Creating a quilted pillow that shines as a focal point in any room is both rewarding and creative. My journey with quilting began years ago, piecing together small squares of leftover fabric into a quilted top.
That satisfaction of turning a few scraps into something beautiful sparked my love for quilted home decor—and that’s the inspiration behind this “Starburst Pillow” project.
This Starburst Pillow combines vibrant colors and playful geometry, bringing warmth and personality to any space. The design uses color contrasts and a simple, manageable block structure, making it perfect for quilters of all levels. Inspired by Kelli Marshall’s “Morning Breeze” design and crafted using Natalie Miles’ Ambrosia fabric collection, this project celebrates hues and patterns that mimic morning light through a vibrant palette.
The Power of Color in Quilting
The Starburst Pillow is a master class in the dynamic use of color. We’ll use green, yellow, coral, and dark blue fabrics, with the cool tones anchoring the pillow’s border while the warm tones create movement in the center. This combination makes the Starburst design truly pop, giving it an eye-catching effect that brightens any room.
Materials You’ll Need
To create your Starburst Pillow, gather the following materials. Be sure to cut your pieces as listed to ensure everything fits together seamlessly.
- 10″ squares of green print, yellow print, and coral print (for the pillow top)
- 2/3 yard dark blue print (for the pillow top and pillow back)
- 16 1/2″-square batting
- 18 1/2″-square muslin
- 16″-square pillow form
Fabric Cutting Guide
Cut your pieces in the order below to stay organized:
- From the green print, cut twelve 2 1/2″ squares.
- From the dark blue print, cut:
- Two 10 3/4″ x 16 1/2″ rectangles (for pillow back)
- One 5 1/4″ square, cut diagonally twice in an X to yield four small triangles
- One 4 1/2″ square (for pillow center)
- Four 2 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ strips (for borders)
- Eight 2 1/2″ squares
- From the yellow print, cut one 5 1/4″ square, then cut diagonally twice in an X to get four small triangles.
- From the coral print, cut two 4 7/8″ squares and then cut each in half diagonally to yield four large triangles.
Getting Started: Tips for Success
Before beginning, make sure your fabric pieces are neatly pressed for accurate measurements and easier sewing. Arrange your cut pieces by color and size on a clean workspace, which will save time and minimize mistakes as you work through each step.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Assemble the Four-Patch Units
- Take two 2 1/2” green squares and two 2 1/2” dark blue squares.
- Sew them together in pairs with right sides facing, and then join the pairs to form a Four-Patch unit. This unit should measure 4 1/2” square with seam allowances.
- Repeat this step to create a total of four Four-Patch units.
Step 2: Create Triangle Units
- Sew one yellow small triangle to one dark blue small triangle, with right sides together.
- Next, add a coral large triangle to complete a square unit measuring 4 1/2”.
- Repeat this process to create four triangle units in total.
Step 3: Construct the Center Block
- Lay out your Four-Patch units, triangle units, and the 4 1/2” dark blue center square in three rows as shown in the diagram.
- Sew the pieces together within each row, pressing seams as you go.
- Join the rows to complete the central block, which should measure 12 1/2” square.
Step 4: Attach Border Strips
- Sew the dark blue 2 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ border strips to opposite edges of the center block.
- Add two green 2 1/2″ squares to each end of the remaining dark blue border strips. Then attach these to the other two sides of the center block to complete the pillow top, measuring 16 1/2″ square.
Step 5: Layer and Quilt the Pillow Top
- Place the pillow top over the batting and muslin squares, making a quilt sandwich.
- Quilt as desired. A simple grid or diagonal lines will highlight the starburst effect, but feel free to get creative with your quilting design!
Step 6: Assemble the Pillow Back
- For each dark blue 10 3/4″ x 16 1/2″ rectangle, fold and press one long edge under by 1/4″, then fold under again and stitch to hem.
- Overlap the two hemmed edges by 4″ to form a square back panel, 16 1/2″ wide.
- Stitch along the overlap to secure the pillow back.
Step 7: Complete the Pillow
- Lay the quilted pillow top and the pillow back right sides together.
- Stitch around the edges with a 1/4″ seam allowance.
- Turn the pillow cover right side out through the back opening, press, and insert your 16” pillow form.
Additional Tips for a Perfect Finish
- Press as You Go: Pressing each seam helps achieve crisp edges and ensures the pieces fit accurately, giving your pillow a polished look.
- Choose a Coordinating Thread for Quilting: Match your thread to the dominant color of your design for subtle quilting or contrast for a bold look.
- Trim Seams Carefully: After each assembly step, trim any bulky seams, especially around corners, for a smoother finish.
The Starburst Pillow brings both elegance and brightness into your home. Every stage of crafting the Starburst Pillow reflects the joy of creating something unique by hand, from piecing together vibrant blocks to watching the Starburst pattern unfold with each stitch.
Whether you place the Starburst Pillow on a sofa, a favorite chair, or even a bedroom nook, this pillow is sure to draw compliments and spark conversation. Enjoy this radiant addition to your decor, and let your Starburst Pillow truly shine!