DIY Quillow: Easy Sewing Project For A Cozy Pillow Blanket

by Alex Johnson 59 views

Are you looking for a cozy, versatile project that combines the comfort of a blanket with the convenience of a pillow? Look no further than the quillow! This ingenious creation is a blanket that cleverly folds into itself, transforming into a handy pillow. Perfect for road trips, movie nights, or simply adding a touch of comfort to any space, quillows are surprisingly simple to make. With just a free afternoon, some basic sewing skills, and a few yards of your favorite soft fabric, you can create your own personalized quillow. Let's dive into the world of quillows and discover how to craft this delightful accessory.

What is a Quillow?

Before we get started, let's define exactly what a quillow is. In essence, it's a blanket with a built-in pocket that allows the entire blanket to be folded and tucked inside, creating a pillow. This makes it incredibly portable and space-saving. The versatility of a quillow is what makes it so appealing; it can be used as a blanket for warmth and comfort, and then easily transformed into a pillow for naps or extra support. They're especially popular for kids, as they provide a familiar and comforting item that can be taken anywhere. Plus, making your own quillow allows for complete customization. You can choose fabrics that match your personal style, select the perfect size for your needs, and even add embellishments to make it truly unique.

Materials You'll Need

To embark on your quillow-making journey, you'll need to gather a few essential materials. Here's a comprehensive list to get you started:

  • Fabric: This is the most important element! Choose a soft, comfortable fabric that you'll enjoy snuggling with. Fleece, flannel, and cotton are all excellent options. Consider the weight of the fabric as well; a lighter fabric will make a less bulky pillow, while a heavier fabric will provide more warmth. You'll need enough fabric for both the blanket and the pillow pocket. A good rule of thumb is to get two pieces of fabric that are the desired size of your finished blanket. For example, if you want a 50" x 60" blanket, you'll need two pieces of fabric that size. The fabric you choose defines the quality of your Quillow.
  • Thread: Select a thread that matches your fabric. It's always a good idea to use a high-quality thread to ensure that your seams are strong and durable.
  • Scissors or Rotary Cutter: For precise fabric cutting.
  • Measuring Tape or Ruler: To ensure accurate measurements.
  • Sewing Machine: A sewing machine will make the process much faster and easier, but you can also sew the quillow by hand if you prefer.
  • Pins: To hold the fabric pieces together while sewing.
  • Seam Ripper: Just in case you make any mistakes!
  • Optional Embellishments: Consider adding decorative elements like buttons, appliques, or embroidery to personalize your quillow.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your materials ready, let's get to the fun part: sewing your quillow! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own cozy masterpiece:

Step 1: Cut the Fabric

  • First, determine the desired size of your finished blanket. A common size for a lap blanket is 50" x 60", but you can adjust this to your liking. Once you've decided on the size, cut two pieces of fabric to these dimensions. These will form the top and bottom layers of your blanket.
  • Next, cut a piece of fabric for the pillow pocket. This piece should be the same width as your blanket and about one-third to one-half the length. For example, if your blanket is 50" x 60", you could cut the pillow pocket fabric to be 50" x 20" or 50" x 30".

Step 2: Prepare the Pillow Pocket

  • Fold the pillow pocket fabric in half, with the right sides together, along the width. This will create a folded edge at the top of the pocket.
  • Sew along both the open sides of the folded fabric, using a 1/2" seam allowance. Leave the folded edge open – this will be the opening of your pillow pocket.
  • Turn the pillow pocket right side out and press the seams flat. This will give the pocket a clean, professional finish.

Step 3: Assemble the Quillow

  • Lay one of your large fabric pieces right side up on a flat surface. This will be the top layer of your blanket.
  • Place the pillow pocket on top of the blanket fabric, aligning the bottom edge of the pocket with one of the short edges of the blanket. The right side of the pillow pocket should be facing up.
  • Pin the pillow pocket to the blanket fabric along the bottom edge, making sure the raw edges are aligned.
  • Place the second large fabric piece (the bottom layer of your blanket) on top of the first piece, with the right side facing down. This will sandwich the pillow pocket between the two layers of blanket fabric.
  • Pin all the layers together around all four edges, leaving a 6-8" opening along one side. This opening will be used to turn the quillow right side out.

Step 4: Sew the Edges

  • Sew around all four edges of the quillow, using a 1/2" seam allowance. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching to secure the seams. Remember to leave the 6-8" opening unsewn.
  • Clip the corners of the quillow to reduce bulk. This will help the corners look neater when you turn the quillow right side out.

Step 5: Turn and Finish

  • Carefully turn the quillow right side out through the opening. Use a point turner or a dull pencil to gently push out the corners.
  • Fold the raw edges of the opening inward, and press them with an iron. Pin the opening closed.
  • Topstitch around the entire perimeter of the quillow, close to the edge. This will close the opening and give the quillow a polished look.

Step 6: Fold into a Pillow

  • Lay the quillow flat with the pocket facing up.
  • Fold the blanket in thirds, bringing the top and bottom edges towards the center.
  • Fold the resulting rectangle in thirds again, this time from left to right.
  • Stuff the folded blanket into the pillow pocket. Make sure to tuck all the edges in neatly.
  • Fluff the pillow and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Quillow

  • Choose the Right Fabric: The fabric you select will greatly impact the comfort and appearance of your quillow. Fleece is a popular choice for its softness and warmth, but flannel and cotton are also excellent options. Consider using two different fabrics for the top and bottom layers to add visual interest. For example, you could use a patterned fabric for the top and a solid color for the bottom.
  • Pre-Wash Your Fabric: Washing your fabric before you start sewing is essential to prevent shrinkage after the quillow is finished. This is especially important for cotton fabrics, which tend to shrink more than synthetic fabrics.
  • Use a Walking Foot: If you're sewing with multiple layers of fabric, a walking foot can help feed the fabric evenly through your sewing machine, preventing the layers from shifting and puckering.
  • Get Creative with Embellishments: Personalize your quillow by adding decorative elements like buttons, appliques, or embroidery. You could even add a monogram to make it a truly unique gift.
  • Experiment with Size: Don't be afraid to adjust the dimensions of the quillow to suit your needs. A smaller quillow is perfect for kids, while a larger quillow is great for adults to snuggle up with.

Conclusion

Creating a quillow is a satisfying and rewarding project that combines practicality with creativity. With just a few simple steps and readily available materials, you can transform ordinary fabric into a cozy and versatile accessory. Whether you're making it for yourself, a loved one, or as a thoughtful gift, a handmade quillow is sure to be cherished for years to come. So, gather your supplies, fire up your sewing machine, and get ready to embark on your quillow-making adventure!

For more sewing project ideas and inspiration, check out Craftsy.