Fabric has a way of carrying time. A patch of gingham recalls summer picnics, a lace scrap reminds you of weddings, and a solid pink square feels like quiet evenings.
When you sew them into a circle pillow, they gather into a soft mosaic of your life.
Moreover, the number or symbol you embroider at the center becomes your own signature, turning the pillow into a keepsake as personal as handwriting.
Materials Needed
- 8-10 fabric scraps (cotton, lace, or linen, each about 6”×6”)
- 1 large circle template (12” diameter, or use a dinner plate)
- Embroidery thread and needle
- Polyester stuffing (about 200-250 g)
- Scissors and fabric chalk
- Sewing machine (or hand sewing needle)
- Pins or clips
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Choose your fabrics. Mix colors and textures that remind you of meaningful times like soft pastels, bold checks, lace panels.
Step 2: Cut them into segments and stitch together like slices of a pie until you have a round patchwork front piece. Use a large circle template to trim neatly.
Step 3: For the back, cut one solid fabric circle of the same size. This will make your pillow sturdy and comfortable.
Step 4: Embroider a number, symbol, or even an initial in the center. This step adds soul, it turns a pillow into your pillow.
Step 5: Place the front and back circles together, right sides facing in. Then sew around the edge, leaving a 3” opening.
Step 6: Turn inside out, fill with stuffing until it feels plump, and stitch the opening closed.
Tips:
When I stitched mine, I tucked in a piece of my grandmother’s tablecloth. It made the pillow feel like more than fabric, it felt like family.
Don’t worry about uneven stitches; the charm of patchwork lies in its imperfections.