12 Awesome Free Quilt Patterns and Small Quilted Projects
Bonus: Get our newsletter & special offers for free. We will not share or sell your email address. View our Privacy Policy
Zigzag Snowflake Patchwork Pillow
Sewing a pillow cover is a clever way to switch out your seasonal home decor without buying new items every season. Make this Zigzag Snowflake Patchwork Pillow to give your home a festive, winter feel. A simple zigzag patchwork background made of half-square triangles sets off bright snowflake appliques. Choose red and and blue fabrics for this seasonal pillow, and you can use it from Christmas through the end of winter.
Project TypeMake a Project
Time to CompleteWeekend project
Primary TechniquePieced & Appliqued
MATERIALS:
- HeatnBond® Lite Iron-on Adhesive (Sewable)
- Black - 4-1/2” x width of fabric (WOF)
- Blue check (backing) – 33” x WOF
- Red herringbone (binding) – 11” x WOF
- Blue Snowman – 4-1/2” x WOF
- Red dots – 4-1/2” x WOF
- Red and cream stripe – 8” x 20”
- 1 Regular bed pillow
- Coordinating Aurifil thread
- Iron and ironing board
- Sewing machine
INSTRUCTIONS:
Cutting Directions: (Pillow and matching 12” square trivet):
Black
- Cut 1 strip 4” x WOF
- Cut this strip into 10 squares 4” x 4”
Blue Check
- Cut 2 squares 18-1/2” x 18-1/2” for pillow back
- Cut 2 strips 4” x WOF
- Cut these strips into 20 squares 4” x 4”
- Cut 1 strip 4” x 16”
- Cut this strip into 4 squares 4” x 4”
Red Herringbone
- Cut 1 strip 4” x 16”
- Cut this strip into 8 squares 4” x 4”
Blue Snowman
- Cut 1 strip 4” x 16”
- Cut this strip into 8 squares 4” x 4”
Red Dots
- Cut 1 strip 4” x 16”
- Cut this strip into 8 squares 4” x 4”
Red and Cream Stripe
- Iron HeatnBond® Lite to the back of the fabric, then trace 3 snowflakes and 18 dots (using the included template) onto the HeatnBond® liner paper and cut them out.
Assembly:
-
Sort your fabrics into color pairs
- 5 Black & Blue Check
- 5 Blue Check & 5 Red Herringbone
- 5 Red Herringbone & 5 Snowman
- 5 Snowman & 5 Red Dots
- 5 Red dots & 5 Blue Check
-
5 Blue Check & 5 Black
-
Now make them ALL into Half Square Triangle (HST) units. You will have leftovers for a 12” block to make into something else! Draw a diagonal line on wrong side of fabric. Put a pair right sides together.
-
Sew a scant 1/4” on either side of the line.
-
Cut ON the line.
-
Press open, align the diagonal of ruler on the seam, and trim the block to 3-1/2” x 3-1/2”
-
Sew, press and trim all the blocks.
-
Lay the HST units out in rows to sew. Use only 8 of the HST units per row. (Set extras aside)
-
Sew one row at a time. Then sew the rows together.
-
After all rows are sewn together, add the 3 snowflakes. Peel back liner off snowflakes, lay on pillow top and iron (per package directions) into place. Repeat with dots.
-
Stitch around edges of snowflakes with pretty Aurifil Thread!
-
Take your 2 squares of pillow backing fabric to the ironing board.
-
Fold under about 1/2” and press.
-
Fold under a second time and press.
-
Using your walking foot, sew the flap down close to the fold.
-
To make the edge look nice, top stitch close to the outside.
-
Layer the 2 backing squares wrong side facing you. Put the pillow top right side facing you.
-
Make sure the pillow top and backing pieces are lined up.
-
Pat pinned a bit to hold it together while binding the edge.
-
Cut your binding 1-1/2” wide. The flannel is thick. If doing regular cotton you can use double binding. Pat sews her binding on the back and pulls it to the front.
-
Sew using coordinating thread. (Pat used red thread on top and blue thread in the bobbin to match.)
-
Reverse your machine’s blanket stitch and sew down the binding with your blanket stitch or other decorative stitch.
-
Here is the back! A nice finished edge which is wide enough so it won’t open when using the pillow.
TIP from Pat Sloan – When stuffing the bed size pillow in, push it ALL down into the one end. Then pull the flap so that it can expand into the other end of the pillowcase. This is a tight fit for a regular bed pillow. I like the tight fit as it makes a super pillow to lounge with!
