Make a Crazy Quilt Pillow

"Crazy quilting" is when folks put oddly shaped and colored pieces of cloth together and stitch fancy, crazy and interesting patterns over it. If you have plenty of spare fabric pieces, you can make a pillow in this style. They are quite easy to make because there is no wrong way to put the fabric together!

Steps

  1. Choose the fabrics you like. If they go well with the other things in the room, that's a bonus. Each side of the pillow can be completely different, so be as creative as you like.
  2. Lay the fabrics out the way you want them. Some folks will just sew as they go and add pieces of material to whatever side they feel like. Think random. There is no wrong way to lay out the fabric. Use your own sense of creativity.
  3. Sew the fabrics together with right sides (printed side) facing so that the seams will be hidden when finished. Continue until you reach the size of your desired pillow.
  4. Cut the fabric mosaic to size.
  5. Repeat for a second piece of mosaic fabric, the same size as the first.
  6. Top stitch the seams with funky, bright thread. Good colors are orange, green, or yellow.
  7. Sew both sides of your pillow together, leaving 4-5 inches (10-12.5 cm) of seam unsewn for turning "right side" out.
  8. Clip the corners to the seam line. Take care not to cut into the seam itself.
  9. Turn the partly sewn pillow right side out to hide the seams.
  10. Stuff the pillow to the desired softness and thickness. If you don't have stuffing, look for it in craft shops, or use extra fabric scraps as stuffing material.
  11. Slip stitch or blind stitch the opening closed.
  12. Cool! Now you have a "funkalicious" pillow for you and/or your guests!



Tips

  • To get it extra crazy, try outrageous colors or use multiple patterns on one side (stripes, polka dots, and plaid all on one side).
  • Embroider each seam either by hand or by machine for an additional embellishment. Using contrasting thread and varying the colors only adds to the uniqueness of the project.
  • If there are small children in your house, don't add too many buttons or dangly parts on your pillow, as they might take them off.
  • Add a zipper if you want to be able to wash or re-stuff the pillow.
  • For unstable fabrics use a foundation to sew on, like an old piece of sheeting.
  • Use a different color for different parts of your pillow.
  • Making the pillow round is good for making smiley faces on your pillow.
  • Any old or worn item of clothing can be used. Things like old silk neckties can make a very nice crazy quilt pillow.
  • Add things like fringe, buttons, fabric paint or iron-ons to add extra craziness to your pillow! (If needed, attach the above before you start sewing).

Warnings

  • Scissors and needles are sharp. Handle with appropriate care.

Things You'll Need

  • Old, oddly colored fabrics
  • Fun colored thread
  • A needle or sewing machine
  • Stuffing or nice fluffy fabric scraps

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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