How to Sew a Simple Nine Patch Pillow

Easy Sewing!   

Are you looking for a project that can be done by beginners or as a project to teach someone to sew?  We have lots of free beginner sewing projects but, today, we want to show you another simple sewing project - the nine-patch pillow.

A traditional nine-patch quilt block is sewn for the front of the pillow.  The back of the pillow has a lapped hook and loop closure.  This closure makes for easy laundering of the pillow.  In addition, this nine-patch pillow is an easy intro to patchwork quilting. It can be made in different colors and fabric patterns to match your decor.  

Decorative pillows can accentuate and transform any room in your home.  Get inspiration for a variety of pillows for your home with these free pillow patterns and tutorials.

Learn how to make this cool nine patch pillow by watching our video or keep reading this post for a photo tutorial with step-by-step instructions.

NINE PATCH PILLOW TUTORIAL

INSTRUCTIONS :

STEP 1: CHOOSE FABRIC

There are many color and pattern options.  You can use two contrasting cotton fabrics, two colors with a panel or accent fabric in the middle or use this pillow as a fabric stash buster by raiding your scrap stash and make each block a different color.

STEP 2: CUT FABRIC

The easiest way to cut the fabric is to use a rotary cutter, rotary ruler and mat.  However, you can use a scissor if you do not have the rotary accessories.

You will need nine 7" squares for the 18" square pillow form.  

For basic nine-patch block using two-colors, cut:
5 - 7" squares from fabric A
4 - 7" squares from fabric B

OR

For pillow with a cute panel in the center square, cut:
1 - 7" square from a cute panel or accent fabric
4 - 7" squares from fabric A
4 - 7" squares from fabric B

OR

For the fabric stash buster, cut:
9 - 7" squares of different colors

STEP 3: SEWING ROWS

You will be making three rows with three-squares in each row.

On a work surface, line up the square as you want them to appear on the pillow front.

For the first three-square row, pin one fabric A to one fabric B with right sides together, align the cut ends and edges.  Place the fabric under the presser foot and sew together with a 1/2" seam allowance using the seam allowance guide on the bed of your machine.  NOTE:  Do not sew over pins.  As you sew, remove the pins.

Pin another fabric A to the opposite end of fabric B.  Sew together using a 1/2" seam allowance.  You have completed one row.  Repeat the above process to make an identical row.  You have completed the second strip row.  These two rows will be the top and bottom row of the nine-patch pillow.

For the third row which will be the center strip row, join the remaining squares together with fabric A or cute panel in the center.

If making the stash buster, just sew fabric together as desired in three rows of three.

STEP 4: PRESS

On the wrong side of the fabric, press the seam allowances flat before you press the seams open.   Pressing the seams flat sets the stitch in place This is called setting the stitches.

 

 STEP 5: JOINING ROWS TOGETHER

Pin the top row to the center row with right sides together and raw edges even.  Align the seams inserting a pin to hold the seams in place.  Stitch with a 1/2" seam allowance removing pins as you sew.

Pin the remaining row to the opposite side of the center row, align the seams, and stitch with a 1/2" seam allowance.  After sewing, set the seam and then press them open. The pillow front is completed.

STEP 6: PREPARING PILLOW BACK FLAPS

From fabric, cut:
2 - 12" x 19" rectangle pieces

From 3/4" hook and loop tape, cut:
1 -  15" long

 STEP 7: PREPARING FIRST PILLOW BACK PIECE

With one of the 12" x 19" rectangular pieces, press under one long side 2" with an iron.  Then, unfold the pressed edge and turn the cut edge in, aligning the raw edge with the fold crease.  Press the outer fold.

Unfold the piece.  Turn the piece over with the right side facing up.  Center the hook side of the hook and loop tape on the right side of the fabric between the two creases.  To secure the tape in place use pins or an easy way to secure it is to use a fabric glue stick.

At the sewing machine, edgestitch around the tape.  Begin by stitching one long side, when getting to the end of the tape, stop with your needle down, pivot the fabric, stitch the short end, needle down, pivot, stitch the long side, needle down and stitch the short end.  Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end.

Now, refold the hem along the folds and pin the hem to hold it in place.

With the tape side facing up, stitch just inside the inner fold, backstitching at the beginning and end.

STEP 8: PREPARING SECOND PILLOW BACK PIECE

With the second 12" x 19" rectangular piece, use your iron to press the long side under 2".  Unfold and turn the cut edge in, aligning the raw edge with the fold line and press the outer fold.  With straight pins, pin the folded hem in place.

Place the fabric under the sewing machine presser foot with the wrong side of the fabric facing up.  Stitch just inside the inner fold, backstitching at the beginning and end.

Place the fabric on the table with the right side facing up.  With the loop side of the hook and loop tape, center it between the fold and the stitching line. Again, either pin or glue the tape in place.

Edgestitch around the tape.

STEP 9:  SEWING PILLOW TOGETHER

With the two pillow backs, overlap them sealing the hook and loop tape.  

Place the pillow back on the table with the right side facing up.  On top of the pillow back, place the pillow top with the right side down.  The back and front of the pillow will be right sides together.  So the front and back pieces will not shift while sewing, use straight pins to pin all the way around the outside of the pieces to hold them together.

Go to the sewing machine and stitch all the way around the outside of the pillow using a 1/2" seam allowance.  Begin sewing along one side, not at the corner.  When you get to the close to the corner, have your needle down, pivot diagonally and sew one or two stitches diagonally, needle down, pivot and sew the next side.  By doing the diagonal stitch at each corner your pillow will have a nicer finished look when turned right side.  The corners will be crisper.

After stitching all the way around, reinforce the tape section by stitching it again. 

To prevent the seams from fraying, zigzag stitch around the entire pillow. 

With a scissor, trim the corners diagonally to reduce the fabric bulk and turn the pillow right side out.  A point turner is a helpful tool to help poke out the corners of the pillow.  Finally, it is time to insert the pillow form.  

The pillow is complete and ready to use.

We hope you enjoyed this free pillow pattern tutorial and decide to make a few for your home.  Enjoy!

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