Crafting A Charming Ring Pillow

A ring bearer pillow is a simple yet elegant addition to any wedding. The pillow is used to carry the wedding rings down the aisle, usually by a young child. Making your own ring bearer pillow is an easy and fun project that will add a personal touch to your wedding.

The first step in making a ring bearer pillow is to choose a design and gather your materials. You will need fabric, ribbon, string, stuffing, and sewing essentials such as pins, thread, scissors, and a sewing machine (optional). Cut your fabric into two squares, usually around 10-12 inches in length, and cut your ribbons to twice the length of your fabric.

Next, you will need to attach the ribbons to the fabric. Place the ribbons in the centre of one of the fabric squares and pin them in place. Sew along the edges, leaving an opening of a few inches to turn the pillow right side out.

Once the ribbons are attached, you can sew the two pieces of fabric together to form the pillowcase. Place the two squares together and pin the edges. Sew along the pinned edges, leaving an opening for turning and stuffing the pillow.

After sewing, turn the pillow right side out and stuff it with polyester fibre fill or another type of stuffing. You can then decorate the pillow as you see fit. A classic method is to wrap a ribbon into a large bow and sew a string in the centre to tie the rings.

Finally, you can attach the rings to the pillow by tying them to the ribbon or string. And there you have it! Your very own ring bearer pillow, ready to be a part of your special day.

Choosing a design

When choosing a design for your ring bearer pillow, it is best to consider the wedding's theme and motif. You don't want to stray too far from it. Opting for a simple yet elegant design is always a good idea, especially if you are a beginner at sewing. A square-shaped pillow is the easiest to make.

The size of the pillow is also an important consideration. You don't want to burden the ring bearer with a pillow that is too big. Choose a comfortable size that fits the event.

The fabric you choose should complement the wedding's theme and colour scheme. If you're going for a traditional look, white or cream-coloured fabric is a good choice. You can also choose from a variety of fabrics such as satin, silk, velvet, linen, or even denim.

The ribbon you select should complement the type of fabric you chose for the pillowcase. If you opt for a glossy fabric, a matte-coloured ribbon would be a good contrast. You will need two ribbons of the same length and appearance but different widths—a ratio of three to one will work well.

Preparing materials

Before you start making your ring bearer pillow, you must gather all the materials you need. The first thing you need to do is choose a design that fits the wedding's theme and motif. If you are a beginner at sewing, a simple square-shaped pillow is a good option. You should also choose a comfortable size that fits the event.

The materials you will need include fabric, ribbon, silk string, polyester fiberfill, sewing essentials such as pins or binder clips, thread, scissors, and a sewing machine (optional). Choose a plain fabric design rather than patterned, as the wedding is a formal occasion. Suggested fabrics include satin, linen, silk, velvet, chiffon, lace, and felt. The ribbon should complement the type of fabric chosen for the pillowcase. If you select a glossy fabric, use a matt-coloured ribbon. You will need two ribbons of the same length and appearance but different widths, with a ratio of 3:1.

For convenient sewing, cut the fabric into two squares, with a side length ranging from 10 to 12 inches. Cut the ribbons twice the length of your fabric; you will need two of each ribbon.

Lay the narrower ribbon on top of the wider one, ensuring it matches up with the side edge. Place the ribbon in the centre and on top of one pillowcase piece, along the side edge. Pin the ribbon in place, and sew along the side edge using a sufficient seam allowance. Repeat these steps for the other ribbon on the opposite side of the pillow.

Cutting the fabric

The first step in making a ring bearer pillow is to cut the fabric. This is a crucial step as it forms the foundation for the rest of the project. Here is a detailed guide on how to cut the fabric for a ring bearer pillow:

Prepare the Fabric:

• Start by selecting the fabric of your choice. It is recommended to use woven fabric for a traditional look. White or cream-coloured fabric is commonly used, but you can choose a colour that complements your wedding theme.
• Pre-wash and iron the fabric to remove any wrinkles and allow for any shrinkage. This step is important as it ensures the fabric is smooth and easy to work with.
• Gather the necessary tools for cutting: fabric scissors, a rotary cutter, or a sharp pair of sewing shears. A rotary cutter is ideal for making precise and straight cuts, while sewing shears are essential for cutting thicker fabrics.

