How to make Reading-Pillows? Inspiration, Tips and Links

I have fallen in love with reading pillows last year. The crafting community on Facebook and Pinterest offered loads of inspiration and how-to’s.

This post is my dedication to this very addictive form of art and my prayer is that it will leave you inspired and finally proud! (on the gorgeous makes you are going to try!!)

 

 

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WHAT IS A READING PILLOW?

A reading pillow is a scatter cushion, with an extra pocket inserted in the front, to hold a book/s.The buzz is not about the pillow itself. It is about the fabric combinations, the finishing touches and the heart that you have put into it.

 

 

HOW TO MAKE A READING PILLOW

The pattern I used is from Melissa at Polkadotchair.  It is available in this post and….is totally free…!! (Image below)

 

 

HOW TO PERSONALIZE A READING PILLOW

As with a blank canvas, you can do what you like, with what you have.

Here are a few ideas:

Each idea links to a post or image, as added inspiration:

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Some of the links may lead to affiliates of which I am an affiliate.  If you happen to make a purchase, I will earn a commission.  Thanks for your support!

• Melissa (image above), used iron-on vinyl and added a name to the pillow;
• Add hand-stitched applique;
• or hand-embroidered wording;
• Sewing machine applique

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• Free-motion embroidery
• ​Quilt the pocket
• Quilt the pocket with stipple stitch and then add embroidery

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A post shared by CraftinJenn (@craftinjenn) on Nov 15, 2017 at 1:41pm PST

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A post shared by CraftinJenn (@craftinjenn)

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• You can machine embroider any wording or image or a combination of the two;
• If you use a printed fabric, it may not even be necessary to add anything;
• Some add handles or

• Piping;
• Ribbon or 
• Ruffles
• Lace or
• Paint it
• Felt or
• Another smaller pocket on top, with buttons and pom-poms
• Hooded-towel appliques work very well on pillows!

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A 2018-READING PILLOW SEW-ALONG CHALLENGE

For more details on how to enter, to get the design codes etc, visit:

AMEA January 2018 Reading Pillow Sew-Along Facebook Group

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FACEBOOK INSPIRATION – Mostly for embroidery enthusiasts

• Reading Pocket Pillows “Show and Tell’ Group – the members in this group share their latest makes, advise, and even the links to the designs they have used!

Once I asked for instructions and a member made and shared a video – incredible.

• Reading Pillow Fanatics – another active sharing group!

The following are new gro​ups that I just discovered and joined:-

• Pocket Reading Pillow Embroidery
• Reading Pillow Projects And Business
• Pictures & sources for reading pillow designs
• The Reading Cushion

EMBROIDERY SITES WITH READING PILLOW WORDING AND APPLIQUE DESIGNS

Bella Bleu Embroidery

Brenda Goodier Designs

Claudia’s Sew Creations

Drop Dead Threads 

Etsy – Pretty N Stitches

Jazzy Joe Designs

Memories in Thread

My Petite Fleur Designs

Oh my Crafty Supplies, for regular free and discounted designs

Spunky Stitches

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Ready to get started?

I am hoping that you have received all the inspiration necessary – if you need more advice, please contact me via email, and I will try to get you on the right path!