Pollen Gatherer Quilted Throw Cushion Tutorial

by Wendy Chow September 30, 2025

For over a year now, I’ve been working behind the scenes on something truly special—my debut collaborative fabric collection, GeoBloom for Art Gallery Fabrics. From sketching the very first designs on my iPad, to countless back-and-forths over colors and designs, to finally holding the fabrics in my hands, it’s been a journey filled with creativity, patience, and excitement. You can take a closer look at the collection here.

It feels surreal that GeoBloom is finally taking flight and landing in stores. And, as often happens when new fabric arrives in my studio, it sparked inspiration for a fresh project—the Pollen Gatherer quilt block. This adorable foundation paper pieced design is a sweet nod to nature’s busy little pollinators and the Sewcial Bee Collective (the gals and I that put the collection together), and today I’m sharing a step-by-step tutorial on how to transform your Pollen Gatherer quilt block into a charming throw cushion cover.
Before you begin, make sure to download the Pollen Gatherer quilt block so you can follow along.

Below are the fabrics I used from the GeoBloom fabric collection to create these Pollen Gatherer quilt blocks:

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

· Pieced Pollen Gatherer quilt block. Download the block pattern here.
· Basic sewing machine
· Serger (optional)
· Rotary cutter
· Quilting ruler(s)
· Cutting mat
· Coordinating quilting cotton, fabric requirements are based on 42in WOF. Cut
o  From for cushion front (¼ yard): two (2) 2½in x 11½in rectangles, two (2) 2½in x 15½in rectangles
o  Cushion back fabric (⅓ yard): two (2) 9in x 15½in rectangles
o  Trim fabric (⅛ yard): two (2) 2in x 18in rectangles
o  Lining fabric (1¼ yards): one (1) 20in square; two (2) 14in x 20in rectangles

· Batting, cut: one (1) 20n square; two (2) 14in x 20in rectangles
· One cushion insert, approx. 15in
· Coordinating thread, 50wt cotton
· Quilting gloves (optional)
· Walking foot attachment
· Basting spray or pins
· Measuring tape
· Heramarker to mark quilting guidelines
· Fabric pen or pencil
· Pins
· Fabric scissors
· Point turner (optional)
· Iron

DIRECTIONS

Read through all the directions before you start. Seam allowance throughout the project is ¼in unless specified.

Step 1: Download Pollen Gatherer quilt block pattern here.

Step 2: Piece the Pollen Gatherer quilt block.

Step 3: Complete Cushion Top by sewing together two (2) 2½in x 11½in rectangles to the Pollen Gathered quilt block (top and bottom of the block), followed by two (2) 2½in x 15½in rectangles. Press the seams as you go.

Step 4: Create a total of three (3) cushion sandwiches: one (1) cushion top and two (2) cushion back sandwiches. Each cushion sandwich consists of the following layers:

Cushion top sandwich
o Cushion Top (from the previous step)
o Batting, one (1) 20in square
o Lining fabric, one (1) 20in square

Cushion back sandwich
o One (1) Cushion back fabric 9in x 15½in rectangle
o Batting, one (1) 14in x 20in rectangle
o Lining fabric, one (1) 14in x 20in rectangle
Spray or pin baste the three layers together and quilt as desired.

Step 5: Trim excess batting and quilt back on each Cushion Sandwich. Set Cushion Sandwiches aside for Step 7.

Step 6: For the remainder of the project, scroll down to Step 6 of the Springtide Meadow Quilted Throw Cushion Tutorial here and follow the remaining steps to complete the throw cushion.

Tip: To jump to the ‘Step 6’ section of the Springtide Meadow Quilted Throw Cushion Tutorial quick, on your keyboard hold down the ‘CTRL’ (on Windows) or ‘Command’ button and the letter ‘F’ to activate the find tool bar on your web browser. Then type in ‘Step 6’ and hit enter to jump to the section.

And there you have it—a quick, fun way to bring the Pollen Gatherer quilt block to life as a throw cushion cover. Whether you make one to bright up a favourite corner of your home, or stitch a whole set to gift to friends, this tutorial is a quick way to showcase Pollen Gatherer quilt block.

If you haven’t already, download the quilt block pattern to get started on this project. I can’t wait to see how you bring your Pollen Gatherer quilt blocks to life—whether you stick with GeoBloom fabrics or mix in your own favourites. Be sure to share your makes with me on Instagram by tagging @the.weekendquilter and using the hashtag #PollenGathererQuiltBlock.