Pillows are a satisfying sewing project for a few reasons:
- They’re very quick to make.
- They are super cheap because they take few materials (and can also use scrap).
- You really can’t mess them up.
I often get comments or emails telling me that many people “wish they could sew to make such-and-such.” I’m telling you, pillows are the way to begin.
My most recent pillow obsession has been Union Jack pillows. I actually made them back in December at the same time as my wool blanket pillows. I spy two Union Jacks.
It all started when I had the idea to make a one for a friend originally from the UK for Christmas. Originally, I planned to piece a Union Jack quilt block, inspired by the gorgeous Union Jack quilt at Diary of a Quilter.
But as I was preparing to get my fabrics, I found this link (also on Diary of a Quilter) about the Union Jack Panel available from Riley Blake.
Basically, the hard work of piecing goes away and the Union Jack is already adorable and ready for action. So, I swiped up a panel at Fat Quarter Shop, which includes eight different Union Jacks for under $8. And then I started making Union Jack pillows like crazy. So far, I’ve made four, and I’m sure I’ll be making more soon.
Because everyone needs at least six Union Jack pillows.
To make them:
- I carefully cut each of the Union Jacks out individually.
- I used white 2.5″ strips around the edges and solid blue for the back.
- I ironed fleece interfacing to the backside of the Union Jack and quilted the lines with white thread.
- I happened to have stuffing in the basement, so I just sewed around the edges (right sides facing), leaving a small hole to turn the pillow and stuff full.
- Finally, I hand stitched the small opening.
I easily made four of these in one evening. These are the two that went to live with a friend.
I particularly loved the navy and light blue. Wouldn’t it be great for a nursery?
And here’s the more traditional red and navy one.
It’s hanging out in the living room right now with plans to retire to Henry’s room in the near future. (With the red and aqua version that you can spot in the first picture.)
There’s nothing difficult about making a pillow case for a pillow form, but making pillows with stuffing means that you can make them whatever size you want! It’s quick and simple! And you really don’t have to do any measuring. Which is perfect for a person like me. (I hate measuring.)
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Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
I love these! They are so cute! Pinning for later!
Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says
I LOVE the colors! Pillows are the one thing I feel confident enough to sew. Now I just need to make more forms so I can switch them out based on mood… you know, because mood pillows are a thing ๐
Kim Woodward says
I got it, girl. Mood pillows. Groovy.
Kelly @ Corner of Main says
Super cute. I need to make more pillows ASAP, and I love these!
Erin says
Very cute! And seriously, you can’t beat not having to piece all that together. I think the blue one is my favorite, too!
Amber @ Wills Casa says
I agree measure is the pits! The pillows look pretty boss!
Alli says
Everyone needs at least three Union Jack pillows. These are adorable!
daisy says
Absolutely faboo. I’m telling you, one day I will learn to sew!
Rachel says
These look great! Love an easy project. I need to sew more pillows for my house!
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings says
Woah. Yes. This. So cute! I love that you deviated from the traditional colors.
Amy says
Gah. Love them. Triple loving the blue.
Kristin @ bliss-athome.com says
Very cute Kim ๐ xo K
Cindy @ Made2Style says
Great pattern and stuffing is so much easier!
Sarah says
THIS IS AWESOME!!!!! Thanks for the heads up!!!
cassie says
these are amazing- your colors are fabulous!!! i do love blues. ๐
michelle@decorandthedog says
I thought you pieced those all together. Trickery! Very cute!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
I love them all!
(I hate measuring too ๐