A Love Story in Fabric + Quilted Pillow Tutorial

I’ve been so excited to share more about one of the most meaningful prints in my Love Letter fabric collection… but I had to keep it under wraps for a little while. You see, it was part of a surprise for my mom and her siblings. 

The Story Behind Heartfelt Notes

Heartfelt Notes is incredibly close to my heart. It was created using real love letters my Nana and Papa wrote to each other during World War II while my Papa was deployed. Their letters were full of devotion, daydreams, and little glimpses of life and love during a time of distance and uncertainty.

Turning their words into fabric was one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done as a designer. Their story lives in every line of handwriting, and I wanted this print to feel like a love letter stitched into your quilt, pillow, or keepsake.

Quilted Pillows with a Personal Touch

To celebrate this special print, I created pillowcases for my mom and her siblings using Heartfelt Notes. It felt like the perfect way to honor the love story that shaped them—and me.

Today, I’m sharing the simple and sweet pillowcase tutorial I used so you can sew a little love into your own home too. Whether you’re making these as gifts or keeping them for yourself, they’re a lovely way to showcase a fabric that means something to you.

These pillows feature a simple and satisfying 8-at-a-time half-square triangle (HST) method and a cozy envelope back. Let’s get stitching!

 

Heartfelt HST Pillow Tutorial

Finished Size:

16” x 16”

Materials:

For the pillow front:

• (1) 10” square of Heartfelt Notes (Fabric A)
• (1) 10” square of Coordinating Fabric (Fabric B)
• Batting and backing for quilting (approx. 17” x 17”)

For the pillow back:

• (1) 10” x 16.5” rectangle (Back A)
• (1) 13” x 16.5” rectangle (Back B)

Other supplies:

• Rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat (I love this swivel mat for trimming HSTs)
• Marking tool
• Iron and pressing mat
• Sewing machine + coordinating thread
• 16” x 16” pillow insert

Make the 8-at-a-time HSTs

1. Place your 10” squares of Fabric A and B right sides together. Using a marking tool, draw one diagonal line from corner to corner. Then draw the opposite diagonal. Next, draw one vertical and one horizontal line through the center (you’ll end up with an asterisk or star pattern).
2. Sew 1/4” away from each diagonal line. Stitch on both sides of each diagonal line only (do not sew along the perpendicular center lines).
3. Cut on all drawn lines. Carefully cut along both diagonals, the vertical, and horizontal lines. You’ll now have 8 triangles.
4. Press and trim. Open up each HST and press the seam to one side. Then trim each HST to your desired size. I trimmed mine to 4.5” for a 16.5” finished square.

Assemble and Quilt the Pillow Front

1. Lay out your 8 HSTs in a layout you love—there are so many design possibilities with half-square triangles! I’m including the 4 layouts I used for my pillows to inspire you.
2. Sew the blocks together in rows, pressing the seams to alternate sides so your points nest.
3. Layer your pillow top with batting and a backing fabric (a scrap will do, since it won’t be seen), and quilt as desired. I used simple straight-line quilting for a clean, modern look.
4. Trim your quilted pillow front to 16.5” x 16.5”.

Sew the Envelope Back

1. Hem one long edge of each back piece by folding it over ½”, pressing, and folding again. Stitch close to the inner fold.
2. Layer the back pieces on top of the pillow front, right sides together.
3. Place the smaller piece down first (10” x 16.5”), then the larger one (13” x 16.5”), overlapping them to create the envelope.
4. Pin or clip around all four edges and sew with a ¼” seam allowance.
5. Finish your seams with a zigzag stitch or serger, if desired. Turn right side out and press.

You now have a meaningful, cozy quilted pillow featuring HSTs and Heartfelt Notes. Whether you’re sewing it to honor a family story or just because you love the print, this pillow is sure to become a cherished addition to your space.

If you make one, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @becca.plymale.creative and use the hashtag #HeartfeltNotesFabric so I can cheer you on.

With love and gratitude,