Free Reading Pillow Pattern, EASY!

A couch cushion that doubles as a reading pillow pattern is the home sewer’s idea of getting two for the price of one. This sewing pattern can be used to recycle fabrics and is perfect for updating old cushions in your home. Do away with your old couch cushions and sew something fresh and trendy. This tutorial will lead you through the steps of making this reading pillow.

This reading pillow pattern will take just a few minutes to complete. Don’t waste a second – choose the fabric and materials you need and get sewing with this quick and easy pattern. It has an envelope cushion back that overlaps, so you don’t need to insert a zip or buttons.

A book or reading pillow pattern is simply a cushion or pillow cover with a pocket where you can place a book. This is an easy way to store the book you are reading so you can access it whenever you sit on the couch. Reading pillows are popular for kids’ rooms.

Reading Pillow Pattern Supplies

• 1/2 YARD FABRIC – Main fabric and pocket fabric. Look for fat quarters to use for the contrasting pocket.
• BASIC SEWING SUPPLIES – Sewing machine, needles, scissors or rotary cutter and mat, pins, cotton thread, ruler or a tape measure.
• 18-INCH CUSHION INSERT
• OPTIONAL – Ric-rac for decoration

Best Fabrics for Making Book Pillow Patterns

Pillows or cushion covers work best in good quality natural cotton, linens, types of chintz, and gingham. I used quilting cotton for the front and backs and then a decorator fabric which was a bit thicker for the pocket.

Smaller prints are great for the pocket of this reading pillow pattern. When cutting out the pocket, think about pattern placement. I took a lot of time positioning the pocket so I got complete llamas.

How to Make a Reading Pillow Step by Step Instructions

Step 1 – Cut the Fabric

It is important to measure your insert before you start. Measure the insert and factor in the curve of the pillow insert. This pattern is for a square insert of 18 inches.

For an 18-inch (46cm) pillow insert, cut:

• FRONT (CUT 1) – 19×19 inches (48x48cm)
• BACKS (CUT 2) – 19×14 inches (48x48cm)
• POCKET (CUT 2) – 19×10 inches (48×25.5cm)

If you want to make another sized reading pillow pattern, here is the formula for the cutting measurements. This will work for any square insert.

*Numbers below are in inches. The height and width are that of the insert.

• FRONT (CUT 1) – (width + 1) by (height + 1)
• BACKS (CUT 2) – (height +1) by (1/2 width + 4)
• POCKET (CUT 2) – (1/2 height + 2) by (width +1)

Step 2 – Sew the Pocket

The pocket piece is a contrasting piece of fabric that will fit across the pillow’s width and measures a little more than half the height of the front.

For pockets cut from a thin fabric, press fusible interfacing or fusible fleece to the back pocket piece to give it a little more body.

If you wish to add ric-rac trim, baste it across the top of the outside of the pocket 3/8 inch (1cm) from the raw edge. I used a jumbo ric-rac and had to position it slightly over the edge. You will be sewing a little past the center of the ric-rac. Read my full tutorial on sewing sew ric-rac for more tips.

For adding, pom pom trim, you will need a zipper foot.

Put the pocket and pocket lining right sides together and stitch across the top edge with a 1/2 inch (12mm) seam allowance.

Press the seam, so the pocket and pocket lining are wrong sides together. You now have a finished pocket ready to place on the fabric.

Step 3 – Baste Pocket to the Pillow Front

Place the pocket on the right side of the front (main pillow fabric). Baste around the pocket edges and bottom to hold it in place.

Step 4 – Hem the Envelope Backs

On the wrong side of the fabric, press over one long edge of the pillow back pieces by 1/4 inch (6mm). Press over again by 1/4 inch( 6mm) to form a double hem. Stitch across the backs.

Place the backs right side up overlapping in the center. The hemmed edges should both be in the center. Double-check the width in case your hems were not accurate. It should be 19 inches (48cm) across. Adjust if necessary.

Baste the top and bottom of the overlapped part.

Step 5 – Optional Baste the Handle

If you would like a handle you can use some pretty tape or ribbon. Press the pillow to give you a center fold line for the spot where the handle is to be attached. Baste the ribbon in a loop facing inwards.

Step 6 – Stitch the Front to the Backs

Now you are ready to sew the seams. 

Put the font and backs right sides together and stitch all the way around with a 1/2 inch (12mm) seam allowance. Backstitch over the areas where the overlapped backs are. This will give the pillow some extra strength at the opening. 

Step 7 – Turn and Press the Reading Pillow Patterns

Clip the corners. Turn the pillow right side out and press. Insert the pillow form through the overlap in the back.

Your reading pillow pattern is now ready to use. Put a book inside the pocket, sit back and relax.

Decorative Ideas for Your Reading Pillow Pattern

The reading pillow pattern is a very simple straight sewing project. It would be effective to add on pom-poms, piping, and embroidery. It would be fun to personalize the reading pillow bag with your child’s name. 

• How to Sew Piping
• How to Sew Pom Pom Trim
• Embroidery Letters

Reading Pillow Pattern – In Conclusion

The reading pillow pattern makes a great gift for kiddies just learning to read.  Personalize the pillow and bring it along for the ride on holiday trips or visits to grandma. Try making a reading pocket pillow and see how practical and decorative they are.

More Pillow Patterns

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