I have a super fun project that blends the art of appliqué with the cozy charm of quilting to make an enchanting 18″ trippy mushroom throw pillow!
This fun project features a whimsical mushroom design that is so popular right now! These pillows make great gifts, or add a touch of fun to a couch or chair!! Or make several in different colors and use them as throw pillows on your bed!
Whether you’re a seasoned quilter seeking a new challenge or a novice eager to explore the world of fabric crafts, this step-by-step guide promises to inspire and guide you through every stitch.
Together, we’ll discover the joy of bringing a charming mushroom motif to life, adding a touch of woodland whimsy to any space.
So, gather your materials, unleash your imagination, and let’s embark on this creative adventure together.
By the end, you’ll not only have a beautiful pillow to adorn your home but also a newfound appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into each stitch.
Ready to sprinkle some mushroom magic into your quilting repertoire?
Let’s get started!
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Fabric Requirements to Make the Quilted Mushroom Pillow
Refer to my Trippy Mushroom Quilt Block post for fabric requirements to make the appliqued mushroom block for this pillow!
You’ll also need to purchase or gather the following:
Dark Green Fabric for Border: 1/4 yard
Batting: 22” x 22” piece of thin cotton batting
Green Backing Fabric for Pillow Back: 1/2 yard of coordinating fabric
Muslin for Pillow Form and Backing of Quilted Pillow Top: 1 yard
Polyester Fiber Fill: 1 pound bag
Supplies Needed to Make the Quilted Mushroom Pillow
You’ll need to make one Trippy Mushroom Quilt Block. Click here to get the directions to make the Trippy Mushroom Quilt block.
Also grab your favorite rotary cutter! I like to use the Fiskars Heavy-Duty Comfort Loop Rotary Cutter (65 mm). I can cut fabric all day with this baby!!
You’ll need a cutting mat.
And you’ll need a 24″ plastic quilt ruler.
You’ll also need a scissors, iron and pressing mat, stick pins, and thread!
Cutting Directions for the Quilted Mushroom Throw Pillow Top
Use a rotary cutter to cut out the following pieces:
From dark green fabric cut 2 – 3 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ strips and 2 – 3 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ strips.
Use the muslin to cut 1 – 22” x 22” piece and 2 – 18 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ pieces.
From the green backing fabric cut 2 – 12 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ pieces.
Cut a 22” x 22” piece of batting.
Making the Quilted Mushroom Throw Pillow
Now that you have your Trippy Quilt Block made, and all the other pieces cut to make this whimsical quilted pillow, let’s sew it together!!
Sew the Quilted Mushroom Pillow Top
Pin and sew the 3 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ to the left and right side of the Trippy Mushroom block.
Press seams outward toward the borders.
Pin and sew the 3 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ strips to the top and bottom of the Trippy Mushroom block unit.
Press seams outward toward the borders.
Your quilt top will measure 18 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ square.
Layering the Top, Batting, and Back of the Mushroom Throw Pillow
Now that you have your quilt top sewn together, it’s time to finish it!
I refer to layering the quilt as “sandwiching”. You need to sandwich the top and back with the batting in the middle.
Tape the Backing Down
On a hard surface floor, or with two large tables pushed together, use painter’s tape to tape down the 22” x 22” muslin backing fabric. As you tape the back down you’ll want to make sure the fabric is smooth, without wrinkles. Also, make sure the right side of the fabric is facing down!
Add the Batting
Lay the batting on top of the taped-down quilt back, and move your hands across it to smooth it all over. This will get rid of any wrinkles in the batting, and help to adhere it to the backing fabric.
Place the Quilt Top
Once you have the batting placed on top of the quilt back, center the quilt top over the two bottom layers. Right side facing up, of course! The two bottom layers of the quilt (the back and the batting) should extend about 2” all around the outside edges of the quilt top.
Move your hands across the quilt top to smooth it all over, and help remove any wrinkles. This will also help adhere the quilt top to the batting a little bit.
Baste the Layers
You can either spray baste your quilt layers or pin them together with 1 ½” stainless pins. Place pins around the entire quilt every 4-5 inches so the three layers don’t move around when you’re machine quilting this project. Again, make sure all wrinkles are smoothed out. Adjust basting if needed to remove any wrinkles.
“Quilting” the Quilted Mushroom Throw Pillow Top
Use whatever free-motion stitch you’d like, or use a straight stitch to quilt in the ditches or along the seams. You’ll need a darning foot to free-motion quilt, and you’ll need to either be able to lower the feed dogs on the machine or place a special cover over them. If you’re using a straight stitch to machine quilt you’ll need a walking foot.
I used a meandering design to quilt my layers together!
Trim off the overhanging batting and backing so your quilted top measures 18 1/2″ x 18 1/2″.
Sewing the Pillow Form Insert
Here is a quick video on how to sew a pillow form!
Place the 2 – 18 1/2” squares of muslin together, pin, and stitch around the edges 1/4” removing pins as you come up to them.
Leave a 5” opening on one side.
Trim the corners 1/8” and turn right side out.
Stuff with about 1 pound of Poly-fil. Turn the opening under and pin edges together.
Sew the opening shut using about a 1/8” seam allowance, remove pins as you come to them.
Plumb pillow insert to remove lumps. Easy peasy!
Sewing the Quilted Mushroom Throw Pillow Cover
Once you’ve quilted the pillow top, sew the back pieces on to make it into an envelope pillow cover.
For each of the 2 – 12 1/2” x 18 1/2” units, fold one right side of the 18 1/2” side under 1/4” and press. Fold under again 1/4”, press, and stitch along the inside of the folded side to create a 1/4” hem.
Place the “unhemmed” side of each of these two units along the opposite edges of the quilt top, right sides together with the right side of the quilt top, so that the hemmed edges of the backing units overlap each other in the center.
Pin in place all around each edge and stitch 1/4” around all of the outside edges to sew the backing in place, removing pins as you sew up to them.
Trim corners about 1/8” and turn right side out. Carefully use the blunt end of a wooden skewer or the end of a small paintbrush to push the corners right side out.
Stuff the quilted pillow cover with the 18” pillow form insert.
Enjoy your Trippy Quilted Mushroom Pillow!