How to Make a Quillow In 7 Easy Steps

Time: 1 ½ hours prep 5-6 hours to complete

Vermont winters are frigid and nothing beats curling up under a warm blanket. My small cabin in the country lacks storage space, so when every inch counted, my mother-in-laws Quillow design saved the day.

Part pillow, part quilt, this easy-to-sew design folds into itself, and when choosing your own fabric, you can customize your Quillow to match any décor.

So follow these 7 easy steps and in no time you'll be snuggling under your own Quillow - and don't forget the Quillow at the holidays! This pattern makes a great homemade gift and can be customized to fit any special occasion.

1. Measure out two pieces of fabric and one piece of cotton lining (optional) While the Quillow can be made as big or as small as you'd like, remember to add an additional a ¼ inch seam along all sides.

2. Measure squares of corresponding fabric and cotton to ¼ of the length and ¼ of the width of your total fabric size. This will become the pouch that the Quillow will fold in to.

3. Pin fabric and cotton together at the ¼ inch seam, leaving the bottom open. If the fabric you're using has a pattern, pin it together inside out as the blanket will be revered to hide its seams.

4. Staying to the left of the pin line, sew fabric together. Be careful no to sew over the pins and remember to remove them after sewing.

5. Turn blanket right side out at opened end. Do no sew this end until step 6.

6. Pinand sew squares from step 2, turning right side out when completed. Attach square to the bottom center of the quilt, leaving the top open to look like a pouch. Sew bottom of blanket to close together.

7. To secure your Quillow, sew seams down is length in equal thirds. This will anchor the top and bottom pieces of fabric to its cotton lining while creating the raised look associated with quilts.

Folding your new quilt into a pillow:

Transforming your new blanket into a pillow is as easy as:

· Holding your new quilt against your body and making sure the pouch isn't visible.

· Folding the quilt into thirds along its connective seams

· Folding the quilt down to make a square the same size as the pouch

· Sliding your hands into the pouch and flipping the folded quilt inside to complete the transformation!

These fun Quillow appear on all my chairs and couches, and my hubby loves to tuck his feet into the pockets after a long day. I'm sure that you'll love making these as much as I have - and stay tuned for more crafting tips from the Country Review!

All measurements are approximate. Diagrams and photographs are representations only and should not be used as patterns. When sewing your own designs, Crafters should be sure to measure twice and cut once. And you younger crafters, remember to ask a grownup for permission before you use scissors or a sewing machine.