Hello, friends, and happy Friday! Today I’m sharing the Moda All-Stars Soft Spot Pillow Book along with a giveaway. It’s always fun to be able to participate in a Moda All-Stars project book. And because I really love pillows, this one was especially fun to work on. Keep reading for more details about the book along with the information to enter a giveaway here and on Instagram.
Moda All-Stars Soft Spot Pillow Book
Sea Breeze Pillow
I used our Happy Days fabric collection for my “Sea Breeze” pillow which is one of 17 fun pillow and cushion designs. The border and binding combination I used for this has been one of my favorite fabric combinations from the Happy Days group. And this pillow design is a timeless one that would also look good in any fabric combination including seasonal prints for the 4th of July and Christmas holidays.
More Pillows
Pictured above are three of my favorites. But there are actually 17 different pillow patterns in this book, and I can see myself making every single one! Additionally, my daughter Chelsi has a fun pillow included in this book which also uses our Happy Days collection.
Giveaway Details
We were asked to answer the following fun questions as part of this week’s sharing of the Moda All-Stars Soft Spot book. You’ll need the answers below to enter the giveaway for an e-book on my Instagram account here. (You can also find the other Moda All-Stars who are posting today from my pillow post there).
- My favorite size pillow to make is either 18″ x 18″ square or a standard sized pillow sham (rectangular).
- I get my pillow inserts at Pottery Barn (when I have a coupon) or Amazon.
- I love the pillow I made for Soft Spot…but my favorite pillow makes are actually two from my most recent book, Home & Hearth pictured above.
- How many pillows is too many? I love pillows and set them in chairs, on sofas, and on beds whenever I can. So I’m not going to set a ceiling on pillows here 🙂
- Finally, for US readers only, leave a comment on this post with your favorite tip for pillows to win a print copy of the book. I’ll keep the giveaway open through Sunday night and update this post with the winner next Monday, November 22nd.
Where to Find the Moda All-Stars Soft Spot Book
If you’re looking for a copy of the Moda All-Stars Soft Spot book, I have a few signed copies here. You can also find it on Amazon here, and directly from the publisher, Martingale, here.
Happy quilting!
Pamela Liebold says
Thank you for the book review. Making a pillow or two is on my goal list for 2022.
B Timmerman says
I already have the Home & Hearth book! Beautiful projects ♥️
Stephanie Z Hironimus says
I also love pillows but have only made a few. My favorite tip is making pillows with binding because they have a more finished & professional look. If making the simple envelope backing, I also like to add straight stitching (at a 3.0 stitch length) along the fold to add a bit more “polish” to a simple back.
Kim says
Love pillows to add color and design.
Kathie Weatherford says
My tip is too make pillows wth the envelope back so it is easy to change out according to the seasons.
Elowin Harper says
Pillows make great seasonal gifts and are quick and easy to put together. I round my corners – just a couple of stitches- slightly so they are easier to fill in with pillow forms or stuffing.
Monique says
I love all of these. My favorite pillow top is to make an extra block or two when making a lap quilt, then use those as the center of a pillow top. Surround the square with borders to get it to the size you need. Also, I LOVE Sherri’s covered zipper backs.
Monique says
The above should say “pillow tip” not “pillow top.”
Cindy Turner says
You only need a few pillow forms in various sizes, but the key is MANY quilted pillow covers, then just rotate them for the seasons or holidays! Keep the extras in a linen drawer or cupboard ready to make a switch any time. Sherri’s star pillow here will be on my list for 2022.
Dawn Davidson says
For a quick pillow I use a man’s dress shirt, button down front becomes the back, back of shirt becomes the front. I use iron on stabilizer on both and machine applique a design on the front of the pillow.
Jane O’Connell says
I love pillows since my wall space is limited. It’s also easy to change out pillows with the season. My tip is to make the zipper flap extra large using a different fabric. It make the back as interesting as the front.
Pat says
I love all pillows I prefer to box the corners rather than have the pointy ears At each corner fold fabric diagonally RST center your dart over the corners you can choose the depth of your seam to change the pillow shape and size
Janet says
I love to make pillows! They are a great way to use scraps and fun to make in seasonal fabrics
Jean Ridley says
Pillows- my tip is to angle and stitch the corners about 1/2” in from both sides by drawing a line from the center to 1/2” down on the corner and repeat for all four sides. It prevents those empty corners when you insert a form.
