Pattern for Quilted Throw Pillows

Author: Abigail Kelly

June 5, 2024

Time to read: 3 min

Make Your Own Throw Pillows Using HSTs

Our new (and free!) pattern for quilted throw pillows makes use of the classic HST (Half Square Triangles). These pillows are a good project for the confident beginner.

And if you are new to HSTs, we've written a tutorial on our favourite method of creating HSTs. Click here to learn how to make HSTs two at a time.

Making the Quilted Top

These Instructions are to make (2) pillow covers to fit 18 in. pillows.

Fabric Requirements

3 FQ for Accent Fabric
3 FQ for Background Fabric
½ yd for Pillow back
Batting
Extra yardage for quilting the Pillow top

Cutting Instructions

Accent Fabric:

1st and 2nd Fat Quarter	(3) 3 in. x WOF strips; sub-cut into (21) 3in x 3 in. squares
3rd Fat Quarter (see cutting diagram below)	(4) 3 in. x WOF strips; sub-cut into (22) 3in x 3 in. squares
3rd Fat Quarter (see cutting diagram below)	4) 1½ in. x WOF strips; sub-cut into (2) 1½in x 16½ in. strips & (2) 1½in x 18½ in. strips

This diagram demonstrates how best to cut the 3rd Accent Fabric FQ

Background Fabric (3 FQs):

1st and 2nd Fat Quarter	(3) 3 in. x WOF strips; sub-cut into (21) 3in x 3 in. squares
3rd Fat Quarter	(4) 3 in. x WOF strips; sub-cut into (22) 3in x 3 in. squares

Pillow Back:

½ yard

(1) 14½ in. x WOF strip; sub-cut into (2) x 14½ in x 18½ in. pieces

To make a scrappy version, you will need a total of (128) 3 in. squares. (64) of the squares should be light in colour value and (64) should be dark in colour value.

In order to achieve a striking design there needs to be contrast between the triangles. You will want to pair a light colour square with a dark coloured square.

Fabric key Pattern for Quilted Throw Pillow

Throughout this tutorial, faded swatches (the second of each pair) represent the wrong side of the fabric.

Sewing The HST Blocks

Pair each accent square with a background square. Make HSTs two at a time. Not sure how to make HSTs this way? You can find a tutorial here.

Trim sewn HSTs to 2½ in.

Next is the fun part: laying out your finished HST blocks. There are endless possibilities! Below are just a few options that've come up with. I suggest laying out your HSTs and rotating them. Play with them until you are satisfied with the look.

Sewing The Blocks to Make Rows

These are a few of the layout options I've come up with. Be sure to have a little fun and experiment with your own layouts.

Sew HSTs into rows, pressing the seams of the odd-numbered rows to the right and the seams on the even-numbered rows to the left.

Sew rows together, nesting the seams. Press seams to one side.

Assembling rows for quilted throw pillow

Arrow shows direction to press seams for nested seams

Sew the borders to the sides, then the top and bottom. Press the seams towards the border.

Attaching Borders to Quilted Throw Pillow

Attach left and right borders

Attach top and bottom borders

Now that you have the pillowtop made, it's time to quilt it. Make a quilt sandwich by layering backing fabric, batting, and the pillowtop. The backing fabric does not have to match, as you will not see it in the final product. Pin or spray-base the layers together.

Quilt as desired. I used a walking foot on my Brother SE-600 and chose a wavy stitch following the pattern of the HSTs using matching thread on each area.

Once the quilting is complete, trim to 18½ in. x 18½ in.

Quilt Sandwich

Here's a visual of how I quilted my pillows.

Sewing The Pillow Back

Hem The Back Pieces

Along the longer side of the backing fabric, fold under the edge 1 in., and fold under once more.

Sew hem in place. Repeat for the other backing fabric.

Hemming fabric for back of envelope throw pillow

Place the pillow backs on the pillowtop, right sides facing the pillowtop, with the hemmed edges in the middle overlapping. They should overlap by appox. 6½ in. Pin to secure.