top of page

How to Make a Whirlwind Patchwork Quilted Cushion Cover: Step-by-Step Sewing Tutorial

Updated: Nov 12

Create a cosy, quilted cushion cover using a whirlwind style quilting block made from half square triangles. This tutorial uses echo quilting, giving the cushion a wonderful texture. A great project for beginner quilters with a basic knowledge of quilting or experienced sewers looking for a fun project!


Finished size -

14.5" square

a quilted whirlwind patchwork cushion cover


What you'll need-

4 x 6.5” squares of cream shapes fabric

4 x 6.5" squares of terracotta pots fabric

1 x centre square measuring 5.5”

Back – 2 pieces of fabric measuring 10” x 15.5”


Tools -

rotary cutter and cutting mat

erasable fabric pen

pins or quilting clips

iron


1. Pin the squares together in pairs, one shapes and one pots, right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from one corner to the other. Sew ¼” from each side of the line.

square fabric pinned together


1. Cut along the line. Open out the triangles and press the seams to one side. Repeat with the remaining squares. You should have 8 in total.

two half square triangles


3. Trim each piece to 5.5” square. Arrange the blocks around the centre panel to create the pinwheel effect.

squares of fabric arranged on a white background


4. Sew together, right sides together in rows of three.

nine squares of fabric sewn together


5. Sew these three rows together, matching seams.

nine squares of fabric sewn together


6. To quilt the cushion cover, sew 1/4" down either side of the seams of the pinwheel shape (terracotta pots) using the seams as a guide. This technique is referred to as 'echo quilting.' Sew inside the centre block 1/4" from the edge and sew along the seam (stitch in the ditch)

nine squares of fabric sewn together and echo quilted


7. For the back, fold one long side of each backing piece over by ¼” twice and top stitch to create a hem.

two pieces of cream fabric for a cushion back

8. Place over the front of the cushion cover with the hemmed edges overlapping, sew all around the edge. Snip across the corners.

backing fabrics pinned to the cushion front


9. Turn the right side out and press. Insert your cushion pad and you're done!

finished quilted cushion cover

back of the finished cushion cover

Happy sewing!

Kym x

Comments


bottom of page