Making a reading pillow with a pocket can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. First, gather your materials, including fabric for the pillow and the pocket, a sewing machine, thread, scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, pins, and stuffing. You’ll want to cut the fabric to size – typically, for a sizable reading pillow, you may choose dimensions such as 18 by 18 inches for the main pillow and a smaller size for the pocket, like 18 by 9 inches. Once cut, sew the edges of the pocket, attach it to the front piece of your pillow, and then sew the front and back pieces of the pillow together, leaving a gap for the stuffing. After stuffing the pillow to your desired firmness, hand-stitch the opening closed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Reading Pillow with Pocket
Gather Your Materials
Before starting your project, ensure you have all the necessary materials:
– Fabric for both the pillow and pocket (cotton is a popular choice for its durability and ease of cleaning)
– Pillow stuffing (polyester fiberfill is commonly used)
– Sewing machine (a sewing needle will also work, but it will take longer)
– Coordinating thread
– Fabric scissors
– Straight pins
– Ruler or measuring tape
– Fabric marker or chalk
Cutting The Fabric
Once you have your materials, the first step is to cut your fabric to the right dimensions.
– For the pillow, you’ll want two squares or rectangles, depending on the shape and size you desire. An 18 by 18-inch piece is standard for a throw pillow, but feel free to adjust according to your preferences or the space it will be used in.
– For the pocket, cut a rectangle that is the same width as your pillow but half the height. For an 18 by 18-inch pillow, this would mean an 18 by 9-inch piece.
Preparing The Pocket
Now comes the part where you create the pocket.
1. Hem the top edge of the pocket by folding it over twice, pressing it flat with an iron, and sewing along the edge.
2. Position the pocket on one of the larger pieces of fabric that will make up the front of your pillow. It should have the hemmed edge facing upwards and be centered.
3. Pin the three unhemmed sides of the pocket to the pillow front piece.
4. Sew along these three sides, removing the pins as you go. Remember to reinforce the top of the pocket with a few backstitches to make it more durable.
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Sewing The Pillow Together
Once your pocket is attached, you can start to put the entire pillow together.
1. Place your two large pieces of fabric together, right sides facing each other.
2. Pin around the edges to keep everything aligned.
3. Sew around the perimeter of the pillow, leaving a gap of several inches on one side for stuffing. The seam allowance you use is up to you, but a half-inch is typical.
4. Optionally, you can add a zipper instead of sewing all the way around and then stuffing. This makes the pillow cover removable for washing.
Adding The Stuffing
Before stuffing your pillow, you will need to turn it right side out through the gap you left open. Push out the corners so they’re nice and sharp, and press the seams with an iron.
1. Begin filling your pillow with the stuffing of your choice. Polyester fiberfill is a good option because it’s soft and retains its shape well.
2. Fill the pillow to your desired firmness. The fuller it is, the more support it will give you while reading.
3. Once filled, hand-stitch the opening closed with a ladder stitch or an invisible stitch for a neat finish.
Personalizing Your Reading Pillow
You’ve got your basic reading pillow, but why not personalize it a bit?
– Add decorative trim or piping along the seams for a professional finish.
– Sew on buttons, patches, or appliqué designs to give it a unique look.
– Consider sewing on a handle to the top edge of the pillow so it can be easily transported.
Maintenance and Care
After regular use, you’ll need to clean your reading pillow.
– If you’ve used a zipper in your design, simply remove the cover and wash it according to the fabric’s laundering instructions.
– For a non-removable pillow cover, spot-clean any stains and air out the pillow regularly to keep it fresh.
Finishing Thoughts
Crafting a reading pillow with a pocket is not just about creating a comfortable place to read a book; it’s also about injecting a touch of your personal style into your home decor. This project is perfect for beginners and seasoned sewers alike, offering a gratifying result that is both practical and stylish. The added pocket feature keeps your reading materials within arm’s reach, ensuring you can relax without interruptions. Whether you’re making this pillow for yourself, as a gift, or perhaps even to sell, the customization possibilities are endless – so let your creativity run wild! Remember to follow the care instructions for your pillow to keep it looking and feeling its best. Happy sewing!
