EASY Reading Pillow Pattern

Today I’m going to be sharing with you an easy version of my reading pillow pattern. It’s one of my favorite tutorials on this site, and I’ve been asked many times to create a simplified version of the pillow. This tutorial is beginner-friendly and is also great for kids who are learning how to sew.

Waaaay back “in the day,” I thought 15 years ago, I created a reading pillow for my nephews for Christmas gifts. Since then, I’ve shared many tutorials for reading pillows over the years. They are one of my “go-to” gifts for kids, and I’ve had so much fun over the years making the pillows.

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There have been many knockoff patterns over the years, but this one is THE original reading pillow pattern!

Sewing Pattern for an "On the Go Reading Pillow" a cute pocket pillow for kids

My original reading pillow pattern included piping and the option of a zippered back. I’ve been asked several times to create a version without the piping and zipper.

The easy reading pillow pattern I’m sharing with you today is very simple. No zippers, piping, or special techniques are required. It’s literally just a bunch of straight lines. SO EASY!

What Fabric Should I Use to Make a Reading Pillow?

I recommend quilting weight cotton for reading pillows. One of the great things is that many fabric manufacturers have fabric collections based on children’s books and novels!

The reading pillow I’ve made today uses Anne of Green Gables themed fabric.

Have you noticed the illustrations on the fabrics on the pillow? Recognize any of the stories? I’m a child of the ’80s; like many children of the ’80s, I grew up on Anne of Green Gables.

Kindred Spirits Anne of Green Gables fabric on white table

My sister and I used to fight over those books growing up. (Almost as much as we fought over the Baby-Sitters Club Books). I adored the books and the TV series. At one point, I was convinced I would grow up and marry Gilbert Blythe.

I related so much with Anne (and not just because my middle name is Anne with an E). She was always speaking up and sometimes got in trouble. She had plans and ambitions but was still kind. I saw a lot of myself in her.

Reading Pillow Sizes

The book pillow in this free tutorial is designed to fit an 18″ x 18″ pillow form, which is a pretty standard size throw pillow.

If you would like to make a larger pillow (a pillow sham pocket pillow), you can find instructions for the larger pillow (and larger pocket) in the printed version of my Reading Pillow Pattern.

Reading pillow construction steps on white cutting mat

The pillow cover in the photo fits a standard twin pillow, which is the larger size reading pillow. Like the smaller size pillow, this one also includes a handle to make it easy to carry the book pillow around.

How do You Put Names on the Reading Pillow?

The pillow in this tutorial does not include a name. However, most of the reading pillows I create feature custom lettering (usually a name) on the bottom right corner of the pillow.

How to sew a personalized reading pillow with a pocket and handle - free sewing pattern and tutorial on polkadotchair.com

There are three ways to add a name to your reading pillow.

You can raw edge applique the letters onto the pillow. Our site has a full raw edge applique tutorial if you’ve not done it before (there’s even a YouTube video) The purchased pillow pattern includes applique patterns for the entire alphabet, so you can make it say anything you’d like.
The second option is to cut out letters with a Cricut machine. I love to use flocked vinyl for this step since it looks like felt! You can also use standard iron on vinyl. If you’ve not worked with iron-on before, be sure to check out our article on working with heat transfer vinyl with a Cricut machine.
If you have an embroidery sewing machine, you can embroider the name on the pillow pocket after it is cut out before it is sewn. Many people have added excerpts or quotes from books and poems to the pockets of their pillows, and you can find a lot of embroidery designs for sale that feature these items.

Is the Pillow or Pocket Quilted?

For this tutorial, no. This is a quick book pillow pattern, so we are removing any extra steps.

Printable Reading Pillow Pattern

I offer the reading pillow as a PDF pattern in my shop since many of you prefer an easy-to-print PDF version to reading the directions online. Reading Pillow Pattern Bundle in the shop.

Purchase a print ready version of this Tutorial WITH instructions for both sizes of pillows and more pillow options.

If you’d like to buy the pattern you can hop on over to my shop and find it there.

