🧵 Two matching fabric squares (any size)
Log cabin blocks, charm squares, or any two squares of the same size. Use your favorite scraps! Shop charm packs.

🔶 One 1½" square for the beak
A contrasting solid works best — think gold, orange, or yellow.

🔷 One 2½" square for the tail
This becomes a prairie point. Match it to your body fabric or go bold with contrast. Shop precut fabrics.

🎀 One small scrap for the comb (about 1" × 2½")
A little strip folded in half — this is the fluffy bit on top of the chicken's head.

🧶 Polyester fiberfill stuffing
A handful is all you need to plump up your bird.

✂️ Rotary cutter, ruler & mat — Shop rotary cutters

📌 Pins — Shop pins & clips

🪡 Sewing machine & thread — Shop thread

Step 1: Prepare Your Squares

Start with your two matching squares. They can be any size — Jenny uses log cabin blocks, but charm squares, 6" squares, or even 10" squares all work. The key is that both squares are the exact same size.

If you're using orphan blocks (those leftover blocks from other projects), stack them on top of each other and trim to match. A quilting ruler makes this quick and precise.

Step 2: Make the Beak

Take your 1½" square and fold it in half diagonally to form a small triangle. Press it with your iron. This little triangle becomes the chicken's beak.

Position the beak on one of your squares, about a quarter inch down from the top edge, with the point facing inward toward the center of the block and the raw edges aligned with the side edge of the square. Pin it in place.

Step 3: Make the Prairie Point Tail

The tail is a classic prairie point. Take your 2½" square and fold it in half diagonally. Then fold that triangle in half one more time. You'll end up with a smaller, layered triangle — all the raw edges on one side, a clean folded point on the other.

Place the tail on the opposite side of the same square from the beak, about a quarter inch from the top. The folded edge should be aligned with the side edge of the block, and the raw edges pointing inward.

Jenny shows how to fold the prairie point tail — it's easier than it looks!

Step 4: Add the Comb

Cut a small strip of fabric about 1" wide and 2½" long. Fold it in half lengthwise and press. This becomes the comb — the little tuft on top of the chicken's head.

Tuck the comb between the two squares at the top, with the raw edges pointing upward and the fold pointing down into the body. Position it about a quarter inch from the side with the beak.

Step 5: Sew the Body

Place your two squares right sides together, sandwiching the beak, tail, and comb between them. Make sure all your little pieces are tucked inside and pinned securely — you don't want anything shifting while you sew.

Sew down one side, pivot at the corner, and continue down the adjacent side using a quarter-inch seam allowance. Leave the bottom completely open.

Now sew the remaining seam along the bottom, but leave about a 1½" opening in the center for turning and stuffing.

Step 6: Turn and Stuff

Clip the corners diagonally (being careful not to cut your stitches), then turn the chicken right side out through the opening. Use a chopstick or turning tool to gently push out the corners — you want that beak and tail to poke out nice and sharp.

Stuff the chicken with polyester fiberfill, packing it firmly. You want a plump, round little bird that will hold pins upright. Don't be shy with the stuffing!

Step 7: Close It Up

Hand-stitch the opening closed using a ladder stitch (also called a blind stitch). Fold the raw edges inward and sew small, invisible stitches to close the gap. Pull the thread tight and the seam practically disappears.

And just like that — you have a chicken! Give it a gentle squeeze to shape it, fluff up the comb, and fan out that tail. Now stick some pins in it and put it to work.

A whole flock of fabric chickens — each one unique thanks to different quilt blocks!

🐔 Use orphan blocks: Those leftover quilt blocks finally have a purpose! Two matching orphans make the most charming chickens because every one is unique.

🐔 Make them in batches: These are so fast to sew that you can easily make 5-6 in an afternoon. They're perfect for guild swaps, craft fairs, or stocking stuffers.

🐔 Experiment with sizes: Bigger squares make bigger chickens. Try 8" squares for a statement-size pin cushion, or 4" squares for tiny chicks.

🐔 Add weighted filling: For a pin cushion that stays put, mix a little crushed walnut shells or poly pellets with your stuffing.

🐔 Embellish: Sew on a small button eye, add a ribbon bow, or use decorative thread for the closing stitch. Little details make these gifts extra special.