Fabric scraps of any type

• Lace or ribbon (optional)

• Thread

• Needles

• Scissors and/or rotary cutter

• Thingamabob (optional)-see Crazy Quilt Stitches and Terms

• Batting or a pillow form

• Backing fabric

• Sewing machine

Instructions:

Method 1: old fashioned

Cut a foundation piece, any size or shape. I used the bottom card board from a very large box of Valentine candy to trace a heart shape onto a piece of muslin for my pillow.

Start in one corner of your foundation and start layering your fabric. Make sure each new addition overlaps the previous fabric piece by at least ½ inch. Fold under the raw, overlapping edge, and baste in place.

Continue overlapping, folding the raw edge under and basting until the entire foundation piece is covered with fabric pieces. Trim all excess fabric around the foundation piece.

Sew the decorative stitches directly onto the seams and embellish as desired.

Method 2: modern

I refer to this method as the “sew and go” of crazy quilting. It’s not unlike the string quilting technique described in my String, paper pieced, block pattern. In this method start in one corner or on one side of the foundation piece with a piece of fabric, right side up.

Layer a second piece of fabric on the first, right sides together, and sew a ¼ inch seam. This can be done on a sewing machine or by hand. Make sure your fabric pieces are of different shapes and sizes to add interest to your project.

Flip the second fabric piece over and finger press the seam flat. I use the edge of my scissor to flatten the seams. Continue layering right sides together, sewing and flipping the fabric until the entire foundation piece is covered. Trim the excess fabric and embellish.

Sew the pillow top to the backing fabric-leaving enough room to stuff the pillow or to insert the pillow form. Whip stitch the seam opening closed. Stand back and admire.

-Lynn H. Castille

 Lynn H. Castille is a freelance writer with a passion for quilts –but not a lot of extra time. She has been sewing for thirty years and hosts a monthly group for other quilting enthused ladies like herself. Lynn hopes to share their fun and ideas with her readers and help make quilting fun and simple for anyone with a passion for quilts.