Find a Straight Edge:

• The next step is to find a straight edge to guide your cuts. Look for the selvage edge of the fabric, which is usually the straight edge where it was held on the loom during weaving. The selvage often has holes along its edge and may have the designer's details printed on it.
• If the selvage is not straight, you may need to "square up" your fabric. This involves cutting the selvage edge in a straight line, using a ruler to mark a line parallel to the selvage, and then cutting along that line with sharp scissors.

Create a 90-Degree Angle:

• To create a nice 90-degree cut, match the straight edge of your fabric with a perfectly square table or counter corner. Ensure that the carpenter's angle is precise.
• Line up the straight edge along the bottom of the table and adjust the fabric until it is perfectly aligned with the left and right edges of the table.
• If necessary, use a straight edge to draw a line and then cut along it to create a precise 90-degree angle.

Cut the Fabric to Size:

• Now that you have a straight edge and a 90-degree angle, you can start measuring and cutting the fabric to the desired size. For a ring bearer pillow, you will need two-foot-long squares of fabric.
• Measure and cut the fabric accordingly, ensuring that all sides are straight and even.
• If you are cutting long lengths of fabric, you can fold it and use the folded edge as a guide to cut the opposite side.

Check for Accuracy:

• To ensure accuracy, fold your fabric in half and check that the widths at both ends are the same. Then, fold it in the opposite direction and check the other widths.
• If any adjustments are needed, re-measure and trim the fabric accordingly.
• For a square-shaped pillow, fold the fabric diagonally to check that the angles are precise. Line up the edges and ensure that the corners are folded precisely in half.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly cut fabric for your ring bearer pillow, ready for the next steps of assembly and decoration.

Attaching ribbons

Step 1: Prepare the Materials

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a piece of ribbon and string that match your pillow. The ribbon will form the decorative bow, while the string will be used to secure the rings to the pillow. Choose colours and textures that complement your wedding theme and the overall design of the pillow.

Step 2: Create a Slip Knot

Take the string and fold it in half, placing it behind the ribbon to create a loop. Pull the ends of the string over the ribbon and through the loop, tightening the knot by pulling on both ends. Adjust the position of the knot so that it sits centred on the ribbon.

Step 3: Form a Bow

Now, take the left and right ends of the ribbon and fold them into loops. Cross the left loop over the right loop, then thread it through the gap you've created. Pull on the loops to tighten the bow. Ensure that the strings and tails of the bow are hanging below the loops.

Step 4: Secure the Bow

Place a drop of hot glue or fabric glue in the centre of the pillow and press the bow into it, allowing it to set. Alternatively, you can sew the bow onto the pillow using matching thread. Just make sure that the strings and tails are free to hang below the loops.

Step 5: Trim and Singe

If the ribbon tails or strings are too long, trim them to your desired length. If the ends are fraying, carefully singe them with a flame to prevent further fraying and create a neat finish.

Step 6: Attach the Rings

Finally, thread both wedding rings onto one of the strings and tie the strings together. You can opt for a simple knot or a bow, depending on your preference and the overall look you're aiming for.

This method of attaching ribbons and rings to your ring bearer pillow is straightforward and effective, ensuring that the rings are securely fastened for the ring bearer to carry them down the aisle.

Sewing the pillowcase

Next, attach the ribbons. Place the narrower ribbon on top of the wider one, ensuring they match up along the side edge. Pin the ribbons in place, then sew along the side edge, using a sufficient seam allowance. Repeat this process for the other ribbon on the opposite side of the pillow.

Now you are ready to sew the pillowcase. Place one pillowcase piece on top of the other, and pin each edge. Sew or stitch all sides, leaving an opening of adequate distance (around 4 inches) to turn the pillowcase right side out.

After sewing, turn the pillowcase right side out through the opening. If your fabric is wrinkled, iron it flat. Then, stuff the pillow with polyester fiberfill. Don't overstuff the pillow; use your finger to test the quality. Pin the opening closed.

Frequently asked questions