DIY Kids Reading Pillow

inside: A fun and easy sewing tutorial to make a kids reading pillow. Keep bedtime calm with books and stories. Find out how to make a reading pillow.

Cold winter days are perfect for curling up in bed with a good book and today’s DIY reading pillow makes that fun and easy. All my kids love reading/looking at books in bed, so I made a couple of reading pillows so they can keep their books close. Today I’m sharing this easy sewing tutorial.  Reading has been such a big part of my life, I want to help others have the same love of books and reading.

kids reading pillow – tutorial

Okay, let’s make some fun DIY reading pillows. My daughter loves hers!! She’s at that stage where sometimes she doesn’t want to nap…. so… now she just looks at books if she’s not tired and can still enjoy some quiet time.

You can also flip the reading pillow over and use it like a normal pillow.

I made a regular size pillow case with pocket for my oldest son and then the smaller one for Rose.

Use these reading pillow instructions to make your own kids reading pillow.

How to make a reading pillow

You will need…

• Flannel or cotton fabric– 1 yard
• Books {or at least the size of books you want to fit in the pillow}.

Okay, so start with a basic pillow case shape. Don’t sew up the end or side yet. Measure the size of the pocket. I folded my fabric so the pocket is a double layer.

You can make an envelope pillow or a slip cover pillow case  as your base.

Reading pillow instructions

Sew the pocket edges with the right sides together. Leave a small opening to turn out. 

Turn the pocket and close the hole by folding in the edge. Pin.

Pin the pocket in place and sew around the three sides. 

Finish the side and bottom of the fabric to finished the pillowcase, then add your books for reading pillow fun!

For the smaller pillow I made it an envelope style. You can check out THIS tutorial if you need help with the pillow case base.  Before you do any sewing, find the center of the front and position your pocket. Sew the right sides together and turn as I did with the first pillow. This pocket is going to have two pockets so pin down the center as well. 

Sew the pocket to the open pillow case. 

After the pocket is sewn on, fold the “envelope” closed and sew the sides. 

And here’s what the fun little DIY reading pillow looks like!! Perfect for reading, snuggling and sleeping!

I love how both of these tuned out…

Here a are few other pillow tutorials I’ve shared in the past: