how to sew a reading pillow

3 min read 27-01-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to sew a comfortable reading pillow! This step-by-step guide with pictures shows you how to create a custom-sized, supportive pillow perfect for relaxing with a good book. Includes tips for choosing fabrics and filling for maximum coziness. Get started on your crafting project today!

Introduction: The Perfect Reading Companion

Who doesn't love curling up with a good book and a comfy pillow? This tutorial will guide you through making your own personalized reading pillow. This project is perfect for beginner sewers, requiring basic sewing skills and readily available materials. Let's get started on creating the ultimate reading companion!

Materials You'll Need

Fabric: Choose a soft, durable fabric like cotton, flannel, or fleece. Approximately 2 yards should suffice for a standard-sized pillow (adjust as needed for your desired size). Consider fun patterns or colors to make it your own!
Filling: Poly-fil is a popular and readily available choice. You'll need enough to fill your pillow to your desired level of firmness.
Scissors: A sharp pair of fabric scissors is essential for clean cuts.
Sewing Machine: While you can hand-sew this, a sewing machine will make the process much faster and easier.
Pins: To hold your fabric pieces together before sewing.
Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements and cutting.
Thread: Matching your fabric color, or a contrasting color for a fun accent.
Seam Ripper (optional): For correcting any mistakes.
Iron and Ironing Board: To press seams for a neat finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Sewing Your Reading Pillow

1. Measure and Cut Your Fabric

Decide on your pillow size: Consider your preferred dimensions for comfort. A good starting point is 20" x 20" or 18" x 36" (a larger rectangular pillow).
Cut your fabric: Cut two identical pieces of your chosen fabric based on your desired dimensions. Remember to add seam allowance (around ½ inch) to each edge.

2. Pinning and Sewing the Pillow Cover

Pin the fabric pieces: Lay the two fabric pieces right sides together (the pretty sides facing inwards). Pin all four sides together carefully.
Sew the sides: Using your sewing machine, sew along three sides, leaving one side open for filling. Sew with a ½ inch seam allowance.
Trim and press seams: Once sewn, trim the seam allowance to reduce bulk. Press the seams open with an iron for a cleaner finish.

3. Turning and Filling Your Reading Pillow

Turn right-side out: Carefully turn the pillow cover right side out through the open side. Use a long, thin tool like a chopstick or knitting needle to help poke out the corners.
Fill with stuffing: Add your chosen filling to the pillow cover. Fill it to your desired firmness. Don't over-stuff, as this can make the pillow uncomfortable.

4. Closing the Opening

Pin the opening closed: Carefully fold the open edge inwards by ½ inch, then again by another ½ inch. This creates a clean, finished edge. Pin it closed.
Hand-sew the opening: Using a needle and thread, hand-sew the opening closed with a hidden stitch (or use your sewing machine with a small zigzag stitch). Ensure your stitches are secure.

5. Finishing Touches and Enjoy!

Press the seams (optional): If you like a crisp finish, press the closed seam with your iron.
Admire your handiwork: You've successfully sewn your own reading pillow! Enjoy cuddling up with your new creation and a good book.

Tips and Variations

Add extra support: For extra back support, consider adding a firm layer of foam between the outer fabric layers before stuffing.
Experiment with fabrics: Use different fabrics for the front and back of your pillow to create a unique design.
Create a zippered closure: For easy removal of the filling for washing, consider adding a zipper to one side instead of hand-sewing the opening closed.
Embellish your pillow: Personalize it further with embroidery, patches, or appliqué.

Conclusion: Your Cozy Reading Nook Awaits!

Sewing your own reading pillow is a rewarding project that allows for creativity and personalization. Now that you’ve learned how to sew a reading pillow, you can relax in comfort with your favorite book and your handmade creation. Happy reading!