DIY Quilt Block That Spells Out “DAD” – The Perfect Pillow Project
Looking for a heartfelt handmade gift that’s just right for Father’s Day, birthdays, or any day you want to celebrate Dad? This “DAD” quilt block is the perfect blend of simple, bold, and personal. Measuring 9½" x 17½", it’s perfectly sized to become the front of a throw pillow that Dad will actually use—and cherish.
Download the FREE Pattern here!
A Block That Speaks Volumes
This quilt block spells out “DAD” in bold, graphic letters that are easy to piece and fun to customize. Whether you’re using solids for a modern look or playing with plaids and shirtings for that classic dad vibe, this block becomes a showpiece.
Finished block size: 9½" x 17½"
Skill level: Confident beginner
Time to complete: About 1–2 hours
What You'll Love About This Project
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Personalized: You can use fabrics that reflect your dad’s personality—fishing prints, sports fabrics, or even pieces of his old shirts.
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Fast finish: In just an afternoon, you can have the front of a pillow that looks custom and thoughtful.
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Pillow-ready: This block is already sized to become a lumbar-style pillow front—just add a back, batting, and quilting, and you’re ready to stuff!
Suggested Fabrics
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Background: Choose a light or neutral solid to make the letters pop.
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Letters: Use a bold fabric, high contrast to the background. Solids, stripes, or novelty prints all work great.
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Optional borders: Add a small border (½" to 1") to frame the design or bring the size up to fit your pillow form.
Ways to Use It
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Make a Father’s Day pillow and pair it with a card and coffee mug.
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Turn the block into a wall hanging for Dad’s office or workshop.
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Incorporate it into a larger quilt featuring blocks that represent your dad’s hobbies or initials.
Final Touches
Once you’ve pieced the block, consider quilting around the letters or using echo quilting to give them a little extra definition. Finish it off with a simple envelope or zippered back, and just like that—you’ve got a handmade gift that’s useful, decorative, and full of love.
Download the Free Pattern Here or watch the video tutorial here!
Bonus Idea: Want to get even more personal? Embroider or appliqué your kids’ names on the back or add a tag that says “Handmade for Dad, [year]”.
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned quilter, this DAD block is a fast and satisfying project with a big impact. Get stitching and give Dad something he’ll treasure every day.