In the Hoop - Log Cabin Quilt Block - Pillow Tutorial

Snuggle alert! 🚨 Turn your embroidery machine into the ultimate cozy-maker with this super-fun hybrid Log Cabin pillowcase adventure! ✨ We’re building that classic, scrap-busting Log Cabin block right in-the-hoop for laser-precise piecing (no wonky seams here!), then hopping over to your regular sewing machine for the magical final touches: quilting, borders, and a dreamy envelope back that slips your pillow form in like a warm blanket hug. 💕

Whether you’re an embroidery newbie dipping your toes into quilting or a weekend warrior craving a quick, feel-good make, this project mixes the wow of machine embroidery with good ol’ traditional piecing for the best of both worlds. Grab your scraps, hit play on our companion video for all the visual magic, and dive into the cut charts, supply list, and tips below to whip up your very own customizable cuddle buddy. Let’s make something adorably cozy together! 🏡

Cozy Log Cabin Pillow Cover

Cut Chart

Finishes at 18" square – the perfect plump hug with an 18" pillow form.

🌟Center Log Cabin Block 

• 1 square: 10.5" × 10.5" (unfinished – pieced in-the-hoop magic!)

🎀First Border – Inner Sashing + Cornerstones

• 4 cornerstones: 2.5" × 2.5" each
• 4 sashing strips: 2.5" × 10.5" each
  → Use 2 plain for top + bottom
  → Sew a cornerstone to each end of the other 2 for the sides

🌈Second Border – Outer Border

• 2 strips: 2.5" × 14.5" (for first pair of opposite sides – top/bottom or left/right)
• 2 strips: 2.5" × 18.5" (for second pair – after adding the first pair)👉 Tip: Measure your pillow front before adding this border. Depending on piecing and seam accuracy, you may want to trim your unit slightly or adjust this strip length for a perfect fit.

  🛌Envelope Back Pieces

  • 2 rectangles: 18.5" wide × 13.25" tall each
    (includes 4" overlap + 2" for double-fold hem)

• 🧵Binding

  • 3 strips: 2.5" × width of fabric (WOF 42–44")
    Gives ~126–132" total – plenty for joins, mitered corners & wiggle room! 

• 🧸Quilt Sandwich Prep (Batting + Backing)

  • Batting: 22.5" × 22.5"
  • Backing (for quilting): 22.5" × 22.5"
  • 👉 This gives you ~2" extra on all sides for quilting and trimming.
  • ✨ POP Tip: Don’t skip the extra! Quilting causes shrinkage and shifting — this gives you room to square everything up nicely.

  🎯Finished Pillow Specs

  • Pillow front: 18.5" unfinished → 18" finished
  • Recommended insert: 18" pillow form (extra squishy & huggable!) 🧸