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Wish Pillow Pattern

How to Make a Heart Shaped Quilted Wish Pillow

Wish Pillow Supplies

• Lightweight cardboard – a large cereal box will do
• ½ yard lightweight quilt batting
• ½ yard silver or gold fabric
• ½ yard coordinating backing material
• Silver or gold thread to match top fabric when quilting
• 3M Easy Release masking tape
• Decorative embellishments for the front, e.g. lace, ribbon, beading, gems, jewels, charms, silk flower buds
• 4 small crystal beads and 1 large decorative bead
• 7” of 1/8” wide satin ribbon to coordinate with the backing material
• Fabric craft glue (Aleene’s Tacky glue)
• Polyester fiberfill for pillows

How to Make the Wish Pillow

1. Draw a 16” heart on lightweight cardboard. The example is 16” across and 13” from the dip in the top of the heart to the bottom point.

Cut a triangle shape pattern about 7” in size from the cardboard as well.

2. Cut a piece of batting one inch larger then the heart pattern.

Then cut one heart each from the front and back fabrics.

3. Place the top fabric over the batting right side up, lining it up so it is even all around. Pin in place.

4. Decide how far apart you would like the quilting lines for the front.

See example.

I have spaced them 1 ½” apart.

Using the masking tape to make your stitching lines even, stitch along the right side of each row of tape.

[Some machines have an attachment for this purpose which can be used instead of tape. ]

Quilting can then be done in the opposite direction forming diamonds on the front if desired using the same method.

Cut off the excess batting from around the heart.

5. Using the triangle pattern, cut 1 from the backing fabric. This will be the little pocket on the back of the pillow. Stitch a narrow hem across the top first.

Then turn under the other two sides and pin the pocket to the backing on the outside, making sure the pocket is evenly centered.

Stitch the bottom two sides of the triangle in place.

6. Pin the backing fabric to the front, right sides together. Leave about a 5” opening for turning right side out later.

7. Stitch all three pieces together with a 5/8” seam allowance being sure to leave an opening for turning.

Clip the seam allowance all around and especially in the curves and the dip in the heart.

Cut across the seam at the bottom tip of the heart. Now trim the seam allowance to ¼” from the stitching all around.

8. Turn the heart right side out. Stuff the pillow tightly with the fiberfill through the side opening.

9. Turn the seam allowance along the opening inside and pin closed. Hand stitch the opening closed.

10. Now decorate the outside as desired.

The example has a row of lace with pearl beading glued along the side seams.

Pearl beading, a decorative gold tone button and rhinestones decorate the front.

11. In the back pocket I have used the narrow satin ribbon to attach some decorative beads at one end and a note on the other end.

My note reads:

“The beauty of the sun, the moon, the stars, the essence of magic held within the heart, and the timeless aura of love are all reflected in this Wish Pillow.
Place a secret wish in this special pocket and wait for your dreams to come true!”

Tuck them into the pocket and enjoy sweet dreams of things to come.

For more pillow craft ideas, look here and here.

For more articles about quilting and quilting design, please click here.

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Recommended Reading

These books are excellent resources for quilters, no matter the level of experience.

Quiltmaking by Hand: Simple Stitches, Exquisite Quilts By: Jinny Beyer

Machine Quilting Made Easy By:Maurine Noble

Quilter's Complete Guide By: Marianne Fons

Contemporary Machine Embroidered Quilts: Innovative Techniques and Designs By: Eileen Roche

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