How to Hand Quilt A Pillow Top With Embroidery Thread

This is a great project for that odd piece of fabric you may have stashed away. If you're in love with the design, this method will enhance it and make it just that more special. Read on to learn how to hand quilt a pillow top with embroidery thread.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• fabric square, either 12", 14" or 16" (actually any size; you choose)
• 6-strand embroidery thread (colors to compliment your fabric)
• embroidery needle
• old quilted mattress pad cover

1. 
    
   Straight pins.

   To hand quilt a pillow top, cut out a square of fabric. Pin this fabric square right side up on top of the old mattress cover and cut out an identical square for backing. Make sure that the "rougher" side of the mattress pad is facing the wrong side of the fabric piece.

2. 
    
   Top & Backing sewn together

   Either machine sew or hand sew the raw edges together 1/4" from the edge of the fabric square.

3. 
    
   Embroidery Thread

   Cut off an 18" length of the 6-strand floss. Now, divide this into two pieces of 3 strands each. (You will embroider with 3 strands at a time). Thread your needle and knot the end of the piece.

4. 
    
   Outlining the Design

   To begin hand quilting the pillow top, start sewing anywhere on the square that you choose, by outlining the design with your hand stitches. This method is easy and only enhances the beauty of your fabric. Continue until top is finished to your satisfaction.

5. 
    
   Finished Quilted Top

   Your hand-quilted pillow top with embroidery thread is done! Repeat this same process if you prefer to have both sides of the pillow hand quilted. Finish as you would any basic pillow cover. Good job!

Tips & Warnings

• You can pick up a used mattress pad cover for very little money at your local thrift store, garage sales, etc. Even though they are normally freshly laundered, I opt to wash them myself before sewing.
• If you keep your thread length no more than 18", it will help to prevent unwanted tangling.

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 6/6/2009 I love this idea of helping the design stand out with some embroidery. Thanks! Great pictures.

[kitchinstitchin]

on 2/7/2009 I am going to try this, I have some beautiful pieces of fabric that are too small for most projects, but would be perfect for this

[PammySuzie]

on 10/13/2008 If you have trouble threading the needle, you can get side threading easy to thread needles, called Spiral Eye Needles, at www.spiraleyeneedles.com

[ElvaJody]

on 10/12/2008 Great project and easy to follow instructions. I can't wait to try this.