Take the extra squares (and if you have Pat’s kit, the extra blue piece) and set the extra blocks for a 12” x 12” block you can use for a trivet, a tote bag, or a smaller companion pillow!
Read NextFluttering Snowflakes Centerpiece
Free projects, giveaways, exclusive partner offers, and more straight to your inbox!
Tags / Related Topics
Your Recently Viewed Projects
Images from other quilters
Thanks for your comment. Don't forget to share!
fabulousgrannies 6 823713
Dec 08, 2012
This is wonderful, I love the colors and style.
Momof3a
Dec 06, 2012
I think this might take me more than 1 weekend. At least one for cutting and piecing and another to construct.
RedHawt
Dec 05, 2012
Such an adorable pattern that can be used in colors to match any decor! I hate to admit that I have no holiday pillows and will have to start on these so my nieces have something to lay their heads on in front of our tree while they await Santa :)
shuttermom77 63606 68
Dec 05, 2012
I think this pillow is so cute. I need to make a few but will have to wait until after Christmas.
lakeann 7951749
Dec 05, 2012
LOVE the happy design. I will make this for a Christmas present. Thanks. Ann
aralynlove
Dec 05, 2012
Love it, think it would be nice for a matching blanket too.
aralynlove
Dec 05, 2012
Love it, think it would be nice for a matching blanket too.
seron
Dec 05, 2012
I really like the design and your tutorial seems very thorough. I have never tried quilting, but it looks interesting. My craft of choice is crocheting.
my3daisies
Dec 05, 2012
I love this. Has a bit of the primitive feel but is bright and happy
pinklightning10
Dec 05, 2012
Very cute. Love the textured look and the simplicity of the pattern. Cant wait to enjoy making this pattern.
Crafter 9240141
Dec 05, 2012
Great directions. On my list for next Christmas as this year's list is full. maybe I should start sooner ??? LOL
kynsial
Dec 05, 2012
The snowflake is very eyecatching. I hope some day I will be able to make this pattern.
sherrikincannon 98 96503
Dec 04, 2012
Very cute pillow! I love working with fusibles and taking small scraps of fabric and making something with them.
Red Rosebud
Dec 04, 2012
I love this pillow it would look great on my chair in my craft room. I am going to save the pattern and after I get done with the project I am working on I am going to start this one.
akaStacy
Dec 04, 2012
This looks like a nice easy winter project! I love anything with snowflakes and making pillow covers to switch out for the seasons is a great idea!
fahs70grad
Dec 04, 2012
The pillow is really cute. I have never done any quilting but this would be something to try...with some guidance.
christyd8
Dec 04, 2012
I was JUST looking for my next project! I love this!!!!!!
Pazia82
Dec 04, 2012
12 days giveaway, This is such a great idea for the holidays.
tammyk
Dec 04, 2012
Very pretty! More advanced than I'm used to, but I'm tempted to try it anyway :)
MrsWindy4
Dec 04, 2012
A great pillow pattern! This pattern could be adapted to make a throw size quilt, too. How fun for an overnight holiday guest to curl up with the pillow/throw set on the guest bed!!
zebracat 8818725
Dec 04, 2012
Snowflakes are my favorite! I love the step by step guide!
Judichan 8641075
Dec 04, 2012
Very nice pillow, very pretty...not my craft but very interesting...
darlenekrystal 072 6899
Dec 04, 2012
Christmas is great for quilting projects, pillowcase blocks can be used as gift bags, or mini pillows for little nieces...
culleenman 8771345
Dec 04, 2012
It's very pretty. I have never tried quilting but if I do, this would be one I'd try.
Ellen M
Dec 04, 2012
I've bookmarked this tutorial - it's gorgeous!! Thanks for the great idea!
Rebecca C
Dec 04, 2012
ooo i really love this one, ive been wanting to find a good small quilting project to start off with:) thanks for the giveaway:D
Jesus Still Heals
Dec 04, 2012
Beautifully done! LOVE it! Festive and kinda patriotic at the same time! : )
jkbrady 0948324
Dec 04, 2012
The project looks interesting-a fun way to decorate.
atritch
Dec 04, 2012
Super cute project and looks like a great introduction to quilting.. I'll have to give this a try soon!
wamorris 2383221
Dec 04, 2012
I really enjoyed watching this being made, I'm planning on getting into quilting once all the kids are gone and I have the house to my self
crafty chrissy
Dec 04, 2012
Could change up the colors and use it in a teen girls room! But, I do like it as is in thre den or family room for the holiday season!
reddragun382000 38 03080
Dec 04, 2012
Looks really nice and is a way to quilt without committing to a large project. Thanks!
pedersonsandy 0853 677
Dec 04, 2012
I want to make one. I will try this weekend!!! I need a new look on my couch.
