Recreate the Magic: Revisiting the Gum Drop Pillow

We’re excited to take a stroll down memory lane and revisit one of our favorite projects from 2020: the Gum Drop Pillow. This fun and versatile project is not only charming but also surprisingly easy to complete. If you’re already thinking ahead to handmade Christmas gifts for next year, the Gum Drop Pillow could be just the inspiration you need. Let’s take a look back and spark some creativity!

Gum Drop Pillow

I have a new and exciting project this week. This project was so fun and easy. I ended up making four in a week! I used fabric from July’s Cotton Cuts Modern Maker box featuring Guicy Guice’s new fabric. I also used Robert Kaufman Chromatic. I decided to be eco-friendly and stuff the pillows using small fabric scraps from Cotton Cuts. I found this  Amy Butler Gumdrop pattern on Creativebug.

Materials needed

• 1 ⅛ yards each of two coordinating fabrics
• 10x10 inch piece of fabric for the top center octagon
• 8x8 inch of lightweight interfacing
• 9” zipper to match fabric
• Coordinating thread
• 84 ounces of polyester fiber fill or fabric scraps to stuff pillow
• Fabric marking pen

First you will need to print the pattern and tape it together. I made the smaller 18”pillow. If you are using a patterned fabric you may decide to fussy cut the design. For this pillow I placed on the fold and used a ruler and rotary cutter. You will cut four on the fold of each color.

Next, I used the pattern piece to mark the pivot dots onto the wrong side of the all fabric pieces. I then paired up one of each of the fabrics to prepare for sewing. I found it was easier to put the zipper in first. I sewed the ½” seam allowance to the pivot dot and then put the stitch length to 4 sewing to the next pivot dot and adjusted it back to 2.0 stitch length. I think the smaller stitch length is important for secure seams especially if it will get lots of use. Press your seams open. The section between the pivot dots is where you will place the zipper. I placed ¼” double stick tape to hold the front side of the zipper in place on the wrong side of the fabric centered on the seam.

Using the zipper foot on the right side of the fabric, sew alongside the zipper teeth. I stitched twice across the bottom of the zipper to reinforce the area. After the zipper is in place carefully use a seam ripper to reveal the zipper.

The first pillow I made in the purple and black and I followed the pattern directions for the zipper installation. I found this method was much easier so I used the green fabric pillow as my example for the pictures. Continue to sew the other three pairs together along one side making four sets. Be sure to press the seams open as you go along. Then sew two of those sets together ending up with two halves of the pillow with alternating colors.

Next you will sew the two halves together from one pivot dot across the top matching the points to the next pivot dot. Stop there to make it easier to attach the top octagon piece. I decided to fussy cut the purple fabric to get the exact design on the top. Cut the same shape from the interfacing. Be sure to mark the pivot dots to keep the shape correct as you sew. Sew right sides together with a ½ inch seam.

Trim the excess fabric from the corners and cut about a 4” slit in the interfacing and turn right sides out pushing out the corners.

Press the octagon shape. Now it is time to align it on top of the pillow and pin it in place. Take it to the machine and top stitch close to the edge.

I always double check I have just the two layers I want under the needle. It can easily catch another part of the fabric you don’t intend to sew. Before moving on to the next step be sure that the zipper is open. Now you will finish by sewing from one pivot dot to the other closing up the pillow. I carefully pressed the empty pillow one last time before stuffing.

I used fabric and batting scraps to fill the pillow. I did use some poly fill on the outer part and in the corners to give a smooth appearance. It will take quite a bit to fill it enough to sit on without flattening out. You could even fill it with stuffed animals! Zip it closed and admire your beautiful new gumdrop pillow!

I made this one with extra fabric from a quilt I made for my son.

This project was put together and documented by Joanne, formerly of our Cotton Cuts team.