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    Home » Sewing

    How to Make a Book Pillow

    Updated: Dec 3, 2019 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 7 Comments

    Book Pillow Patterns

    Today I’m excited to be sharing with you more DIY book pillow patterns and tutorials. These reading pocket pillows are one of the most popular tutorials on the site and I hope you enjoy the updates to the original pattern.

    Book Pillow Sewing Pattern

    My good friends Liz and Elizabeth from Simple Simon & Co have just released a brand new fabric line with Riley Blake called Shine Bright. The fabric was inspired by Liz and Elizabeth’s daughters and their feeling that they always wanted their daughters to Shine Bright in the world.

    Shine Bright Fabric Line:

    The fabric is full of inspirational messages and quotes.  There is even a print that looks like a word search that contains all kinds of cool phrases like “You are Intelligent” and “You are Extraordinary”.  You can read a bit more about their inspiration for the line on their blog, HERE.

    DIY Reading Pillow with Pocket free sewing pattern and tutorial. Learn how to make a patchwork pillow with a pocket, perfect for storing books or other goodies. #DIYreadingpillow #readingpillow #readingpillowpattern #pocketpillowpattern #pocketpillow #patchworkpillow #sewingpattern #freesewingpatterns

    They asked me to be a part of the Blog Tour for the new line of fabric. They asked each of the people participating in the blog tour to talk a little bit about the inspiring girls and women in their lives.  I decided today for my stop on the tour to create reading pillows with the fabric.

    I have two daughters and have tried to teach them many things in their life. One of the things that I’ve tried the hardest to teach them is a love for learning and the importance of education.  I’ve always wanted them to work hard in school, prioritize learning, and do the very best that they can. I’ve learned that means something different for each of them, which I think is part of the beauty of it all.

    Book Pillow Sewing Pattern

    Book Pillow Ideas:

    Several years ago (2011 to be exact, how is it I’ve been blogging that long?) I decided to make reading pillows for my nephews for Christmas. The pillows consisted of a large pocket on the front of a pillow designed to hold books and a flashlight (for late-night reading).  Later in 2012, I wrote a tutorial for the pillows and it completely took off. It’s by far the most popular sewing project on this site. I had no idea what a phenomenon it would become.

    I couldn’t think of a better project for the blog tour than this one. Since I think that instilling a love of reading is so important.  These pillows are fun and functional. They make great gifts too as they can be easily personalized.

    I’ve updated and stitched up quite a few pillows over the years. All of them have had a simple front pocket. I thought for today’s tutorial it would be fun to create patchwork pockets on the front instead.

    Want to make one?

    You can purchase a PRINT READY PDF of this tutorial here:

    It includes a “bonus” bundle with instructions to make the flying geese and stack rectangle pockets.

    DIY Reading Pillow with Pocket free sewing pattern and tutorial. Learn how to make a patchwork pillow with a pocket, perfect for storing books or other goodies. #DIYreadingpillow #readingpillow #readingpillowpattern #pocketpillowpattern #pocketpillow #patchworkpillow #sewingpattern #freesewingpatterns

    If you prefer a printable version instead, you can purchase my Pillows Sewing Bundle. It contains the pattern for the reading pocket pillow (in TWO sizes), these pillows and a few other fun ones too. It also includes instructions for adding a zipper to the back of your pillow.

    DIY Book Pillow Pattern:

    DIY Book Pillow Pattern Supplies:

    This Book Pillow is made only from Fat Quarters.  You may use yardage, but you’ll need to buy at least a ½ yard of fabric as the pieces are all 18″ wide.

    Fabric:

    I used Shine Bright Fabrics from Simple Simon & Co.

    For Pillow Front:

    1 Fat Quarter

    For Pillow Back:

    1 Fat Quarter

    For Pocket Lining:

    1 Fat Quarter

    For Pieced Pillow Pocket:

    5-8 Fat Quarters depending on your design.

