Some projects carry more meaning than their stitches, and this pillow is one of them. The frayed fabric squares, placed around the edges, tell of scraps and fragments being made whole again.
At the center, the hand-stitched words give life to the design, reminding us that even when we feel broken, healing and renewal are possible.
Specially, the small cross stitched onto the corner ties the message together, turning a simple pillow into a testimony of faith.
It feels less like a craft and more like a story you can hold close, something that reminds you of strength in gentleness.
Materials Needed
- 1 pillow cover (16”×16” or 18”×18” in neutral cotton or linen)
- Scraps of patterned fabric (5-6 small pieces, approx. 3”×3” each)
- Embroidery thread (black for lettering, neutral for edging)
- Felt or fabric
- Fabric glue or needle and thread
- Scissors, pins, and embroidery hoop
- 1 pillow insert
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut small squares of patterned fabric.
You next arrange them around the border of the pillow cover, mixing plaids, florals, and stripes for variety. Attach using a straight stitch or fabric glue.
Step 2: Cut a rectangle of plain fabric for the center panel. Lightly sketch your inspirational quote with pencil or washable fabric marker.
Step 3: Using black embroidery thread, carefully stitch the letters by hand, keeping your stitches even but not overly rigid as handmade charm is part of the beauty.
Step 4: Add a cross cut from felt or fabric to one corner of the panel. Then stitch or glue it securely.
Step 5: Attach the finished panel to the pillow cover, sewing it down with a visible border stitch for a rustic framed effect.
Step 6: Insert the pillow form, fluff it, and place it somewhere special where its message can be seen and felt.
Tips: I found that using mismatched scraps from old quilts gave mine more personality and made it feel like it carried a history.