Do you ever find yourself endlessly scrolling through social media or watching TV when you should be doing something more productive, like reading your favorite book? Creating a comfortable and welcoming place to read is key to unlocking the door of knowledge. One great way to do this is by making a reading pillow – an ideal accessory for curling up with that novel you’ve been wanting to read for ages!
In this blog post, we will explain how to make a reading pillow, inspired by high-end designs at a fraction of the cost. So if you’re looking for a way to get more cozy while exploring new worlds in literature, then look no further: Here’s everything you need to know about making your very own special spot just for books!
What Is a Reading Pillow?
A reading pillow is an oversized, soft cushion used for comfortable reading. It provides support to the back and arms while you are seated, helping to keep your posture upright and in a comfortable position. Reading pillows come in many shapes and sizes, with some even featuring pockets or compartments for storing books or magazines. Whether you’re lounging on the couch or propped up in bed, a reading pillow can help make your reading experience more enjoyable. Not only will it provide comfort, but it can also double as a stylish addition to any room!
For those who want to take their cozy reading experience one step further, there are even heated reading pillows available on the market. These models boast temperature-controlled settings, allowing you to customize the level of heat to your preference while reading. Heated reading pillows are perfect for those cold winter nights when you just want to curl up and get lost in a good book!
Making your own reading pillow at home is easy and fun—all you need is some spare fabric, stuffing and sewing supplies. Keep reading for tips on how to make a unique and comfortable reading pillow that’s all your own!
10 Methods How to Make a Reading Pillow
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To make a reading pillow, you will need fabric for the cover, stuffing material, a sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins, a ruler or measuring tape, and a zipper or buttons for closure. Choose a fabric that is durable and comfortable, such as cotton or soft upholstery fabric.
If you are using fabric with a pattern, use the ruler to make sure that the pattern is centered on the pieces. However, if you are using solid fabric, cutting the pieces of fabric to the right size is all that is needed.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Fabric
Measure and cut two rectangular pieces of fabric according to your desired pillow size. The dimensions will depend on personal preference, but a common size is 18 by 18 inches. Ensure both pieces are of the same size.
To make a pillow with a removable cover, use two different colored pieces of fabric. Although, if you do not wish to have a removable cover, one piece of fabric in any color will suffice. After measuring and cutting the fabric pieces out, set them aside.
Step 3: Sew the Fabric Together
Place the fabric pieces together with the right sides facing inward. Pin the edges to secure them in place. Using a sewing machine, stitch around three sides, leaving one side open for the insertion of the stuffing.
Reinforce the corners by backstitching. While still pinned, turn the pillowcase right side out. Push the fabric corners out with a blunt tool such as a knitting needle or chopstick. Although not necessary, a serger can also be used to finish the edges.
Step 4: Add a Closure
If you prefer a removable cover for easy cleaning, insert a zipper or attach buttons to the open side of the pillow. Follow the instructions provided with the closure of your choice to ensure proper attachment. If you don’t wish to add a closure, hand stitch the opening closed with a backstitch.
When your pillow is complete, fluff the pillow and arrange it on a couch or bed to make it even more inviting for reading. Add favorite books, magazines, a warm blanket or whatever items help to make it a cozy reading spot. Then, get comfortable and enjoy your new reading pillow.
Step 5: Trim the Excess Fabric
Trim the excess fabric from the corners and edges, being careful not to cut too close to the stitching. This will reduce bulkiness and help the pillow maintain a neater shape when stuffed. Also, trim all threads and loose pieces to give the pillow a polished look.
For a professional finish, use pinking shears or an overcasting stitch for a decorative edge. Although this step is not necessary, it will contribute to the longevity of the pillow and give it a more finished look. Make sure the pillow looks neat and tidy before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6: Turn the Pillow Right-Side Out
Carefully turn the pillow cover right-side out through the open side. Gently push out the corners using a blunt object, like the eraser end of a pencil, for a crisp finish. You can also use a long chopstick or the end of a paintbrush to help push out all the corners.
If you find that the corners are not coming out as crisp as desired, use a steam iron to gently press them flat. Additionally, you can use a hand-sewing needle and matching thread to sew an edging around the opening of the pillow cover for a neat finish.
Step 7: Prepare the Stuffing
Select a stuffing material that provides both comfort and support, such as fiberfill or shredded foam. Fluff and loosen the stuffing to ensure an even distribution when filling the pillow. Oncer the pillow is stuffed, it cannot be unstuffed and re-fluffed.
When stuffing the pillow, do not overstuff it; leave some room for comfort. Although adding too much stuffing will make the pillow appear full and fluffy, it will be uncomfortable to sit on. Too little stuffing can result in a flat or lumpy pillow.
Make sure to evenly spread the stuffing material throughout the pillow for comfort. Finally, use a straight pin or needle to make sure all corners and seams are filled properly. This will help to make the pillow more comfortable when sitting on it.
Step 8: Fill the Pillow
Begin by inserting the stuffing into the corners of the pillow, pushing it in firmly but not excessively. Continue filling the rest of the pillow evenly, ensuring a consistent level of firmness throughout. Once the pillow is filled completely, close the long side with a row of stitches. This will prevent any stuffing from slipping out and make sure that your pillow looks neat and tidy.
After closing the long side, tie off any loose threads and trim them to make sure the finished product has a professional look. Finally, close the other side of the pillow with another row of stitches and tie off any remaining threads.
Step 9: Adjust the Stuffing
Once the pillow is filled to your desired level of firmness, adjust the stuffing as needed to achieve the desired shape and support. Ensure the corners are adequately filled, and the pillow feels comfortable when squeezed.
Any additional stuffing can be placed in a bag for later use. Any excess fabric can be trimmed off or tucked under the pillow to help keep it looking neat. Finally, it’s time to enjoy your new reading pillow! Find a cozy spot in your home and curl up with your favorite book or magazine.
Step 10: Close the Pillow
If you opted for a closure, zip it up or button it closed. If you choose to sew the opening shut, use a needle and thread to carefully stitch it closed. Double-check the seams for any loose threads or gaps. However, if you decide to close the pillow, make sure it is secure so that your stuffing will not escape. If preferred, you can add an additional layer of fabric to the backside before closing in order to give it a finished look.
Conclusion
After reading this post, you should have a greater understanding of how to make your own reading pillow. The steps may seem daunting at first, but they’re actually quite easy once you get the hang of it. Not only can you choose from new fabrics and feel like an actual DIY master, but you also end up with something that is incredibly utilitarian and special.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t limit yourself to just one project – why not make multiple reading pillows customized to your whims? Hopefully, this article gave you some helpful tips about How to Make a Reading Pillow successfully, so now that you have the proper knowledge on how to get the job done, why not give it a try today?