    ½ yard fusible fleece

    Notions:

    For Optional Zippered Pillow Back:

    1 polyester zipper at least 18″ long (can be longer).

    18″ Pillow Form (this is the one that I used, it’s down)

    These pillows are constructed in the exact same way that my original Reading Pillow was constructed. The only difference is the pocket on the front. These pillows have pieced pockets that resemble quilt blocks.

    Choose which quilt block you’d like to make for your pocket pillow front.

    How to Make Flying Geese Quilt Blocks for a Pillow:

    Book Pillow Sewing Pattern Free

    Cutting:

    From Dark Pink Fabric:

    3 pieces each 3 ½″ x 6 ½″

    From Black Fabric:

    6 pieces each 3 ½″ x 6 ½″

    From White Fabric:

    18 pieces each 3 ½″ x 3 ½″

    Make the Flying Geese Blocks.

    DIY Reading Pillow with Pocket free sewing pattern and tutorial. Learn how to make a patchwork pillow with a pocket, perfect for storing books or other goodies. #DIYreadingpillow #readingpillow #readingpillowpattern #pocketpillowpattern #pocketpillow #patchworkpillow #sewingpattern #freesewingpatterns

    Begin by drawing a diagonal line down the center of your 3 ½″ x 3 ½″ squares.

    Layer one white square onto one of the 3 ½″ x 6 ½″ rectangles, right sides facing as shown in the photo above.  Stitch along the line that you drew.

    DIY Reading Pillow with Pocket free sewing pattern and tutorial. Learn how to make a patchwork pillow with a pocket, perfect for storing books or other goodies. #DIYreadingpillow #readingpillow #readingpillowpattern #pocketpillowpattern #pocketpillow #patchworkpillow #sewingpattern #freesewingpatterns

    Trim the fabric ¼″ OUTSIDE of the line that you stitched.

    DIY Reading Pillow with Pocket free sewing pattern and tutorial. Learn how to make a patchwork pillow with a pocket, perfect for storing books or other goodies. #DIYreadingpillow #readingpillow #readingpillowpattern #pocketpillowpattern #pocketpillow #patchworkpillow #sewingpattern #freesewingpatterns

    Next, flip open the block and press the seam allowance to one side. Normally I press mine up, but it’s customary to press to the darker fabric. You can choose which one you like. As you press be careful not to distort your seam.  Since it’s cut on the bias it may have a tendency to shift.

    DIY Reading Pillow with Pocket free sewing pattern and tutorial. Learn how to make a patchwork pillow with a pocket, perfect for storing books or other goodies. #DIYreadingpillow #readingpillow #readingpillowpattern #pocketpillowpattern #pocketpillow #patchworkpillow #sewingpattern #freesewingpatterns

    Now place the 2nd square on top of the rectangle in the opposite corner. Repeat the steps to stitch the other side.

    Repeat until you have 9 sewn blocks.

    DIY Reading Pillow with Pocket free sewing pattern and tutorial. Learn how to make a patchwork pillow with a pocket, perfect for storing books or other goodies. #DIYreadingpillow #readingpillow #readingpillowpattern #pocketpillowpattern #pocketpillow #patchworkpillow #sewingpattern #freesewingpatterns

    Stitch 3 of the sewn flying geese blocks together along the long sides. Repeat two more times.

    Arrange the blocks as shown in the diagram. Stitch together along the side seams.

    You’re now ready to continue making your reading pillow.

    How to Make Stacked Rectangle Quilt Blocks for a Pillow:

    Book Pillow on a bench

    Cutting:

    5 Strips each 2 ½″ x 12 ½″. Cut 3 strips from black fabric and 2 from mint fabric.

    5 strips each 2 ½″ x 6 ½″. Cut 2 strips from black, two from mint, and one from white fabric.

    Make the Stacked Rectangle Blocks:

    Stitch the 5 2 ½″ x 12 ½″ strips together according to the diagram below. Press all of the seams to one side taking care that you do not distort the seams as you sew.

    DIY Reading Pillow with Pocket free sewing pattern and tutorial. Learn how to make a patchwork pillow with a pocket, perfect for storing books or other goodies. #DIYreadingpillow #readingpillow #readingpillowpattern #pocketpillowpattern #pocketpillow #patchworkpillow #sewingpattern #freesewingpatterns

    Stitch the 5 2 ½″ x 6 ½″ strips together.  Press seams.

    Cut the sewn 12 ½″ strips into two pieces each 6 ½″ wide. You will now have 3 blocks of strips each 6 ½″ wide.

    DIY Reading Pillow with Pocket free sewing pattern and tutorial. Learn how to make a patchwork pillow with a pocket, perfect for storing books or other goodies. #DIYreadingpillow #readingpillow #readingpillowpattern #pocketpillowpattern #pocketpillow #patchworkpillow #sewingpattern #freesewingpatterns

    Stitch them together as shown in the diagram below. If you want to vary your prints a bit more, then just flip one of the strips so that it’s upside down.

    DIY Reading Pillow with Pocket free sewing pattern and tutorial. Learn how to make a patchwork pillow with a pocket, perfect for storing books or other goodies. #DIYreadingpillow #readingpillow #readingpillowpattern #pocketpillowpattern #pocketpillow #patchworkpillow #sewingpattern #freesewingpatterns

    You’re now ready to continue making your reading pillow.

    How to Make a Book Pillow:

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

    Take your sewn front pocket piece and cut 1 piece of fabric for the pocket lining the exact same size as your sewn pocket piece. Cut a piece of fusible fleece the same size.

    You can finish stitching your pillow according to the Reading Pillow Tutorial that can be found HERE. Just a note, your sewn pocket pieces are 18 ½″ wide and your pillow pieces are 18″ wide. Just pin the pocket pieces to the pillow front pieces so that they “bow” out a bit. You won’t notice the difference.

    Learn how to add a zipper to the back of a pillow - a free sewing tutorial. So easy, you can do it for any size pillow!

    If you’d like to create a zippered back for your pillow cover (so that you can take it off to wash), you can follow this tutorial on How to add a Zipper to a Pillow Back.

    Book Pillow Patterns

    More Projects You May Enjoy

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    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Deb F says

      February 03, 2018 at 7:50 am

      I love to read (it does cut into sewing time though). This pillow will be a great gift for my grandchildren. I’m looking forward to getting started. thank you.

      Reply
    2. Vicki H says

      February 04, 2018 at 9:42 pm

      Thanks for the tutorial. I am bookmarking this for birthday gifts this year.

      Reply
    3. Ivory says

      February 05, 2018 at 9:46 pm

      These pillows are fabulous. I love the fact that I can read, write, or anything like that, while watching TV, without searching., I can keep the paper, pen, remote control ect, handy. Thank you.

      Reply
    4. Gloria says

      November 24, 2018 at 6:25 pm

      What clear instructions… Thts my project for end of year gift to my kids library teacher .. loved it!!! Hopefully when I am done..I will post a picture.

      Reply
    5. Dana says

      August 26, 2019 at 1:43 am

      Your rainbow lineup of books is gorgeous! Can you do a post with Amazon links for these titles/editions? I see some I’d love to get!

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        August 26, 2019 at 10:32 am

        I’ll add some links, thanks for the suggestions

        Reply
    6. Mary Jeanne says

      June 25, 2020 at 5:41 pm

      where did you get these fabrics?!?! They are beautiful, and I love this design and way to make them!!

      Reply

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    Hello! It’s nice to meet you.

    I’m Melissa. I like to design things, like fabric, printables, and projects.

    I’m also a Mom and a Maker. I am like most of you, just trying to do my best every day. Some days I succeed, many days I fail.  I find joy in creating, if you do too, then I hope that you find something here bring a little “happy” to your life.  Find out more about me here.

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