A modern take on a classic quilt block, this Lemonye Star Quilt Block Pillow is perfect for beginning sewers. You’ll learn how to create a Half Square Triangle (HST) that can be used in many different quilt-block patterns. Along with being easy to put together, the DIY pillow is also stylish. Made from a pair of old denim jeans and white linen, the bold blue and white star pattern makes the final pillow perfect for decorating for the Fourth of July.
Of course, you could use other materials, but by combing the denim and white linen, it really elevates the pillow to feel high-end. It also creates a more modern look than using regular quilt fabric. I really loved how the faded denim creates interest yet is also unified. The texture of both fabrics also adds to its appeal.
Materials
Note: This makes a 16″ pillow cover. For larger pillows, you’ll need to adjust your square size according to a Half Square Triangle (HST) size chart.
- Old pair of denim jeans (or denim fabric) – cut into eight 4 7/8″ squares
- White linen – cut into eight 4 7/8″ squares
- White linen – cut into two 16″ x 12″ panels – for your pillow back
- White thread
- 16″ pillow insert
- Tools: ruler, cutting mat, rotary cutter, fabric scissors, fabric pen/pencil, straight pins, sewing machine, iron
Instructions
Step 1: Make 16 Half Square Triangles
Place one denim square and one linen square right sides together with the linen side facing up. Using a ruler and your fabric pen/pencil, draw a signal line across your square. (Optional: draw a line 1/4″ away from the centerline on both the right and left sides of the line. This is only needed if you feel you need the extra guide for sewing.)
Sew 1/4″ away from the centerline on both the right and left sides of the line.
After you sew both lines, cut down the centerline using your rotary cutter or fabric scissors. You’ll now have two half-square triangles. Repeat for the remaining squares (seven more times in order to create 16 total half square triangles).
Iron your half square triangle open. Press the seams open. This will make sure the denim side of your squares does not get too heavy/thick. Trim off excess seams that overlap outside of the square shape.
Step 2: Create Your Lemonye Star Quilt Block Pattern
Keep in mind, a typical Lemonye Star quilt block has at least three fabric colors; however, I’m only using two to make it more modern and a bit abstract. Just search Lemonye Star in Pinterest and you can see other arrangement options.
Now, start your pattern by creating a pinwheel in the center and then move out from there following the above pattern pictured. You’ll have four squares across and you’ll make four rows. I had about four half-square triangles that had more faded denim than the other squares so I put those in the center and moved out from there. I like how it looks like the star is a gradient.
Once you have your pattern, sew each row together. Then sew each row together from top to bottom to create your final pillow front.
Step 3: Create Your Envelope Pillow
The back of your pillow will be made using your two 16″ x 12″ white linen panels. Start by create a hem on each of your white linen panels. To do this, fold-down the 16″ side about 3/4″ and press with your iron. Fold-down one more time and press again. Then sew along the fold line with about an 1/8″ seam allowance. Repeat with your other panel.
Now place your quilt block face up on the table. Line up your white linen panels with the quilt block, right-sides together. Your linen panels will overlap in the center. Pin in place. Sew along all four sides. Trim/clip each corner at a diagonal before turning. Once clipped, turn rights sides out. You have a finished pillow. Insert your 16″ pillow insert and enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed this modern take on a classic quilt pattern. I plan to make another pillow but I will be arranging the half-square triangles in a different pattern. I’m sure I’ll post it here for you to make as well. As for the styling, if you like the red vases in the picture, I made them by covering a coffee can with red and white fabric. Get the full tutorial on my post, DIY Upcycled Coffee Can Vase.
