Ghost Cushion - using XL Ghost Template (Downloadable)

The Ghost Template now comes in three sizes! With the new Extra Large size, you can create even more fun projects.

• Small: finishes at approx. 8" × 6 ¾"
• Large: finishes at approx. 11 ½" × 9 ¾"
• Extra Large: finishes at approx. 17 ¼" × 14 ½" — NEW SIZE!

 

 

Original blog post: Last-Minute Halloween Fun with DIY Ghost Applique!

 

 

I’ve been wanting to make a patchwork version of the Ghost cushion for a while, and I finally had the chance using the Extra Large template. Here’s how I made it with a zipper!

 

Materials Needed

• (1) Ghost Template XL – download and print
• (30) 4" square fabrics – for the cushion front
• (2) 12" × 18" fabric pieces – for the cushion back
• (1) 23" × 20" fabric – lining for the front
• (2) 14" × 20" fabric pieces – lining for the back
• (1) 22" × 19" piece of poly batting (or batting of choice) – for the front
• (2) 13" × 19" pieces of poly batting (or batting of choice) – for the back
• (1) 10" (or longer) zipper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Template

• • Download and print the template following the note on the first page.
  • Cut out the templates without seam allowance, then tape them together as shown in the diagram.

2. Piece the Patchwork Front

• • With right sides together (RST), sew the 4" squares into rows: 6 squares per column × 5 squares per row. 
  • Use a ¼" seam allowance. Press seams open or to one side.
  • Tip: I used a Web-Piecing method (Reel / Blog) and pressed seams to one side, alternating the direction for each row.

3. Make Quilt Sandwiches

• • Layer the patchwork front with batting and lining, then repeat for the two back pieces.
  • Quilt as desired. Trim away any excess.
  • Note: I used poly batting and quilted wavy lines spaced 2 ½" apart. This kept the cushion soft and not too dense.

 

4. Attach the Zipper

• • Follow the tutorial “OMBRE RAINBOW: Quilted Cushion Cover” for step-by-step zipper instructions.
  • If using a 10" zipper, center it on the quilted back piece and mark the start and end points.
  • If you’re using a longer zipper (as I did), fold the template in half and align it with the long edge of the quilted back. Mark 2" in from the template edge on both sides, as shown. Sew across the end of the zipper a few times to secure it, then trim off the excess length.

 

 

5. Trace & Sew the Ghost Shape

• • On the wrong side of the quilted back piece (with zipper), trace the Ghost outline.
  • Layer the quilted front and back pieces with RST. Sew directly on the traced line.

 

 

6. Trim & Clip Curves

• • Trim the seam allowance to ¼". (I usually use ½" for cushions, but it felt too bulky here.)
  • Clip small notches along the curves so the edges will turn smoothly.

 

 

7. Finish

• • Turn the cover right side out.
  • Appliqué the eyes using your preferred method.
  • Tip: I hand-appliquéd the eyes with the freezer paper method after finishing the cushion cover, but you can also attach them earlier, before making the quilt sandwich if you prefer.
  • Insert your cushion stuffing and close the zipper.

 

 

Congratulations! You made your Ghost cushion!!

 

 

Return to Last-Minute Halloween Fun with DIY Ghost Applique! blog post.