Own an original piece by The Weekend Quilter. Shop the BIGGEST sample sale ever!

Springtide Meadow Quilted Throw Cushion Tutorial

by Wendy Chow

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home decor, and what better way to do so than with a handmade quilted throw cushion? This tutorial will guide you through creating a fresh and adorable cushion cover using all the foundation paper pieced blocks from my Springtide Meadow block series. With its charming spring and Easter-inspired designs, this cushion will add a cozy, handcrafted touch to your space.

Before you begin, make sure to download all the Springtide Meadow quilt block patterns so you can follow along. 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

  • Pieced blocks from the Springtide Meadow block series – one (1) Little Cottontail block, one (1) Flowering Tulip block and one (1) of each, 4in square, Eggs Three Ways 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:
    • Frame for cushion front (¼ yard): two (2) 2½in x 12½in rectangles; two (2) 2½in x 16½in rectangles
    • Cushion back fabric (⅓ yard): two (2) 10in x 16½in rectangles  
    • Trim fabric (⅛ yard): two (2) 2in x 18in rectangles
    • Lining fabric (1¼ yard): one (1) 20in square; two (2) 14in x 20in rectangles 
  • Batting, cut: one (1) 20in square; two (2) 14in x 20in rectangles  
  • One cushion insert, approx. 16in
  •  Coordinating thread, 50wt cotton
  • Quilting gloves (optional)
  • Brother Compact MuVit Digital Dual Feed Foot or walking foot attachment
  • Basting spray or pins
  • Measuring tape
  • Heramarker or dull knife, i.e., butter knife to mark quilting guide lines
  • 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 id ¼in unless specified.

Step 1: Download Little Cottontail, Flowering Tulip and Eggs Three Ways quilt block patterns. Piece one (1) Little Cottontail block, one (1) Flowering Tulip block and one (1) of each, 4in square, Eggs Three Ways block. Download the block patterns here.


 

Step 2: Following the photo below, sew together all the quilt blocks in the following order: 
a.    Sew Flowering Tulip and Little Cottontail block. Press the seam and set aside for Step 2c. 
b.    Sew all three (3) Eggs Three Ways blocks.
c.    Sew Flowering Tulip / Little Cottontail block and Egg Three Way blocks together. 

Press the seams as you go to create Cushion Top. 


Step 3: Complete Cushion Top by sewing together two (2) 2½in x 12½in rectangles to Cushion Top from the previous step, followed by two (2) 2½in x 16½in rectangles, as shown in the picture below. 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 10in x 16½in 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: Fold each cushion trim fabric in half lengthwise and press to create a total of two (2) trim units.



Step 7: With the wrong side of one (1) cushion back sandwich facing up, align the raw edge of one (1) trim unit with the longer raw edge of the cushion sandwich. Sew ¼in away from the raw edge. Remember to back stitch the start and end of each seam.

 

Step 8: Fold the finished edge of the trim unit over to the right side of the Cushion Back Sandwich. Use a coordinating thread and sew to secure the trim unit. Back stitch the start and end of the seam. Then with a ruler and rotary cutter or pair of fabric scissors, remove excess trim. 



Step 9: Repeat steps 7-8 with all Cushion Back Sandwiches and trim units. 

Step 10: With right sides together, lay one (1) Cushion Back Sandwich on top of one (1) Cushion Top Sandwich. 


Then with right sides together, lay the second cushion back sandwich on top of the cushion top sandwich and pin, as shown in the picture. Ensure the Trim units on the Cushion Back Sandwiches are positions away from the outer edges of the Cushion Top Sandwich. 



Step 11: Sew all the way around the outer edge with a ¼in seam allowance backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam. Then use an serger or zig zag stitch to cover the raw edges to prevent them from fraying. 



Step 12: Carefully clip the corners without cutting into the seam. Turn the cushion right way out, poking out the corners to create a crisp and flat finish. Trim loose threads and insert a cushion insert to complete the project. 





Now you have a beautiful, handmade quilted throw cushion that will bring a fresh and cheerful touch to your home this spring and Easter season. Whether displayed on a couch, chair, or bed, this cushion is a lovely way to showcase your Springtide Meadow quilt blocks in a fun and functional way.

If you haven't already, download the quilt block patterns to get started on this project. And don’t forget to check out my tutorial on transforming the Little Cottontail quilt block into a baby quilt for another creative way to use these adorable blocks. I’d love to see your finished cushion—tag me on social media (@the.weekendquilter) in your makes so I can admire your springtime creations! 

Back to Tips + Tutorials