Patchwork Ghost Pillow

Have you heard of the charming children's book The Little Ghost Who Was A Quilt? It's a heartwarming story about embracing what makes us different and finding strength in those differences. Inspired by the main character, this patchwork ghost pillow brings the story to life, adding a whimsical and personal touch to your Halloween decor. Whether you're a fan of the book or just love a fun and easy sewing project, this pillow is a perfect way to celebrate the season with a patchwork twist.

Here's what you'll need:

1. A variety of blue and white patterned fabrics (you can use scraps you have on hand or pick up 1/4 yard of at least six different fabrics)
2. Black fabric scraps (just enough for the eyes and smile)
3. TenSisters Easy Piecing Grid (2" finished squares size)
4. Sewing machine
5. Iron
6. Scissors
7. Rotary cutter and cutting mat
8. Ruler
9. Pins
10. Polyfil stuffing
11. Needle and thread

Use a rotary cutter and ruler on a cutting mat, cut your fabric into 2.5" x 2.5" squares.

You'll need 126 squares to start with, but you'll need at least 20 more later on.

(So if you have 9 different fabrics, cut 14 squares of each. If you have 6 different fabrics, cut 21 squares of each. Etc.)

Once you've cut 126 squares, arrange them on your easy piecing grid panel. Iron in place.

This grid panel makes doing patchwork so much easier! No pinning necessary.

These next steps are a little tricky, but once you're doing it, it will be easy.

1. After ironing the fabric squares onto the grid panel, fold the first row of squares right sides together, aligning the edges.

2. Sew along the folded edge using a 1/4" seam allowance.

3. Repeat this step for every row on the grid.

4. Once all the rows are sewn, flip the grid over to the backside. Using scissors, carefully cut through the seams you’ve sewn to create more flexibility for the next steps.

5. Iron all the seams to one side to flatten them.

6. Now, turn the grid 90 degrees and repeat the same process for the perpendicular rows — fold each row, sew with a 1/4" seam, cut the seams, and iron them to one side.

Next, you should have a completed patchwork grid measuring approximately 18" x 28". Fold it in half so it measures 18" x 14". To create your ghost shape, cut two gentle arcs along the top edge, forming a rounded ghost-like silhouette. Be sure to snip along the folded edge to separate the two pieces.

At this point, cut two ovals out of your black fabric for the eyes and a crooked curve for the smile. Pin and sew on to one of the ghost pieces using a zig-zag stitch.

The next step is to create a gusset, which will give your pillow more dimension. Start by measuring the perimeter of one of your ghost-shaped pieces. This should be around 46", but your measurement may vary slightly. Cut additional 2.5" squares and sew them together, right sides facing, using a 1/4" seam allowance to form a long strip. Make sure the strip is about 1 inch longer than the perimeter you measured.

Now, pin the strip to the ghost piece that has the face. (See second photo.) Begin pinning at the bottom left corner, starting from the third square of the strip, and continue around the entire perimeter of the ghost. You should have a few extra squares left at the end, hanging off the right side; these will be used to finish the bottom later on.

Sew the gusset strip to the ghost piece with a 1/4" seam allowance, making sure to leave the bottom edge unsewn. Next, place the second ghost piece on top, with the right sides together, and pin it in place. Sew around the entire perimeter, again leaving the bottom edge open.

Turn the pillow right-side out and fill it with polyfil stuffing.

To close the bottom, use the remaining strip of squares that are hanging off the sides. Hand sew the bottom edge using a ladder stitch for a clean, invisible finish.