Arlene says
I have recently gone down a pillow making rabbit hole! My tip is to use piping or wide Rick rack around the sides. It just gives the pillow a finished look.
Pamela says
I have never made a pillow so of course I don’t have a tip to share. I will be remedying this situation asap! Love all the pillows you have shared! Thanks to all for sharing their tips!?
Nancy Lewis says
I love pillows and love to decorate with them. My favorite tip for pillow making is to sew at a slant inward, about an inch before I get to the corner, turn and take a couple of stitches and then sew from the corner outward the same distance until I reach my seam width. Thus helps with eliminating pointy corners. I also tuck extra batting into the corners to make them fuller.
Susan Gray says
My tip is to always quilt the top of the pillow. They hold their shape and look SO much better!
Angela V says
Agreed! A quilted top makes such a difference!
Sharyn says
I love making pillows as gifts. My tip is to add piping. It makes it look professional
Rhonda Angeroth says
My tip is to add a contrasting color for piping on the edge for a crisp look and professional finish.
Amberly Emery says
I like making small pillows, not in the usual pi)low forn sizes. I make my own pillow forms using muslin for the cover and then I stuff them until they are almost hard, they’re so full. They keep their shape longer and look extra plump!
Joyce says
I love making pillows and have many! Love doing a quilt binding edge finish on my pillows.
Kim Wright says
For the first time ever, I used binding for the edge of my most recent pillows. I love how it turned out. I also like to used scraps from a wall hanging and bed runner I made to make matching pillows. Making pillow covers keeps down storage space for so many pillow forms.
Karen says
Orphan blocks are perfect starting points for pillows.
LOUISE HUFNAGEL says
Love pillows of all sizes and shapes. Often make pillow cases also to go with quilts
Lisa D says
I love your pillow designs, Sherri. Ones I’ve made so far are for my grandchildren. I love to add pockets for them to hold their favorite book. I also embroider their names-or something fun.
Carol Murry says
I love to make a pillow to match my quilts. My tip would be to make a pillow as a quick project when you want to make something but not invest the time to make a quilt.
Heather says
I love that a pillow can give me a “quick finish” when I’m in the middle of long term sewing projects.
My tip is to always buy a form one size larger than I “need” to give it a puffy appearance
Chela says
I don’t have a tip to share because I haven’t made a pillow in years. I love reading everyone else’s tips though. I love the pillows in the book and seeing them on Instagram this week. I need to give pillow making another try.
Peggy Giese says
I LOVE pillows! I keep 4-6 inserts, and make seasonal pillow covers, and just rotate them out. I do that with
My bed too, usually with left over scraps from the quilts I make! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Kathy E. says
Pillows are always a favorite sewing project! They make awesome gifts and are fun to switch out for seasons. I like to use an envelope back and add a decorative trim on the edge with coordinating fabric or ribbon to give the back an extra surprise.
Lisa Miller says
Pillows are a great way to decorate for the different holidays.
Julie Knight says
Im just getting into making pillows. I love making the envelope back on the ones I’ve made so far. It’s a smaller project so I feel a sense of accomplishment when I make one. I just made one with a pocket on the front. Super cute. I actually learned from your YouTube videos as to the envelope backs, so thank you! Thank you for all you do for the quilty community!
Rosemary Lightbown says
I love making pillows!! I always make an envelope back, and use a pillow form instead of stuffing.
Deb says
I like to use two layers of fabric when making pillows from quilting cotton. For pillows that are used for more than a decorative item it really adds stability and form to the shape.
Nancy Rector says
My pillow tip is to round the corners. That way you don’t have empty corners around the pillow insert.
Katrina Thennis says
My tip is don’t be afraid of pillows.? They seemed intimidating to me and then I made a couple envelope pillows and now I know it’s a quick fun way to change seasonal decor in your home!
Tammy Elliott says
I have several pillows on my to do list right now ? I usually just make the envelope pillows but would love to learn to make nicer ones Most of mine are reading pillows for kids or memory pillows with shirts ?
Nelda S. says
I love making pillows and love the binding for the finished look and the envelope back for changing ease.. My tip is to quilt the back of the pillow. I don’t piece the back and I use an envelope opening. I add some batting and a backing and a simple quilting stitch. For me, it adds to the look and feel of the pillow.
