Fat quarter travel pillow

I don’t like the U shaped travel pillows. I’ve tried several, and the bulk pressing against the back of my neck (really anything around my neck) drives me nuts. So I made a different kind of pillow. It is ideal for reclining chairs because it has two side pillows so my neck doesn’t twist too far, and no stuffing behind my head. The best part is that I made it with one fat quarter, some thread, and poly fil stuffing.

Photo description: fat quarter (18”x21”) of quilting fabric with a pineapple motif

To make the pillow, fold a fat quarter in half lengthwise, right sides together (9” x 21”, doubled). Sew along the edges, leaving two 4” gaps on the outside thirds of the long edge (for stuffing later).

Photo description: fat quarter folded in half and sewn with two gaps on the far edge, on a model 66 treadle sewing machine

Clip the corners and turn the pillow right side out. Fold the case in thirds, mark the line, then sew seams along the lines. This divides the pillow into three parts.

Photo description: pillow case divided into thirds and being sewn using the fold as a guide

Fill the outside sections with stuffing, then sew the gaps closed. I usually do this by hand, but the foot on my model 66 has such a nice tiny toe, I thought I would try on the treadle sewing machine. It worked well.

Photo description: sewing the pillow gap closed using a treadle machine fitted with a standard foot
Photo description: finished travel pillow laying on the work surface of a 1916 Singer treadle sewing machine

It amuses me that the fabric coordinates with the “red eye” decals on the sewing machine. I can report that the pillow works great, especially for naps.