I don't know about you, but I have so many orphan blocks lying around! What is an orphan block? It is a single block of any size that doesn't belong to a project. Either you started the project and never finished it, or you just needed one block for a sample. No matter how they appeared, they seem to multiply and I decided to make one into a pillow!
This is the simplest pillow case, and I have made several. I love changing out my throw pillows for each season and these are such a fun way to show off your quilting skills and make your home cozy.
For this project you will need:
1 - 12 1/2" square orphan block
1 - 13" square of batting
2 - 12 1/2" x 10" pieces of fabric for back
1 - 12" pillow form
Step 1
I am going to quilt the block and batting. Because it's going to be used for a pillow I'm not going to put a backing. I'm going to quilt this with a simple crosshatch at about 1 1/2" apart.
Top centered on batting
No backing is needed
Quilting is done and batting has been trimmed
Step 2
Next I folded and pressed my back pieces twice to hide the raw edges. I'm going to top stitch along this folded side to create the envelope edges of the pillow.
Hiding the raw edges
The topstitching is done on my pillow back. I like to use a coordinating thread so you really don't see the topstitching.
Topstitching is done
Step 3To assemble my pillow, I'm going to place my pillow top face up (right side up). Then I'm going to take one of my pillow backs face down (right side down) and align the three raw edges, keeping the edge that I did the top stitching and folded on the inside.
Line up the raw edges
Then I'm going to take the other back and do the same thing on the other side, aligning the raw edges. The two backs are overlapping, which is what creates the little envelope back on the back.
Overlap the second piece and line up the raw edges
My next step will be to stitch around the raw edge. I'm going to do a quarter inch seam allowance because this was a 12 1/2" orphan block and I want it to be a 12" inch finished pillow. I'm going to lower my stitch length to probably 2 so that it really holds it tight because it's going to be so close to the edge. I will also do a simple little zigzag also just to help reinforce that edge.
Quarter inch seam and zigzag around the raw edges
Step 4
Once I've sewn around the edges, it's time to turn the pillow case right side out. One thing that I do like to do is cut the corners just a tiny smidge. It will help create a crisp corner when I go to turn it right side out. I don't worry about the corners being perfect little points because it's going on a pillow and it's going to get a little fluffy. Sometimes I will press the seam with my iron just to help get that seam to fold really well. I use my fingers when pushing out the corners because you don't want to push too hard and push through that corner.
And now my pillow cover is done! I just have to put it on a pillow and it's ready to go.