Tracie says
Recently I assembled my pillows as if they were lined zipper pouches and added a pretty pull to the By Annie zipper. The finish looks a bit modern and playful, and it was an easy way to install the zipper.
Elaine Mast says
This pillow book looks wonderful. I like the small lumbar size to put on a chair, coordinating with my seasonal quilt. I like binding them, gives such a nice shape and easier than coding.
Kelley Likes says
Cool pillows. On my list for 2022!!
Susan_in_LA says
So many great tips here already! I like making pillows with a zipper or envelope back so I can wash the covers. Make sure the pillow is larger than the pillow form so the pillow is soft and not extra firm! 🙂
Linda Menkes says
I’m not sure I have any great pillow tips- but I would love a chance to win the book. I love pillows and agree that you can never have too many!
carol thomas says
My tips are the envelope backing and a “pillow is not a football” in our home.
Cindy Berry says
Beautiful pillows. My only tip is to make them neutral enough to be used anywhere in the home. thanks for the chance to win this book. Have a great weekend and Thanksgiving.
Denise says
I love making seasonal pillows to change out throughout the year. I also like to mix small pieces of “rescued” crewel or cross stitch work with pieced blocks.
Dee Pallesen says
Love pillows…so easy to add warmth and texture to any room and a fun way to experiment with quilt blocks.
Dee says
My favorite way to finish a pillow is to add piping in a contrasting color.
Cheryl says
I love to make pillows to accent the decor in my home wether it be holidays or seasonal. I like to add piping, that I usually make myself with the fabrics I’m using to make the pillow so everything coordinates.
Christine says
My top tip for pillows is to watch and follow along with Sherri’s video on how to insert a zipper back on a pillow. It’s so easy to follow and looks so professional when it’s done! Thanks for all you do, Sherri!
Karen Seitz says
Hi, Sheri! My pillow tip is to be aware of how enticing your handmade pillows are to your pets before you display them. Ask me how I know. 🙂
Bertha Mallard says
My best tip for making pillows is not to over-stuff or under-stuff them.
Lynne Stockstill says
I love to decorate with pillows!! I quilt the top using wool batting for more dimension then add an envelope back and finish with binding. Using the envelope back makes it so easy to change out the pillow form for the next season decoration.
JEANNE STONE says
i try to get a little extra fabric when making a quilt so I can make a coordinating pillow to match. I use an envelope back so that I can change out the pillow(s) when I change out the accent quilt in a room.
Berta says
Making a pillow is a fast project. Enjoyed this post on the book preview.
Audrey Huntington says
I love making pillowcases with yardage leftovers for the women’s shelter. I have also made several for each of my grandchildren, mixing colors and subjects to make each one unique.
Andrea W says
Make a pillow with you left over scraps to match your quilt. I do this right away so I have a set.
Carla says
Your pillow form size should be larger than the sewn size of the pillow cover to create a plump looking finished pillow
Terri Nelson says
Love changing out pillows with the seasons! Beat tip: make the cover removable by using a zipper or Velcro for ease of switching!
Kaye Mattson says
When you make a new quilt and are trimming the excess batting off the edges,save those strips. Then when you make a pillow and the insert isn’t quite big enough, use the batting strips to fill out the empty corners.
Jennifer says
After sewing the back and front together, I go back and stitch around the corners again for extra strength.
Marianne says
US only ?
Hannah W says
I also love making pillows. For a plump pillow I like my pillow form just a bit larger than the pillow case.
Teresa says
A tip I learned awhile back is to taper each corner, starting about an inch away from the actual pillow corner. This way the corners get stuffed perfectly.
Karen C says
I could never have enough pillows!! I pipe mine with matching cording using a zipper floor to apply- my tip is to pull out the last half inch of the cording inside one side so it’s not bulky when you going them.
Sandy Stagge says
My tip is to use the envelope back to be able to quickly change out for the season/occasion and to use extra fabric and blocks from a quilt for a coordinating set. I do want to try your zipper back method as well for an even more polished look! I also love making book pillows in this similar fashion, adding pockets to hold a book while not reading and vertical strips to hold a book open while reading, snuggled under the coordinated quilt!
JAN says
I like to make envelope backs for quick switch outside. Love all your pillows!
