Moda Fabrics North Star Panel Pillow - Downloadable PDF

Moda Fabrics North Star Panel Pillow – Quilted Envelope Pillow Pattern Summary

The North Star Panel Pillow is a downloadable PDF quilting pattern from Moda Fabrics that guides quilters through creating a beautiful 19" x 19" quilted envelope-style pillow. Designed at an intermediate difficulty level, this project is an excellent way to showcase one of the charming state-themed panels from the Lakeside Story fabric collection. The finished pillow is a polished, decorative accent piece that combines classic quilting construction with a practical envelope back closure, making it both functional and visually striking.

About the Lakeside Story State Panels

One of the most distinctive features of this pattern is its use of a Lakeside Story State Panel as the central focal point of the pillow front. There are six U.S. state panels available within the Lakeside Story collection, giving quilters the flexibility to personalize their project. The available state panels are:

• Illinois – SKU 13357 11P
• Indiana – SKU 13358 11P
• Michigan – SKU 13359 11P
• Minnesota – SKU 13360 11P (featured in the North Star Panel Pillow)
• Ohio – SKU 13361 11P
• Wisconsin – SKU 13362 11P

Each state panel contains two large panel options, and quilters are instructed to select one of these large panels as their centerpiece. The chosen panel is carefully trimmed to an 11½" square, with attention paid to centering the panel image within that measurement. This centering step is an important intermediate-level skill, as it ensures the printed design is displayed symmetrically within the finished pillow front.

Construction Techniques

This pattern employs several core quilting and pillow-making techniques that are well-suited to an intermediate quilter. The overall construction follows a traditional quilt-as-you-go or structured pillow-front assembly approach, combining a pieced and quilted front panel with a simple envelope-style back.

Envelope Back Construction

The envelope closure is a popular and practical finishing method for quilted pillows. Rather than using a zipper or buttons, the back of the pillow is formed by two overlapping fabric rectangles. This creates a hidden opening through which the pillow form can be inserted and removed for washing or storage. The pattern calls for cutting two 15" x 21" rectangles from the lining fabric to form these overlapping back panels.

Sashing and Borders

The Lakeside Story Charm Pack (SKU 13350PP) is used to create the sashing and border elements that frame the central state panel. Charm packs consist of pre-cut 5" squares of coordinating fabrics, making them a convenient and color-coordinated choice for adding pieced detail around the panel centerpiece. Working with charm squares requires accurate cutting and precise seam allowances to ensure the sashing aligns neatly around the focal panel.

Lining and Quilting

The pillow front is lined with a 21" x 21" square of lining fabric, which provides structure and stability to the quilted front. This lining step is characteristic of traditional quilting construction, where a fabric sandwich — typically consisting of a top, batting or lining, and backing — is assembled before quilting. The lining helps the pillow front maintain its shape and gives it a professional, finished feel.

Binding

A separate binding fabric is used to finish the edges of the pillow, adding a clean, framed border around the perimeter. Binding is a hallmark quilting technique in which strips of fabric are folded and stitched around the raw edges of a quilt or quilted project to enclose and protect them. This detail elevates the pillow from a simple sewn cushion to a truly quilted decorative piece.

Materials Required

The pattern specifies the following materials for completing the North Star Panel Pillow: