Making a reading pillow, or a book pillow, provides a comfortable rest for your back, arms, and neck when you dive into your favorite books. To craft one, you’ll need fabric, filling materials like polyester stuffing or foam, a sewing kit or machine, and possibly a template for guidance. The process involves cutting the fabric to the desired size, sewing together the seams to create a shape that supports your body, adding a pocket if you’d like a convenient spot to hold a book, and then stuffing it to your comfort preference. Let’s explore the steps in detail so you can create the perfect reading companion.
Materials and Tools Needed
Before starting your DIY pillow project, you’ll need to gather the following materials and tools:
- Fabric of choice – durable and comfortable like cotton, velvet, or a soft upholstery fabric
- Pillow stuffing – polyester fiberfill, foam, or a pre-made pillow insert
- Scissors or a rotary cutter
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Sewing pins or clips
- Needle and thread or a sewing machine
- Pencil or fabric marker to trace patterns
- Optional: Iron and ironing board for pressing seams
- Optional: Template or pattern for guidance
Making sure you have everything you need will help the sewing process go smoothly.
Choosing the Right Fabric and Filling
Fabric Selection
When selecting a fabric, comfort and durability should be your primary concern, especially if the pillow will see a lot of use. Soft fabrics like cotton or a cotton blend are excellent for comfort, whereas upholstery fabric can offer more durability. Remember that thicker fabrics may require stronger needles and a more heavy-duty sewing machine.
Filling Options
The filling you choose will greatly influence the comfort and support of the reading pillow. Polyester fiberfill is a common choice—it’s soft, affordable, and easy to work with. Foam can provide more firm support and can be cut to a specific shape or thickness. Consider the texture and how much firmness you’ll need for the support you prefer.
Cutting the Fabric
Dimensions and Pattern
Start by deciding how large you want your reading pillow to be. A standard size is around 18×18 inches for the main pillow section, but you can adjust this according to your preferences and the size of your reading chair or space.
Then, sketch or use a pattern to trace out the pieces on your fabric. In addition to the front and back pieces, you might want to include side panels, armrests, and a pocket piece. Don’t forget to add extra space for seam allowances (usually around ½ inch).
Cutting Your Pieces
Using scissors or a rotary cutter, carefully cut out the pieces needed for your pillow. If you’re including side panels or arm supports, you may need to cut additional strips of fabric to serve as the “walls” of these sections. Make sure to cut these as one continuous piece if possible, to reduce the number of seams and potential weak points.
Sewing the Pieces Together
Assembling The Body
Begin by sewing the larger pieces together, right sides facing each other. Sew around the edges, leaving an opening for turning the pillow right side out and for adding the stuffing later. Press the seams with an iron if necessary for a crisper edge.
Adding Side Panels or Arm Rests
If your design includes side panels or rests, these will need to be sewn in separately. Attach them to the main body, ensuring they are properly aligned and the fabric is right side facing before sewing. Take your time when sewing around corners or curves, and consider double-stitching for extra strength.
Creating and Adding a Pocket
For a handy book pocket, fold the top of the pocket piece down, hem it, and then align it to one side of your pillow’s main piece. Pin it in place, and sew around the three edges, leaving the top open.
Stuffing Your Pillow
Turn the pillow right side out through the opening you left earlier. Start stuffing your pillow with the filling of your choice. For a fluffier pillow, use more stuffing; for a firmer pillow, pack it in tightly. Distribute the filling evenly to prevent lumps and ensure that the pillow maintains its shape well.
Closing the Pillow
Finish your pillow by hand-stitching the open seam closed. You can use a ladder stitch for a nearly invisible closure. Make sure your stitches are tight and secure to prevent the filling from escaping.
Customizing Your Reading Pillow
You can personalize your reading pillow by adding trim, buttons, or fabric appliqués. Consider embroidering your name or a favorite quote for an extra-special touch. If you want the pillow to match your decor, think about coordinating the fabric with your room’s color scheme.
Finishing Thoughts
Creating a DIY reading pillow can be an enjoyable and satisfying project. Not only do you end up with a comfy nook for your reading sessions, but you also get the chance to infuse your personality and style into an accessory that’s as practical as it is unique. With some basic sewing skills, you can easily make a reading pillow that suits your needs and preferences. Happy crafting, and enjoy the cozy reading time with your newly made pillow!
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