A ribbon patchwork pillow tutorial: prepare a base with a hexagon template, stitch ribbons around it row by row, then assemble and stuff the pillow.
Beginner1 hr 30 minFree
Translated
Things you will learn
Anyone who wants to try patchwork but is nervous about working with fabric scraps can try an easier version — satin ribbons instead of fabric scraps.
Ribbon width doesn't matter — choose it to fit your idea and the design you're going for, and the number of ribbons you'll need depends on the pillow size.
On one of the two cut fabric squares, pin a small fabric scrap in the center (optionally with a hexagon cardboard template on top), then stitch ribbons on one at a time, each one overlapping the raw edge of the previous ribbon.
Fold the decorated top and the pillow back right sides together and stitch around all sides, leaving a small opening for the filling, and trim the corners slightly before turning it right side out.
Stuff the pillow with hollow fiber filling and close the opening with a neat hidden stitch; if you like, you can topstitch the pocket no more than 2 mm from the edge, or make a removable pillowcase with a flap for easier washing.
What you'll get
You'll get a bright decorative pillow with a front pieced together from satin ribbons using the patchwork technique.
Materials and tools
Materials
Fabric cut to the pillow size
Satin ribbons in various colors, the width doesn't matter, the number needed depends on the pillow size
Soft filling, such as hollow fiber filling
Tools
Sewing supplies, thread, needle, sewing machine
Sewing pins
Hexagon cardboard template, optional, to shape the center
Get to know ribbon patchwork
Satin ribbons replace fabric scraps and make the process easier.
Find out about patchwork without fabric scraps
Anyone who wants to try patchwork but is nervous about working with fabric scraps is sure to love this tutorial. Making a bold, memorable pillow takes very little time and uses satin ribbons instead of fabric scraps.
Gather your materials
Besides ribbons, you'll need a few simple things.
Gather ribbons, fabric, and filling
Depending on the pillow size, you'll need a different number of satin ribbons; the width doesn't matter (choose it to fit your idea and the design you're going for). Besides ribbons, you'll need: fabric cut to the pillow size, sewing supplies, and soft filling.
Prepare the pillow base
The base is made from two fabric squares with a center piece.
Cut the fabric and pin the center piece
Cut two squares of fabric to your pillow size plus a seam allowance. You'll stitch the ribbons onto one of them. Place a small fabric scrap in the center of the base and pin it in place with sewing pins. If you want the center of your future design to be hexagon-shaped, place a hexagon cardboard template on top of the pinned scrap.
Attach the first ribbon
Start with one edge of the hexagon template.
Pin and stitch the first ribbon
Let's get to the main work. Pin a ribbon of one color to one of the edges. Mark where you'll stitch. It's important to remember that the stitch line should extend 1.5-2 cm past each side of the hexagon edge. Stitch it down, and only then trim off the extra length of ribbon.
Add the second ribbon
The next ribbon overlaps the raw edge of the first one.
Pin a ribbon in a different shade, overlapping the first
Then pin a ribbon of a different shade so that its edge overlaps the raw edge of the first ribbon. Mark, stitch, and trim.
Cover all the edges of the template
Repeat the same trick all the way around.
Add the rest of the ribbons around every edge
Using the same approach, add the rest of the ribbons, covering every edge of the template, which you can then remove.
Sew the remaining rows
The work continues the same way, only the thread needs to be changed more often.
Sew the rest of the ribbon rows
Sew the rest of the rows the same way. Nothing tricky about it, really — I just had to change the thread often 😉
Assemble the pillow
The decorated top is joined with the back piece.
Sew the top and back of the pillow together
Fold the decorated top and the pillow back piece right sides together and pin or baste them. Stitch around all the sides, but don't forget to leave a small opening for stuffing the pillow with soft filling. Before turning the pillow right side out, trim the corners slightly — this makes them look a bit neater on the front.
Stuff the pillow and close the opening
The final step is filling and neatly closing the opening.
Stuff the pillow with hollow fiber filling and close the opening
Stuff the pillow with hollow fiber filling and close the opening with a neat hidden stitch. If you feel confident, you can topstitch the pocket, staying no more than 2 mm from the edge.
Finish and variations
Finish
Your ribbon patchwork pillow is ready
The work is done! Your bright decorative pillow with a satin-ribbon front is ready to brighten up your interior.
Variations
Make a removable pillowcase
If you like, you can use the same technique to make a removable pillowcase for an already-finished pillow and add a flap with a closure, so you can wash the cover whenever needed.
Topstitch the pocket edge
If you feel confident, you can topstitch the pocket, staying no more than 2 mm from the edge.
Beginner1 hr 30 minFree