CleosCrafts1 69164 07
Dec 04, 2012
Adorable! ...thanks for such clear instructions & pics.
luvs2teach88 26908 38
Dec 04, 2012
That is such a cute pillow. I would put it on my couch. Doesn't look to complicated either.
Crafter 18142
Dec 04, 2012
So cute and festive! I will put that on my project list! This would be so cute on our red sofa!
lbeltran 9569546
Dec 04, 2012
I think I will make 2...One with snowflakes and one I will substitute the snowflakes with snowmen!
Bllebby
Dec 04, 2012
It looks a little complicated to make, but the result is beautiful! I'm sure I could do it if I tried this pattern!
Knittingdancer on Ravelry
Dec 04, 2012
The snowflakes really set off this pillow.
shestar1 6959282
Dec 04, 2012
I think this is really cute! I will have to try this one someday.
storyteller324 247 9902
Dec 04, 2012
Cute! I'm going to try it in blues instead of reds.
ma21cuteboy
Dec 04, 2012
This is really cute and versitle. It may be easy enough for someone like me who doesn't quilt too!
hagstrom 9386946
Dec 04, 2012
Love the idea of only changing the covers - leaves lots less to store after the holiday is over!
Cwalker4904 367911 3
Dec 04, 2012
So cute. Projects like this make me want to learn to quilt.
esbtucker 9764493
Dec 04, 2012
I am not a a quilter, but this looks like a fun project to try. You could do different themes by varying the fabric
blayne7 2622976
Dec 04, 2012
it's a really cute pillow, but i'm too impatient to make it...too many steps for me.
KristinDragos
Dec 04, 2012
I love the design on this pillow. I may have to take up quilting just to make it!
congrovel 4855272
Dec 04, 2012
This is such a cute design and so suited to winter and/or Christmas decorating.
Report Inappropriate Comment
Are you sure you would like to report this comment? It will be flagged for our moderators to take action.
Thank you for taking the time to improve the content on our site.
Project of the Day
Golden Hunter's Star Quilt
Some star quilt patterns are more common than others if you want to try something totally different from the look of a lone star… Continue reading: "Golden Hunter's Star Quilt"
What's Hot
- Fluttering Snowflakes Centerpiece
- Black and Red Flannel Quilt
- 15 Free Flannel Quilt Patterns for Maximum Cuddling
- Winter's Deer Paper Pieced Block
- Attic Window Snowman Scene Quilt
- Winter Wishes Quilt
- Winter Snowflake Block Tutorial
- Cardinal Bird Quilt Pattern
- Simple Christmas Fat Quarter Quilt
- Winterberry Pinwheel Quilt
Something worth saving?
- SAVE all your favorite patterns
- ADD personal notes
- QUICKLY reference your patterns
Connect With Us
Our Newest Projects & Articles
- Liberty Flowers Throw Quilt Pattern
- Sweet Dreams Easy Quilt Pattern
- Log Cabin Echoes Bed Quilt Pattern
- Classic Blue Star Crossed Bed Quilt Pattern
- Jumbo Granny Squares Bed Quilt
- Charming Greens Bed Quilt Pattern
- Boho Chic Bed Quilt Pattern
- Happy Days Bed Quilt Pattern
- Fantasia Bed Quilt Pattern
- Mosaic Bed Quilt Pattern
Free eBooks
- 12 Awesome Free Quilt Patterns and Small Quilted Projects
- 14 Easy Baby Quilt Patterns for Boys and Girls
- 17 Quilting Tutorials: Quilting for Beginners and Top Tips for How to Quilt
- DIY Home Decor: How to Make Placemats and Other Easy Sewing Projects for a Country Kitchen
- Easy Quilt Patterns: 11 Applique Quilt Patterns + Quick Quilts
- How to Make a Jelly Roll Quilt: 9 Jelly Roll Quilt Patterns
- How to Quilt a Bag With Style: 7 Free Bag Patterns and Purse Patterns
- Patterns for Quilting: 8 Free Quilt Block Patterns to Make a Quilt for Your Home
- Spectacular Quilt Star Patterns: How to Make a Quilt with 8 Star Quilt Block Patterns and Quilted Star Designs
- Super String Quilts: 13 Paper Piecing and Scrap Quilt Patterns
