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.
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Waaaay back “in the day,” I thought 10 years ago, I created a reading pillow for my nephews for Christmas. Since then, I’ve shared many tutorials here 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.
My original reading pillow pattern included piping and the option of a zippered back. I’ve been asked a few 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!
Kindred Spirits, Anne of Green Gables Fabric:
Have you noticed the illustrations on the fabrics on the pillow? Recognize any of the stories? I’m a child of the ’80s, and like many children of the ’80s, I grew up on Anne of Green Gables.
My sister and I used to fight over the 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 absolutely convinced that I was going to 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.
When I saw that Riley Blake had a new line featuring Anne of Green Gables, I jumped on the chance to make something with it. I’m sure I’m too old for a reading pillow of my own, but I don’t care! LOL!! I might keep one for me and pass one along to my adorable red-headed niece (or own little Anne).
Large, Pillow Sham Reading Pillow Pattern
You’ll notice that the reading pillow in this photo has a “friend.” It’s a full-size version of the pillow. The pillow cover in the photo fits a standard size pillow. I thought since I was adding a few new versions to my original tutorial that I’d create one more.
I actually offer the reading pillow as a PDF pattern in my shop, since many of you prefer a PDF version to a version on the internet.
The full-size reading pillow pattern (or reading pillow sham) has been added to the Reading Pillow Pattern Bundle in the shop. If you’ve purchased the pattern in the past, I’ve sent you a link to get an updated version with the new addition.
Printable Reading Pillow Patterns
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.
Ok, now on to the tutorial!
Free Easy Reading Pillow Pattern Instructions
fits an 18″ x 18″ pillow.
Supplies:
Fabric is Kindred Spirits by Riley Blake Designs. You can find it HERE.
Fabric for Pillow Front:
½ Yard or 1 Fat Quarter of Fabric
For Pillow Pocket:
½ Yard or 1 Fat Quarter of Fabric
Pillow Pocket Lining:
½ Yard of 1 Fat Quarter of Fabric
For Pillow Back:
½ Yard Fabric
Notions & Interfacing:
1 Yard of 40″ wide Fusible Fleece
½ Yard 1″ wide ribbon
18″ Pillow Form
Basic Sewing Supplies
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 ½″ 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:
Pin the interfaced pocket piece with the pocket lining piece, right sides facing. Stitch along the top edge of the pocket using a ½″ 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:
Cut a piece of ribbon to 8″ long. Finish off the ends with a bit of fray check. Pin the ribbon to the top of the pillow piece so that it’s facing down and centered in the pillow. Stitch it in place close to the edge of the pillow top.
Baste the Pocket:
Pin the pillow pocket to the pillow pice 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 ½″ 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.
Clip the corners and turn the pillow cover right side out. Insert a pillow form, add a book and you’re done!
More Easy Sewing Projects:
Simple Kids Library Bag Sewing Pattern
Giving your reading pillow as a gift? Grab a gift tag printable created JUST for the reading pillow here>
10 Simple Pillow Patterns on the Polka Dot Chair:
1. Quilt Block Reading Pillow Pattern
2. An Easy Way to make a Pillowcase
3. Road Trip Pillow Case Pattern
4. The Original Reading Pillow Pattern
5. How to Personalize a Plain Pillowcase
6. How to add a Zippered Back to ANY pillow cover
7. Bow Tie Pillow Sewing Pattern
8. How to Recover Outdoor Pillows
9. Kids Pillowcase Sewing Project
10. GIANT Pocket Pillow Sewing Tutorial
Pam says
I also make a lot of reading pillows. I have found it easier to insert the pillow form if you only turn the bottom part of the pillow right side out first (poke corners out), insert your pillow form into the bottom half of the pillow and then turn the top part right side out. Poke your top corners and adjust the pillow to fit nicely! These make a fantastic gift!
Myra says
That is such a great tip! Thanks I have been making pillows for years and never thought to do that.
Laura says
I just had to thank you for providing this tutorial for free! I am a new sewist and trying to challenge myself to make things that are fun and functional. I also have a little dyslexia and following directions is very frustrating sometimes. Your directions were SO easy for me to process that I not only made one pillow this morning, I made two! My grandchildren are leaving for a 14 hour drive to the beach for vacation this week. I share my love for reading with them no this is going to be a big hit with them both! Thanks again!
matt says
This is a great idea. I always sit in my recliner and read. With a pillow on my lap of course. This allows me to prop up the pillow and stand it up too.
Stormie says
Hi,
Thank you so much for your tutorial! I’ve had a little free time and my 5 year old daughter is with her grandmother for the weekend. So I wanted to make her something special for when she comes home! Coincidentally; I’ve just finished the Netflix series “Anne with an E” and had no idea until reading this description that it was a book or anything further! I’m so excited about it! Lol
Thank you again!
GrrannyH says
An easy way to finish the ends of polyester ribbon is to melt the ends with a match or over a candle. No need for Fray Check. Also, you can use regular batting. Baste it to the wrong side of the pillow pocket front, and quilt it AFTER you have sewn on the lining and turned the whole pocket to right side out. BTW, nice tutorial.
Elle says
I have a quick question: in the instructions, it says to attach fusible fleece to the pillow front as well as the front pocket. If it was added, wouldn’t you need a second front piece to sandwich it in? In your pictures it doesn’t look like any fleece was added to the front. I’m very new to sewing and just want to make sure I understand correctly.
There is not a lining on the front piece. The fleece is on the inside and I’ve never had a problem with it next to the pillow form.
Donna says
I am making these for my nieces and nephews. Where is the best place to purchase the pillow forms?
I usually get mine on Amazon.
Mary Johnson says
Thanks for the free pattern. I just finished my first one and will be making them for all 4 of my grandchildren.
Stacy says
Hi! I love this!
When I cut the pieces to I need to add a 1/2 “ to all the sides?
So instead of 18”x18” would I cut 18 1/2”x 18 1/2”? Thank you!
No, You don’t need to add seam allowance it’s already included in the directions.