I think that autumn has to be my favorite season of the year. The temperature is usually nice, the leaves start turning those stunning shades of orange and yellow, and the holidays are right around the corner. When my fall décor comes out, the house is full of festive, comfortable looks. This year I’ll have this pixelated acorn pillow pattern to add to the mix.

In various shades of browns, this design would look good any time of year, but it really stands out in the autumn. Because of it’s large size, it fits well on a large sofa or bed, and can even be an accent piece on the floor.

As with all of my other patterns in this pixelated holiday throw pillow series, it is easy to make and is a great way to use up scrap fabrics left over from other projects.

Pattern specs:

• Finished pillow case measures 22” square and will fit a 24” pillow insert (fits better with an insert that is not too thick)
• A scant 1/4” seam allowance is used

Supplies you will need:

Front design of pillow case – Scrap fabrics cut into 2 1/2” squares (121 in all)

For the Front

• Dark Browns – 22 squares
• Medium Browns – 29 squares
• Various shades of off-white, cream and light browns – 70 squares

For the Back

• 2 pieces of fabric, both cut 22 1/2” X 16”
• 24” pillow form – A flatter pillow insert is recommended
• General sewing supplies

If you need pillow forms or more scraps, here are some options for you.

Step 1 – Lay Out the Design

On a large, flat surface, lay out your squares, following the pattern grid.

Step 2 – Prepare To Sew

1. Organize the fabric rows carefully, so the squares do not get mixed up.
2. First, cut 11 small pieces of scrap paper, number them sequentially, and set them aside.
3. Next, start with the top row (row 1), pick up the squares in order from left to right, and form a stack of squares for that row. Make sure the left piece of the row is on top.
4. Finally, take the scrap of paper with the number 1 on it and pin it through the stack for that row. Pin it in the top left of the square so you’ll know where the top corner is.
5. Repeat with the rest of the rows.

Step 3 – Sew The Front

1. Sew the individual squares together, row by row. Use care to keep them in the correct order. Leave the paper marker with the row number on it, pinned to the top left corner of the row so you know the positioning. Hint: When sewing the individual squares together I sew pairs together and put a pin in the left square so I know which way it gets joined to the other pair.
2. After all of the individual rows are done, start sewing them together. Take care not to sew over the paper row number, but keep the labels in place until the front of the pillow case is done.
3. Press the completed top. If you used the 1/4” seam allowance, your top should measure 22 1/2” X 22 1/2”.

Pressing tip: When piecing the individual rows, make sure to press each seam in the same direction and alternate that direction with each row. For example: Press row 1 seams to the right, row 2 seams to the left, row 3 seams to the right and so on. This will make it much easier to sew the finished rows together because you can nest the seams.

Step 3 – Prepare The Back

1. Take one of the large pieces of back fabric and lay it, wrong side facing up.
2. Fold over one of the long edges about 1/2” and press.
3. Sew down the long edge.
4. Repeat with the other piece.

Step 4 – Assemble The Pillow Case

1. First, lay the completed front of the case on a flat surface, right side facing up.
2. Then lay one of the back pieces, right side facing down, on top of the front piece, lining up the unfinished edges on the top and sides. The finished long edge will be in the middle of the pillow.
3. Next, lay the second back piece, right side facing down, with the unfinished edges lined up on the bottom and sides. The finished long edge will be overlapping the other piece of the backing.
4. Pin around the outside, pinning the front and back together.
5. Sew around the outside, using a 1/4” seam allowance. For extra stability, backstitch along the edges of the opening of the case.
6. Finally, trim off the corners.

Step 5 – Finish the Pillow

1. Turn the case right sides out. Make sure to carefully push out the corners.
2. Insert the pillow form.

Pixelated Acorn Pillow Pattern

Don’t worry, the squirrels won’t get this acorn. It’s way too big for them. But you’ll love it, and you’ll love that it’s so easy to put together.

So make some pumpkin spice coffee, grab a good book, and snuggle up with this whimsical pillow. You’ll be ready for whatever the season brings.

If you like this pixelated look for any holiday, take a look at my other patterns in the series. You’ll have a pillow all year round with these designs.

You can find these other patterns here:

• Hearts
• Easter Egg
• Shamrock
• Flag
• Witch’s Hat

Happy Sewing!