There’s a quiet romance in patchwork. Each square carries a whisper of memory, each stitch ties the past to the present.
With lace, buttons, and bits of crochet, you’re not just making a pillow, you’re weaving together textures that feel like nostalgia.
Materials Needed
- 1 pillow insert (16 x 16 in / 40 x 40 cm)
- Assorted fabric scraps in soft prints (blue, cream, beige) – cut into squares (5 x 5 in)
- 1 crochet doily or lace square (approx. 8 x 8 in)
- Lace trim (1 yard, 2.5 cm wide)
- 5-7 buttons in assorted sizes and colors
- Needle and matching thread
- Sewing machine (optional)
- Scissors, pins, and ruler
- Fabric backing (16 x 16 in, plain cotton or linen)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Start by cutting fabric scraps into equal squares (around 5 x 5 inches).
You need to lay them out on a flat surface, mixing colors and prints until you find a pleasing arrangement. Keep the crochet doily or lace square for the center as your focal point.
Step 2: Sew the fabric squares together row by row, pressing the seams flat as you go. Once rows are complete, join them to form a 16 x 16 inch patchwork front.
Step 3: Position the crochet or lace square in the center. Pin it securely, then stitch around the edges using either a straight stitch or a decorative zig-zag to give it a framed look.
Step 4: Add lace trim to one or more seams, layering it so it looks naturally blended into the patchwork. This gives the pillow a textured, heirloom-like quality.
Step 5: Hand-sew buttons in one corner, arranging them like little blossoms. Mix different sizes and shades for a playful yet vintage effect.
You can even create small fabric yo-yos to stitch underneath a few buttons for extra charm.
Step 6: Place the finished patchwork front and backing fabric right sides together.
Finally, sew around the edges, leaving a 5-inch opening. Turn it inside out, press lightly, then insert the pillow form. Stitch the opening closed by hand.
Tips:
I like to mix textures when I do this kind of pillow. A piece of crochet paired with cotton prints feels timeless, while lace running along the seams adds that handmade, romantic touch.
Don’t hesitate to use buttons from different sets as the mismatched look only adds to its personality. If you’re making this as a gift, you could even include a scrap from a meaningful garment.