Thank you for the continued stream of replies!
For this project I'm going to go simple since I know the neckties I'll be using are special. I'm going to open them and add interfacing. Unless the woman I'm sewing for changes her mind, I plan to cut them into strips and piece them on a diagonal. For extra strength I think I'll do a 1/2" seam. Then I'll cut the new "fabric" down to cushion size. I plan to put batting behind it and zig zag along each strip edge for even more strength. I'll put a piece of muslin behind that.
Since I don't have a walking foot I'd better just quilt 2 layers - ties and batting. The backing will get tacked on when I make the pillow.
I will definitely post a picture but it won't be anything too fancy. I want to do something I have high confidence of success with.