Brenda Baughman says
Orphan blocks make great pillows
Tammy says
I have a hard time throwing away small scraps, but I rarely end up using them – ! Recently, however, I made a pillow using HST’s I made from the snowballed corners of a quilt’s blocks. They were already sewn, so it was much easier to get motivated to make the pillow with these.
Carla Toppass says
As a beginning quilter, I’ve never actually made a pillow… gasp!! It’s sad I know, but true. I’ve read some helpful tips here and know I can look on YouTube at your instructional videos to learn more.
Kath says
I love using a zip back or the button back for my pillows. It is really fun to be able to switch them out seasonally instead of trying to store a bunch of pillows.
Margaret LaVenia says
My tip is to use Cuddle fabric on the back, it becomes a popular pillow then so make sure to have a few around! Love your pillow instructions and need to get your new book too!
Barbara Y says
I love all these tips for making pillows. This is perfect timing because I want to make 2 maybe 3 as Christmas gifts but I’ve never made one. Now I think I can attempt one using some of these tips. Thanks so much!
Rachel says
I box corners rather than pointed corners and I make my pillows with an envelope opening…no zippers for me, and it’s easy to change them out for seasons and occasions, using the same pillow form.
Diane Mather says
My tip would be to make an easy envelope back. Easy to switch covers for the seasons!
Ann Haugland says
I love pillows but when I have tried making them the cover always seems just a little too big for the insert. Looking forward to seeing what I am doing wrong!
Ann Haugland says
I hope to learn how to make well fitting pillow covers.
Lonie Graham says
I love pillows too! My tip, I like to use an envelope backing and because I like my pillows full/snug on the pillow form I place a few snaps .
Angie V says
I pick my favorite block from the quilt and make 2 of them. I then decide which block I like better and designate it for the quilt and the other becomes the coordinating pillow
Vivian Colemire says
I love pillows and use them everywhere in my home. My tip is an envelope back. They are so easy to change out.
Christi says
Favorite tip, someone once told me to round the corners a little instead of squaring them. I wish someone would show me how to use odd trims, not piping. Your pillow is wonderful.
Susie says
I make pillows with a covered zipper backing. They are a breeze to change the cover !
Patty says
I made the blooming flower pillow top from Hearth and Home this week for a gift. My tip is to use an envelope back to be able to switch out pillows and to have the option of using the top as as a table topper or a wall hanging.
Sandra Stagge says
I too like to use leftover fabric and blocks from my quilt to make matching pillows. I currently use the envelope back method but would love to try your zipper back method! I have also made book pillows to match, adding a pocket on the front to hold the book and straps to hold the book open while reading white cuddled under the matching quilt!
Shasta says
My tip for pillows is to make pillow covers, and then recover the pillows with a new cover to change the look. This saves storage space, and keeps you from having to buy a lot of pillow forms.
Loree says
One of my favorite tips that I’ve learned is to make the pillowcase just a bit smaller than the actual pillow to help it ‘puff’ more. Currently making matching pillows for quilts I made for Christmas. I love using leftover fabric to make a matching pillow.
Melinda Hawkins says
Love zippered pillow covers. Keeps them snug.
Lisa Newton says
I love pillows but have never made one . This book looks like it might just give me the boost I need to make one . Thanks for the giveaway.
Kathleen says
I love pillows. Making the most out of one pillow form be sure to make an envelop back or even a button closure so you can change it out.
Cindy Shelley says
My tip is make a matching pillow or 2 to go with the quilt you made. Also make a custom pillowcase or 2 to store the quilt in. (Can also be a pillow sham.
Rebecca Blair says
My tip is to keep the husbands away from ALL the pillows! (That is, unless you actually like smashed, pear-shaped ones!) ?
Loriann Fish says
Pillows are a nice way to try a new to you technique. I took a class on pineapple blocks and made my sample blocks into a nice bed pillow.
Kelly Douglas says
I usually finish my pillows with binding, but occasionally I’ll finish one with piping at the seams. Gives it a slightly different look, and sometimes it’s just fun to do something different.
Alice says
When I make pillows, I use the envelop technique. I cut two sizes of fabric the same size of the finished pillow front to ensure I have enough fabric for the the backs and sew a finished edge. I would love to try to insert a zipper.
Amy Judd says
I have only made small pillows for show and stuffed them with fiber fill. I would love to make these bigger pillows and use actual pillow inserts. I would say if they will be used, tighten the stitching so it open up.
Amy Judd says
So it doesn’t open up.