What Should I Put in my Reading Pillow Pocket?

When I made my original reading pillow, I gifted it with a small flashlight and 2 of my favorite children’s books. A few other ideas include:

Coloring Books
Crayons
Childrens Books
Short Chapter Books
Sketchbook
Colored Pencils

(as always, check that the items you gift in your pocket pillow are age appropriate)

Reading Pillow Tutorial

How is the Back of the Pillow Finished?

The pocket pillow in this tutorial is finished with an envelope back for the closure, which is a pillow back made from two pieces of fabric that overlap in the back.

You can also add a zipper to the back of the pillow, which is my favorite way to finish the pillows since the reading pillow cover is easy to remove from the pillow form and wash.

We walk you through the steps to add a zipper to the back of a pillow in this tutorial.

Free Easy Reading Pillow Pattern Instructions

fits an 18″ x 18″ pillow.

Supplies:

Fabric is Kindred Spirits by Riley Blake Designs.

Fabric for Pillow Front:

1/2 Yard or 1 Fat Quarter of Fabric

For Pillow Pocket:

1/2 Yard or 1 Fat Quarter of Fabric

Pillow Pocket Lining:

1/2 Yard of 1 Fat Quarter of Fabric

For Pillow Back:

1/2 Yard Fabric

Notions & Interfacing:

1 Yard of 40″ wide Fusible Fleece

1/2 Yard 1″ wide ribbon

18″ Pillow Form

Basic Sewing Supplies

Rotary Cutter

Thread

Sharp Scissors

Quilt Ruler

Fray Check

Cutting Directions:

From Pillow Front Fabric Cut:

1 Piece 18″ x 18″

From Pillow Pocket Fabric Cut:

1 piece 11″ x 18″

From Pillow Lining Fabric Cut:

1 piece 11″ x 18″

From Pillow Back Fabric Cut:

2 pieces 12″ x 18″

From Fusible Fleece Cut:

1 Piece 18″ x 18″

1 piece 11″ x 18″

All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise noted. Leave the ribbon off this project if making this pillow for children under 3, as the ribbon can pose a choking hazard.

Apply the Interfacing:

Following the directions on the package of fusible fleece, apply it to the wrong side of the Pillow Front Piece and Pocket piece.

Construct the Pocket:

Note: if you wish to add applique to your pillow pocket, do it before constructing the pocket.

Pin the interfaced pocket piece with the pocket lining piece, right sides facing. Stitch along the top edge of the pocket using a 1/2″ seam allowance.

Press the seam open and turn the pocket right side out. Press the top seam of the pocket so that it lays flat and topstitch along the edge of the pocket.

Add the Ribbon Handle:

Cut a piece of ribbon to 8″ long. Finish off the ends with a bit of fray check (don’t skip this step; if you do, the ribbon will pull out of the seam). Pin the ribbon to the top of the pillow piece so that it’s facing down and centered on the pillow. Stitch it in place close to the edge of the pillow top.

Baste the Pocket:

Pin the pillow pocket to the pillow piece so that the bottom of the pillow and the pocket are lined up. Baste the pocket in place along the two side seams.

Create the Envelope Back:

Fold under the fabric 1/2″ on the two 12″ x 18″ fabric pieces along one of the 18″ sides. Press, then stitch in place.

Finishing:

Pin one of the 12″ x 18″ pillow back pieces to the pillow front; the folded edge of the 12″ x 18″ piece will be facing down, and the raw edge of the 12″ x 18″ pillow piece will be flush with the top edge of the pillow. The right sides of the fabric will be facing.

Pin the 2nd 12″ x 18″ pillow back piece on top of this piece, but this time, line up the raw edge of the 12″ x 18″ back piece with the bottom of the pillow.

Stitch around the entire pillow perimeter. Backstitch where the folded edges of the pillow back pieces meet the pillow front. This gives the pillow cover a bit more stability, and you’re less likely to pop a seam as you insert a pillow form into the pillow cover.