Wrapping a pillow as a gift can be a delightful and creative process. At first glance, due to the size and softness of the pillow, it may seem difficult, but with the right materials and technique, it can become an elegant present. The key is to measure the fabric or wrapping paper to ensure it covers the entire pillow, secure the ends with ribbon or tape, and add an extra flourish with bows or decorative items for a personalized touch.
Getting Started: Materials You Will Need
To wrap a pillow effectively, you will need the following items:
- Wrapping paper or fabric larger than the pillow size
- Scissors
- Tape (if using wrapping paper)
- Ribbon
- Embellishments (optional)
Selecting the Right Wrapping Material
Before you begin, choose a wrapping material that complements the occasion. Wrapping paper comes in various designs suitable for birthdays, holidays, weddings, and more. Fabric, on the other hand, offers a novel approach and can be reused, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Measuring and Cutting the Material
Lay your wrapping paper or fabric on a flat surface and place the pillow in the center. Ensure that there is enough material on each side to cover the pillow completely with extra allowance for securing the wrap.
Our Top 5 Pillow Picks
Updated September 2026MFWW Cervical Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Best for neck pain. A dual-height ergonomic contour cradles your head and supports the neck, for back and side sleepers.
- Contour memory foam
- Dual-height design
- Cool breathable cover
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Standard, 2-Pack
Best value pair. Shredded foam you can adjust to your loft, with a cool-gel feel and no solid-block heat. Two pillows in one box.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Standard 2-pack
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best for the whole household. The same adjustable cooling foam in queen size, four to a set, so every bed in the house gets an upgrade.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Queen set of 4
Utopia Bedding Hotel Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best hotel-style set. Plush, cooling pillows made to suit side, back and stomach sleepers alike. A safe pick for guest rooms.
- Queen set of 4
- Cooling
- All sleep positions
- Hotel style
Zalmureta Goose Feather & Down Pillows, Queen, Set of 2
Best luxury pick. A three-chamber goose feather and down fill wrapped in a 100% cotton shell, for that five-star-hotel feel at home.
- Goose feather & down
- 3-chamber design
- 100% cotton shell
- Queen 2-pack
For wrapping paper: Cut the paper so that it covers the pillow with enough overhang to fold and tape.
For fabric: Allow extra material for making knots or bows.
Wrapping with Paper Step-by-Step
Centering the Pillow
Put your pillow in the middle of the wrapping paper. Make sure the ends can be brought to meet in the middle of the pillow’s top or bottom side.
Folding and Securing the Sides
Fold one side of the paper over the pillow and bring the other side to meet it, creating a seam along one side of the pillow. Use tape to secure the seam.
Handling the Ends
At the ends, pinch the wrapping paper along the edges of the pillow to create triangular flaps on either side. Fold these flaps towards the center of the end, creating sharp creases. You may have excess paper that can be folded down to create a smooth edge. Secure everything with tape.
Adding Decorative Touches
The finishing touch is often a ribbon tied around the package, either lengthwise or widthwise. You can also add a bow, tag, or other decorative items to personalize your gift.
Wrapping with Fabric Step-by-Step
Using fabric is a bit different, as it typically involves tying knots rather than using tape.
Centering the Pillow
Place the pillow in the center of your fabric. If the fabric is square, position it like a diamond with corners pointing up, down, and to the sides.
Tying Knots
Bring the top and bottom corners together above the pillow and tie them in a simple knot. This knot should rest on the center of the pillow’s top. Repeat with the side corners, ensuring the second knot sits atop the first one.
Adjusting the Fabric
You may need to tuck in any excess fabric or adjust the knots to ensure a neat presentation. The result should look elegant with neat folds and knots.
Adding Embellishments
You can also add embellishments like faux flowers, sprigs of holly, or a spritz of your favorite scent to the fabric for a personal touch.
Additional Creative Wrapping Ideas
For those looking to add a creative twist to their gift wrapping, consider these ideas:
- Use clear cellophane to wrap the pillow, creating a gift-basket effect.
- Place the pillow in a reusable gift bag adorned with a beautiful ribbon.
- Try the Japanese Furoshiki wrapping technique, which utilizes cloth in a similar way to the fabric method mentioned earlier, but with more intricate knots and folds.
- Customize the pillow with iron-on transfers or fabric markers before wrapping for an extra personalized touch.
Finishing Thoughts
Wrapping a pillow as a gift can seem daunting, but with the right materials and a bit of creativity, you can turn a simple present into something extraordinary. Whether you opt for classic wrapping paper or an eco-friendly fabric, the joy of unwrapping a beautifully presented gift is a delightful experience for any recipient. Personalize the wrapping with thoughtful touches that speak to the personality or interests of your loved one. With patience, attention to detail, and a dash of flair, your pillow gift will surely make an impressive statement!
