How to Sew a Reading Pillow

Learn how to sew this reading pillow! This pillow is not only cute, but it has two purposes: it is THE perfect snuggle piece and it’s also a quick and easy way to store and transport books.  It’s a great prop-me-up in bed and it’s even a better companion in the car for when you travel over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s house.

• 

• 

Can you sew a straight line? No? Even if you’re confident in a partially straight line, then I think this pillow is for you! It’s beginner’s level, so gather your kids and make one for everyone in the family. With multiple ways to customize, everyone can have their own unique version.

Let’s get started!

GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES:

• Main background fabric for front of pillow: one fat quarter 
• Pocket fabric: one fat quarter (I used a light weight duck canvas fabric)
• Back Fabric: ½ yard (or 2 matching fat quarters)
• Pillow Form: 18” x 18”
• Handle: 1 fat quarter (or scrap as you only need 6” x 12”)
• Fusible Stabilizer (medium weight): 1/4 yard (or scrap that is 6” x 12”)
• Basic Quilting Supplies such as thread, pins, scissors etc.

PROCESS:

Cut the following:

1. Main background fabric cut a square 18” x 18”
2. Pocket fabric cut a square 18” x 18”
3. Back fabric but 2 pieces that are 12.5” x 18”
4. Handle piece cut a rectangle that is 6” x 12”
5. Fusible stabilizer cut a rectangle that is 6” x 12”

• 

Prepare your pieces:

• Prepare your pocket:
  • Fold your piece in half, wrong sides together, and press to make a nice crisp fold.  
  • Top stitch along fold using a contrasting thread color. 
  • Personalize pocket piece as desired.  Some fun and interesting techniques might be to use heat-transfer vinyl, paint, crayons, or applique, or may you just want another nice piece of coordinating fabric.  Your choice!

• 

• 

• Prepare your handle:
  • Start by ironing your fusible stabilizer to the wrong side of your handle fabric.
  • Press your piece in half length-wise (should measure 3” x 12” when folded) and press to established a middle crease which will serve as your guide.
  • Unfold your piece.  Now press each side toward your crease and press.  Fold in half again and press.  Your handle should now measure 1.5 “ x 12”.  Top stitch on each long side.

• 

• Prepare your two Backing pieces:
  • On the longer side of your rectangle, make a hem by folding over a quarter inch and pressing.  Fold again. Press firmly. Stitch to secure using quarter inch seam allowance.
  • Repeat this for your second piece.

• Lay out your main piece right side up.  Find the center of your piece and measure out 2.5” inches to right and left of center. Use this to place your handles (centered on the marks you measured) and pin. Baste into place.

• 

• 

• 

Layer your pillow pieces:

• Layer in the following order:
  • Main Fabric Background piece (right side up)
  • Pocket piece (right side up and make sure your ‘top stitch’ line is toward the top). The three raw edges should match the left, right and bottom of your main piece.
  • Background fabrics (right side down).  The two sides you hemmed will overlap in the middle and the remaining 3 sides which are raw edges will match with other raw edges.

Pin, Sew & Complete!

• Pin everything and stitch around edge with 3\8 “ seam allowance.  Trim corners before turning inside out.
• Stuff with your pillow form and you are done!

• 

The only thing left is to stuff in your pillow and find your favorite book! If you make one, let’s connect over on Instagram! Tag your project with the hashtag #thelucybird and be sure to at (@) me! I love connecting with you!