Hello, friends! Today I’m super excited to share my Orange Peel Pillow + Free Pattern along with a video tutorial for my method of making the applique’s orange peel units. And I have a free PDF pattern including templates for the orange peel shapes and directions for my pillow. I used our Bountiful Blooms fabrics for this and absoutely love how it turned out.
Orange Peel Pillow + Free Pattern
My Orange Peel Quilt Goal Story
First, a little backstory for my project. I’ve been wanting to make an orange peel project for several years now. I was first inspired by a gorgeous blue and white orange peel project made by my friend ModaLissa. I’ve also enjoyed watching Amy Smart’s progress on her ongoing scrappy orange peel quilt. I made a test block last fall using an applique method I used in a class from Amy McClellan of Under the Garden Moon and knew I’d be making one soon (Amy Smart also uses the same method for her quilt). Then, in December, Fat Quarter Shop reached out and asked me to participate in their Quilt Goals series for this year. I immediately replied “yes,” with my goal of making an Orange Peel project.
Orange Peel Pillow Details
I decided to start small and make a pillow to decide if I really have it in me to make a quilt with this technique. I’m happy to say that since making the pillow I am definitely making a quilt. Now I just have to decide on fabrics–scrappy, Christmas, summery, or fall? Here are details for my pillow:
- My pillow finishes at 18″ x 18″.
- I used 32 charm squares along with fabric for the binding and pillow backing.
- I did straight line quilting on my home machine with lines about ¾″ apart (find a link to a tutorial for this below).
- I used this 18″ x 18″ pillow form for my pillow. My method of adding a zipper to the pillow back (find a link to that tutorial below, too) gives some additional room, so a 20″ x 20″ pillow form will also work.
Helpful Tools + Free Orange Peel Pillow Pattern with Templates
Here are a few of the items that were helpful in sewing my pillow. You’ll also find the link to download the free PDF pattern below.
- Mary Ellen’s Best Press (or your favorite starch)
- Clover Applique’ Pins
- Mini Cut ‘n Press
- Stiletto
- Find the PDF pattern here, or click on the button below.
Orange Peel Technique Video
Watch the video to see my Orange Peel Technique here on our YouTube channel. In the video you’ll find extra tips for making the templates, directions for using the templates to create the fabric peels, and a visual demonstration of my method of attaching the peels to the background squares.
More Helpful Resources
Here are some other resources you’ll find helpful in making your pillow:
- How to cross hatch and straight-line quilt on your home machine
- How to finish a pillow back with a zipper
- How to make an envelope pillow back
- Simple Applique’ Tutorial
Thanks so much for stopping by for the Orange Peel Pillow + Free Pattern post. I hope you enjoy making this and adding a new quilting technique to your list.
Happy quilting!
Della says
Thank you so much for the orange peel pillow pattern. I can’t wait to make it!
claire says
your orange peel cushion is beautiful! many thanks for free pattern and video
Fay says
I watch you often and was drawn to this today because I am looking for a project that I can take with me. Thanks so much for all the wonderful ideas.
Margot says
Can’t wait to give this a try!
Opal says
Oh, I’m so going to enjoy this project!! Thank you for posting the “extra” links, too.
Rene P says
Thank you so much for the pattern and video! I will try this!
Marilyn says
Thank you, Sherri! Looking forward to trying the orange peel pattern ! So many ideas swirling in my head! All I need is time!
Rosey Janes says
Thanks so much for the pattern and tutorial! Your pillow is beautiful!! Those fabrics are BEAUTIFUL 🙂
Alma Dirpaul says
Thanks for the tutorial and template. Excited to try this. Why is it called Orange Peel?
Shelley Dionne says
Love it Sherri! Orange peel has been on my list for years too😊 I am so happy that you chose charm packs….reminds me of the Schnibbles Days! I was trying to remember if there was a Schnibbles using orange peel shapes🤔 Btw, is Sinta still around? Sincerely, Shelley
sherri McConnell says
I don’t remember an orange peel Schnibble…but yes, Sinta is still quilting, and she posts on Instagram very regularly lately!
Annette Ashbach says
Thank you Sherri for this wonderful tutorial on the Orange Peel technique. I’m very happy to have an appliqué method without applying a fusible. I hate the stiffness of fusibles and love the fact that starch will wash out.
It reminds me of when I learned to quilt and we used cardboard templates, a sandpaper board and stitched by hand. I printed out the free pattern and can’t wait to do this. Thank you!
Nilene Thompson-Finn says
What a fun project Sherri! Thanks so very much for sharing it with us as a free download! I have sew many charm packs to choose from, but really need more hours in the day! LOL
Mary Ellen Tardiff says
I love this pattern. I made an orange pelle quilt way back when. I think it’s time for the pillow.’
You’re very generous and I thank you very much for that.
Carmen Montmarquet says
What a cute pillow pattern, it’s very generous of you! Can’t wait to make it!