Colorful Half Square Triangle Pillow

Colorful Half Square Triangle Pillow

by Emily Lang

Finished size: 18” x 18”

Fabric requirements:

Scraps of several fabrics.
1/2 yd for envelope backing
20” x 20” muslin
20” x 20” batting

Cut:

(16) 5 3/8” x 5 3/8” squares of various coordinating prints
(2) 13 1/2” x 18 1/2”

Sew:

1) Using a fabric marking pen, mark a diagonal line on the wrong side of (8) 5 3/8” x 5 3/8 squares. (Figure 1)

2) Pair each marked 5 3/8” x 5 3/8” square with an unmarked 5 3/8” x 5 3/8” square. Place these pairs RST and sew a scant 1/4” from each side of the marked diagonal line. (Figure 2)

3) Cut along the diagonal line, press all HST units with seams open. These squares should now measure 5” x 5”. (Figure 3)

4) Arrange the HST blocks in a 4 x 4 grid, play around with the placement and try out the numerous different layout options.

5) Take a photo of your final layout for reference.

6) Sew the HST’s together.

Prepare the pillow top:

7) Baste the patchwork, batting, and muslin together. Quilt as desired, and trim the excess batting / muslin from the edges.

Prepare the pillow back:

8) Take one 13 1/2” x 18 1/2” piece, along one 18 1/2” side, fold down 1/2” and press. Fold down 1/2” again and press, concealing all raw edges.

9) Sew 1/2” from folded edge.

10) Repeat for the second 13 1/2” x 18 1/2” piece.

Assemble pillow:

11) Arrange pillow top right side up, and backing pieces right side down. Align all raw edges (folded seams toward the middle).

12) Sew around all four sides. Clip corners, and turn right sides out. Fill with an 18” pillow form for a cozy look.

I’m a twenty-something mom who loves to sew and read. I’ve been sewing for about fifteen years, and fell in love with quilting after my daughter was born. I love to design quilts, and enjoy the challenge of working with teeny tiny pieces. Zip pouches, paper piecing, and flickr swaps are some of my favorite things.