How to Sew a Quillow with 5″ precut fabrics
Disclaimer: Some of the links this post may be affiliate and Amazon Associate links where I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Learn how to sew a Quillow — the quilt that folds into a pillow!
In this step-by-step video tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a 40” x 53” quilt that folds into its own 16” x 16” pillow using 5” precut squares.
This fun and practical quilt project is perfect for confident beginners and makes an amazing handmade gift for kids, grandkids, camping trips, travel, sleepovers, or cozy movie nights.
I made my son a quillow when he was little and he loved it! He thought it was so clever that he had a place to keep his feet warm (aka – the pocket) while using it as a quilt and he loved using it as both a pillow or a blanket on car trips. Quillows bring back great mom-memories for me and now I’m sewing them for my great nephew. Wonder if he will figure out the foot warming benefits of the pocket too!
Shortcuts to Specific Topics
00:44 Supplies
02:14 Why to starch fabric
03:52 Layout patchwork center
06:34 Label your rows of blocks
07:32 How I clip my rows together
08:56 Beginner Quilter tips
10:02 How to Daisy Chain quilt blocks
10:14 Sew the patchwork rows
11:07 How to set a seam
12:48 Press seams
13:52 Sew patchwork rows together
14:11 How to nest seams in quilting
14:55 3 ways to clip rows together at seams
16:08 Sew rows together
16:48 Press row seams open
18:08 Sew side rectangles to the patchwork center
19:56 Sew the Corners
22:52 Sew the top and bottom rows
24:02 Finish the quilt topper
25:11 Make the pocket
29:39 Quilting with painters tape
30:53 Stitch length for quilting
33:20 Layering the quilt pieces
34:21 Sew around quilt
34:39 Use painters tape as a seam guide
35:06 How to know when to pivot your needle cat a corner
37:31 Topstitch around quilt
38:08 Sew pocket to the quilt
41:05 How to fold a quillow
MATERIALS
• (1) 42-piece 5″ precut pack OR cut (40) 5″ fabric squares
• Fabric 1 (solid): 1 ½ yards
• Fabric 2 (print): ½ yard
• Fabric 3 (backing): 1 ⅔ yards
• Batting: (1) 16 ½” x 16 ½” and (1) 44″ x 60″
I used solid black for both fabric 1 and 3 in the video.
Rotary Cutter, Ruler and Cutting Mat
Iron / Ironing board
Optional but helpful:
• Spray Starch
• Clapper
• Painters Tape
• Quilting Gloves
🛒 Visit my Amazon Store Quilting Tools list
Want a simpler Quillow pattern?
If this version of a quillow seems like too much with the patchwork center and fancy corners, do not despair! I have a beginner friendly version that uses solid fabric on the front and back. Learn more on this blog post >
More things to sew for kids
I have lots of things to sew for kids! From things to sew for grandkids under 5 to things to sew for teenage girls and more. See all your options here >
Love this Idea?
Be sure to save this post to Pinterest and follow me for more ideas and resources for sewing, crafting and creative living.
If you make this or other projects and post on Instagram, be sure to tag me (@artisttarareed). Follow my YouTube channel for new sewing projects and tips every week.
