making pillow
 

have a block 13 1/2 inches left from a quilt. would like to make a pillow out of it. what size would the back pieces have to be? and what size pillow should I buy? thanks for all help.
Judy

I would cut the back the same size as the top. A 14" pillow form with a knife edge will work, but if you have leftover batting scraps you can make one easily from a 15" x 27" strip plus smaller pieces. Fold strip so ends meet in middle, sew across sides, stack with scraps, turn inside out, whip ends together, and you're done.

What kind of back are you wanting to have? Zipper? Sewn closed? Overlapping fabric "sleeve" where you tuck the pillow in? Button closure?

It might also depend on whether you are going to add any sashing or borders to the block you have. But I agree, the back would be cut the same size as the top.

I'm assuming you are thinking of a knife edge pillow. I would get the pillow form first. You can get them at JoAnn's. I've gotten throw pillows from thrift shops, discarded the covers & used the forms. Once you have the form, you can figure out the measurements. if you google knife edge pillow instructions lots will come up.

You mentioned "pieces", which makes me think that you might be making an envelope back -- you need to add 4" to the measurement of the uncut front (13.5+4 = 17.5) and then cut that in half (17.5 / 2 = 8.75) so both of your pieces for the back would be cut at 8.75". Your finished pillow would end up at 12.5" because you take a 1/2" seam.

Because 12.5" is going to be nearly impossible to find, I would take a 5/8" seam & when you're finished, top stitch 1/8" inside of that around the outside when finished. That would get you down to 12".

Alternatively, you could just cut your pieced square down to 13", cut your two back pieces at 8.5" and use a standard 1/2" seam throughout.

http://www.marthastewart.com/270503/...a-pillow-cover
This one has diagrams (note: it includes the fabric for the front, which you already have): https://thedecorguru.com/2012/12/11/...-and-tutorial/

Also, even though I am generally a fiber purist, this is one time where poly thread really comes in handy. The extra strength will ensure your pillow lives a reasonably long life. I also would shorten the stitch length for the same reason to 1.4-1.6mm.