This reading pillow tutorial walks you through all the steps you need to sew a reading pillow with a handle and an envelope style backing!
![image of three different reading pillows](https://i0.wp.com/tamarasjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1.png?resize=1024%2C713&ssl=1)
Sewing a reading pillow is a great beginner friendly sewing project that makes a great gift for kids and adults too!
![](https://i0.wp.com/tamarasjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/reading-pillow-tutorial.png?resize=800%2C800&ssl=1)
*This post contains affiliate links, if you shop through them I will make a small commission which allows me to continue to make these free tutorials for you. I appreciate your support.
Reading Pillow Cut List:
- Front Panel: 19″ by 19″ (Cut 1)
- Back Panels: 12″ by 19″ (Cut 2)
- Front Pocket: 18″ by 19″ (Cut 1)
- Handle: 3″ by 10″ (Cut 1)
- Optional: Batting 19″ by 19″ (Cut 1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/tamarasjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Reading-Pillow.png?resize=800%2C800&ssl=1)
You Will Need:
- Cotton Fabric (I used 3 different fabrics that matched).
- Pillow Insert: 18″ by 18″.
- Fusible Fleece or Batting if you choose to Quilt your panels.
- Frixion Pen or Water Soluble Marking Pen if Quilting.
- Walking Foot is helpful if Quilting.
- Measuring Gauge.
- Cutting Mat, Ruler & Rotary Cutter (this is how I cut my fabric but you can use some fabric scissors if you prefer.
- All Purpose sewing thread.
- Sewing Machine.
![close up of the quilting and the handle on the reading pillow](https://i0.wp.com/tamarasjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2.png?resize=1024%2C713&ssl=1)
![In this photo you can see the center seam sewn to easily hold two chapter books in the reading pillow](https://i0.wp.com/tamarasjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/4.png?resize=1024%2C713&ssl=1)
Optional Steps:
There are a few optional steps you can do to make your reading pillow (otherwise known as a book pillow or journal pillow) a bit more unique.
- Quilting the front large panel will give it a nice finished look.
- Sewing a center seam along the large pocket will allow the pillow to hold chapter books nicely.
- Add a zipper to the bottom of the pillow: Follow the video tutorial HERE.
- Add a zipper behind a flap at the back of the pillow: Follow the video tutorial HERE.
Watch the Reading Pillow Tutorial HERE
To follow along and put your reading pillow together watch the video tutorial HERE.
![](https://i0.wp.com/tamarasjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/reading-pillow-tutorial-on-youtube.png?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
Let me know in the comments if this reading pillow tutorial is a project you enjoyed making! I keep remaking this one as it has become the perfect gift to sew.
Please pin the below image to share this project with others. I appreciate your help in spreading the word!
![Use this free pattern tutorial to sew a reading pillow with a handle and an envelope style backing. There is also an option to quilt the backing as well as add two pockets instead of the usual one pocket in a book pillow.](https://i0.wp.com/tamarasjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/reading-pillow-tutorial-pin.png?resize=472%2C707&ssl=1)