Hello, fellow makers! Do you want to create a special, cozy spot for your favorite little reader? Imagine a soft, plush pillow they can lean on, with a big pocket right on the front, perfect for holding their favorite book, a flashlight, or even a little snack.
Today, I’m going to show you how to sew a reading pillow. I know it looks fancy, but I promise it’s a fun and surprisingly simple project. This DIY book pillow is the perfect handmade gift for birthdays, holidays, or just to make reading time extra magical.
Forget complicated patterns. We’ll walk through this step-by-step, and before you know it, you’ll have an amazing reading cushion that will be loved for years. Let’s get our machines ready and make something wonderful!
Why You’ll Love This DIY Book Pillow
This isn’t just any pillow. It’s a reading pillow with a purpose! The big front pocket is a game-changer, keeping stories right where your child can reach them. It encourages them to curl up and get lost in a good book.
Plus, this project is perfect for using those fun, colorful fabrics you’ve been saving. You can add special touches like soft quilting and a sturdy handle, making it easy for kids to carry their reading nook from the couch to their bed. It’s a project filled with love.
What You’ll Need: Your Materials Checklist
Before we start sewing, let’s gather our supplies. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Here is a simple list of what you will need to create your own pillow with a book pocket.
| Item | Amount / Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pillow Fabric | See fabric guide below | This is for the main body, back, pocket, and handle. |
| Fusible Fleece | 18″ x 18″ piece | This makes the front of the pillow soft and puffy. |
| Fusible Interfacing | About 1 yard | This adds strength to the back, pocket, and handle. |
| Pillow Form | 16″ x 16″ | Using a slightly smaller form makes the pillow full and comfy. |
| All-Purpose Thread | 1 Spool | Choose a color that matches your main fabric. |
| Basic Sewing Tools | – | Scissors, pins or clips, a rotary cutter and mat, and a ruler. |
An Important First Step: Let’s Talk About Fabric
Here’s a pro tip that will save you a lot of trouble! Look closely at the print on your fabric. Do the pictures or patterns all go in one direction, like little cars or animals standing up? We call this directional fabric.
If your fabric print looks the same no matter which way you turn it (like polka dots or a solid color), it’s non-directional. How much fabric you need depends on which type you have.
This table makes it easy to figure out.
| Fabric Type | Fabric Needed | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Directional | ½ yard | You can cut your pieces in any direction, which saves fabric. |
| Directional | 1 ¼ yards | You need more fabric to make sure all the patterns face the right way up. |
Getting this right from the start ensures your finished pillow looks professional and cute, with no upside-down campers or bears!
Let’s Get Started! How to Sew Your Reading Pillow Step-by-Step
Alright, it’s time for the fun part. We are going to build this reading pillow piece by piece. Just follow along, and you’ll see how easy it is.
Step 1: Prepare and Cut Your Fabric
First, we cut. Using a rotary cutter and mat will give you the cleanest, straightest edges.
Cut your main fabric into these pieces:
- Pillow Front: One 18″ x 18″ square.
- Back Panel (Upper): One 12″ x 18″ rectangle.
- Back Panel (Lower): One 9″ x 18″ rectangle.
- Pocket: One 18″ x 18″ square.
- Handle: One 4″ x 9″ rectangle.
Next, cut your fusible materials:
- Fusible Fleece: One 18″ x 18″ square.
- Fusible Interfacing: Cut pieces to match your pocket, handle, and both back panels.
Step 2: Quilt the Pillow Front
Let’s make the pillow front extra cozy. Take your 18″ x 18″ pillow front fabric and place it wrong-side-up. Place the fusible fleece on top, with the bumpy (glue) side down against the fabric. Press it with a hot iron to stick them together.
Now, for the quilting! You don’t need to be an expert. Just sew straight lines from top to bottom, about 2 inches apart. This adds a lovely texture and makes the pillow feel so much nicer.
Step 3: Create the Pocket and Handle
Set the pillow front aside. Let’s make the pocket.
Iron the fusible interfacing to the back of your 18″ x 18″ pocket fabric. Then, fold the pocket in half so it becomes an 18″ x 9″ rectangle. Press it to create a nice, sharp crease at the top. Sew a straight line across this top folded edge to finish it neatly.
For the handle, iron the interfacing to the back of the 4″ x 9″ fabric. Fold it in half lengthwise and press. Open it up, then fold each long edge into the center crease you just made. Fold it in half again to hide the raw edges. Stitch down both long sides to create a strong, clean strap.
Step 4: Make the Back “Envelope” Pieces
This pillow has an “envelope” back, which means you can easily take the pillow form out for washing. No zippers needed!
Take your two back panels, which should already have interfacing ironed on. On the larger (12″ x 18″) piece, fold one of the long 18″ edges over by ¼ inch, then fold it over another ¼ inch to hide the raw edge. Press and sew it down.
Do the exact same thing for one of the long 18″ edges on the smaller (9″ x 18″) piece. Now you have two finished back panels!
Step 5: Putting It All Together
This is where the magic happens! Lay your quilted pillow front down, right side facing up.
- Place the Handle: Find the center of the top edge of the pillow. Place your handle there, with the raw edges of the handle lined up with the raw edge of the pillow. Pin or clip it in place.
- Add the Pocket: Lay your finished pocket on top of the pillow front, lining up the raw edges at the bottom and sides.
- Layer the Back: Now place the back panels on top. The larger back panel goes on first, lining up its raw edges with the top and sides of the pillow front. The finished edge should be near the middle. Then, lay the smaller back panel on top of that, lining up its raw edges with the bottom. The finished edges of the two back panels will overlap in the middle.
- Pin Everything: Use lots of clips or pins to hold all these layers together.
Step 6: The Finishing Touches
Head to your sewing machine. Sew all the way around the entire pillow square with a ½ inch seam allowance. This stitch will go through all the layers.
For extra strength—since this pillow will get lots of love—sew around the whole thing a second time, just inside your first stitch line. This double seam will keep it from ever coming apart.
Finally, trim the corners to reduce bulk. Be careful not to snip your stitches! Now, reach in through the envelope opening in the back and turn the whole pillow right-side out. Gently poke out the corners to get a nice shape. Give it a final press with your iron.
FAQs
What is a reading pocket pillow?
A reading pocket pillow is a special cushion. It has a large pocket on the front. This pocket is perfect for holding books. It makes reading time extra cozy and fun.
How to sew a pillow step by step?
First, you cut your fabric pieces. Then, you sew the different parts like the pocket and handle. You layer all the pieces together. Finally, you sew around the edges and turn it right-side out. Our guide above shows you every single step.
How does a reading pillow work?
A reading pillow gives you a comfy backrest. It helps you sit up while you read in bed or on the floor. The pocket keeps your book safe and handy. It makes your reading spot neat and organized.
How to make a pillow for kids?
To make a pillow for kids, choose fun fabrics. Pick bright colors or patterns they love. Add a handle so they can carry it easily. This reading pillow project is a perfect pillow to make for a child.
Do reading pillows work?
Yes, reading pillows work wonderfully. They create a special spot just for reading. This makes reading a fun habit for kids. A comfy pillow helps them enjoy their books even more.
You Did It! A Perfect Pillow for Reading
All that’s left to do is stuff your 16″ x 16″ pillow form inside. The cover is made to be just a little snug, which makes the reading pillow perfectly plump and inviting.
Look at that! You just learned how to sew a reading pillow. It has a sturdy handle, a useful pocket, and soft quilting. It’s ready for countless adventures in the pages of a book.
What story will be the first one read with this new pillow? We’d love to see what you create! Share a picture of your finished project with a friend. Happy sewing