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I ALWAYS have a pillow on my lap when I read – whether I’m reading a paper or digital book. I find it to be much easier on my wrists and it’s just cozy! (Who doesn’t like to be cozy?)
Reading pillows make great gifts for book lovers of all ages.
Watch the full video tutorial below and learn how to make a reading pillow with either a zipper back or an envelope back (where 2 fabrics overlap.) These make the cover removable so they can be washed.
Who to Sew Reading Pillows for:
• YOURSELF! I feel like we often overlook ourselves so be sure to add yourself to the top of the list.
• Make them for kids or grandkids and include a favorite book genre to encourage reading.
• Book lovers in your life. No one is too old for a book pillow and honestly the older you get the better they are. These help people with arthritis who have a hard time holding a book for any period of time and help decrease the strain on the hands and wrists to hopefully prevent it. (This of course isn’t medical advice…)
• Sew and sell. While book pillows are not a fast thing to sew they could be a higher ticket item to offer either online or in person. You can also personalize them by adding quotes, names, and more.
Shortcuts to Specific Topics
00:50 Anatomy of a Reading Pillow
02:23 Fabric pieces needed
04:16 Fabrics for the zipper back
06:03 Sew the Pocket
07:05 Iron the Handle fabric
07:23 How and why to use a quilter’s clapper
08:39 Sew the handle and pocket binding
09:47 Baste handle to pocket front
10:33 Attach pocket to the front
11:10 Add first tab to the zipper
14:20 Add the second zipper tab
17:59 Sew zipper to first fabric
19:27 Trick to sewing zippers
20:37 How a zipper foot works
21:17 How to sew an even seam on a zipper
21:54 Press fabric away from the zipper
22:44 Topstitch the zipper and fabric
23:20 Pin fabric flap and top to the zipper
25:33 Sew zipper to fabrics
25:47 How to move the zipper pull for best results
26:12 Press fabric away from zipper and flat
26:35 Topstitch the zipper and fabric
27:06 Cut pillow back to the size of the front
28:16 Clip or pin front to back
28:28 Trick to know when to sew back and forth
29:11 Tricks for making easy 1/2 inch seam guides
29:41 How to use a Seam Guide Ruler
30:14 How to use a magnetic seam guide
30:46 Use tape for a seam guide
31:42 Trick for knowing when to turn at 90 degree corners
32:29 Clip corners
33:27 Turn right side out 34:25 Add the pillow
34:51 4 reading pillow sizes
Things to add on to a Reading Pillow
Why stop at the pillow?
Add a book or gift card
Add a corner bookmark which is a quick and easy sewing project you can whip up with fabric scraps.
If you or the reader in your life like to take their book on the go a book sleeve is a great idea. It’s a padded fabric pocket to protect a precious book or tablet when traveling, throwing it in a backpack, tote bag and more.
Are there any other book lover projects you’d love to see? Drop a comment and let me know! I’m always open to suggestions!
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