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February 07, 2021

I am currently in the process of making a new quilt for my oldest daughters bed. Since I am making her a new quilt, it only makes sense to make coordinating pillow shams too, right!?

How to make a quilted pillow sham by Julie Burton of Running Stitch Quilts

For this project, I picked two pinks, two purples, and two teals from the new Michael Miller basics line, Coco. It was inspired by Coco Chanel and the subtle texture of the prints are beautiful! They still read as a solid, but if you get up close you can see the dimension in the print. I really enjoyed playing with these fabrics!

How to make a quilted pillow sham by Julie Burton of Running Stitch Quilts

For the focal point of the pillow sham, I chose my Desert Charm pattern. It is a big block so it works well in the center. I also added flying geese to each edge to increase the size, but also because I liked the extra element versus just adding more background fabric. 

Anyway, read on to see how I made these. :)

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Materials Needed for ONE pillow sham:

  • Fabric for pillow sham top (to make a pillow sham like mine, you need the Desert Charm pattern)
  • Batting (22" x 28")
  • Pillow Top Backing (2/3 yard) - this is for the back of the pillow sham top. Could also use something like muslin since this won't get seen
  • Envelope Backing (2/3 yard)
  • Binding (1/4 yard) - cut (3) 2.5" x WOF strips

Make the Pillow Front:

1. Make your pillow sham quilt panel. A standard pillow sham is 20" x 26" so your quilt top should measure 20.5" x 26.5" unfinished. 

How to make a quilted pillow sham by Julie Burton of Running Stitch Quilts

2. Make a quilt sandwich with quilt top, batting, and backing. Spray or pin baste. 

3. Quilt as desired. (I did 1/2" straight lines).

4. Set aside. 

Make the Backing:

1. Cut (2) 17" x 20.5" pieces from the backing fabric.

2. On one 20.5" edge, fold over 1/4" and press, fold over 1/4" and press again. Then top stitch that edge. 

How to make a quilted pillow sham by Julie Burton of Running Stitch Quilts

3. Repeat with the other fabric piece. 

Make the Pillow:

1. Lay your quilted pillow front right side DOWN.

2. Place the raw edges of the pillow closure pieces right side DOWN on top of the pillow front (so these pieces are wrong sides together).  

How to make a quilted pillow sham by Julie Burton of Running Stitch Quilts

3. There will be about 5" of overlap.

How to make an envelope backed quilted pillow sham by Julie Burton of Running Stitch Quilts

4. Use pins or wonder clips to hold all the pieces together.

How to make an envelope backed quilted pillow sham by Julie Burton of Running Stitch Quilts

5. Sew around the edge with a scant 1/4" seam (so that this seam is hidden by the binding)

How to make an envelope backed quilted pillow sham by Julie Burton of Running Stitch Quilts

6. Bind as usual. 

How to make a quilted pillow sham by Julie Burton of Running Stitch Quilts

7. Stuff a pillow inside and enjoy your work! 

How to make a quilted pillow sham by Julie Burton of Running Stitch Quilts

Purchase The Pattern

How to make a quilted pillow sham by Julie Burton of Running Stitch Quilts

How to make a quilted pillow sham by Julie Burton of Running Stitch Quilts