Crochet A Ring Bearer Pillow

Creating a crochet ring bearer pillow is a fun and simple project for any wedding occasion. The pillow, which carries the wedding rings, is an important part of the ceremony, so it's worth dressing up! There are many free patterns and tutorials available online to help you craft the perfect pillow. You can choose from a variety of designs, fabrics, and ribbons to match your wedding theme and colour palette. The process is easy and affordable, requiring just some basic sewing essentials and a bit of creativity. So, get your hands on some fabric, ribbon, and polyester fiberfill, and get ready to craft a beautiful ring bearer pillow that will add a unique touch to your special day.

How to Crochet a Ring Bearer Pillow

Choosing a design

When choosing a design for your ring bearer pillow, it's important to consider the theme and motif of the wedding. You'll want your pillow to complement the event's aesthetic rather than clash with it. Simplicity is often best, and a simple shape like a square will be easier to sew if you're a beginner.

Another important consideration is the size of the pillow. You'll want to choose a comfortable size that fits the event without being too bulky for the ring bearer to carry. The pillow should also be the right size for the rings to stand out.

If you're feeling creative, you can add decorative features like pintucks and stitching to your pillow. You can also get creative with the type of fabric and ribbon you use. Plain fabrics are often best, as the wedding is a formal occasion, and you'll want the ribbon to complement the type of fabric you choose. If you're using a glossy sheen fabric, for example, you could use a matte-coloured ribbon.

If you're looking for inspiration, there are many free crochet patterns available online for ring bearer pillows. You can also purchase patterns, like the 'Ring Bearer Pillow' by Carol Ballard, which features a simply elegant, vintage-style design with a floral and pineapple motif.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a design that fits the happy couple and their special day!

Gathering supplies

To crochet a ring bearer pillow, you will need the following supplies:

• Fabric: Satin is a popular choice for ring bearer pillows, but you can also use lace or embroidered handkerchiefs, or any plain fabric of your choice.
• Ribbon: Choose a ribbon that complements your fabric. If you opt for a glossy sheen fabric, use a matte-coloured ribbon. You will need two ribbons of the same length and appearance but different widths—a three-to-one ratio is ideal. Additionally, cut a 10-inch piece of ribbon for the handle at the bottom of the pillow.
• Filling: You will need polyester fiberfill or cotton filling to stuff your pillow.
• Sewing essentials: This includes pins or binder clips, thread, scissors, and a sewing machine (optional).
• Needle: A steel crochet hook or a regular needle can be used.
• Other: You may also want a silk string and faux pearls for decorative touches.

Cutting fabric and ribbons

For a simple ring bearer pillow, you will need fabric, ribbon, silk string, polyester fiberfill, sewing essentials such as pins or binder clips, thread, scissors, and a sewing machine (optional).

The fabric should be plain rather than patterned, as the wedding is a formal occasion. Suggested fabrics include cotton, linen, silk, satin, and lace.

The ribbon should complement the type of textile chosen for the pillowcase. If you choose a fabric with a glossy sheen, use a matt-coloured ribbon. You will need two ribbons of the same length and appearance but different widths. A 3:1 ratio is recommended.

Cut the fabric into two squares. A side length of 10 to 12 inches is ideal. Cut the ribbons to twice the length of your fabric. You will need two of each ribbon.

For the ribbon that will be used to tie the rings, cut a 30-inch piece. You can make it a little longer if you want the ribbons to cascade over the pillow's edges. And cut a 10-inch piece of ribbon for the handle on the bottom of the pillow.

If you are using a stabiliser, cut an 11-inch square, or a piece that is 11 inches by the width of the roll.

Using a pen and a ruler, mark the centres of both the top and bottom pieces of the pillow. These points will be used when attaching the top ribbon and the covered button. On the top piece only, mark sewing lines 1 1/4 inches from both edges on each side. These will serve as starting and ending points for the first rows of pintucks.

Attaching ribbons

Now that you have cut the ribbons to the right length, it is time to attach them to the pillowcase. Lay the ribbon of lesser width on top of the wider one, ensuring that it matches up to the side edge. Place the ribbon in the centre and on the top of one pillowcase piece, along the side edge. Use a pin to hold the ribbon in place, and sew along the side edge, leaving a sufficient seam allowance. Repeat these steps for the other ribbon on the opposite side of the pillow.

If you are using a sewing machine, you can attach the two pieces of the pillowcase by placing one pillowcase piece on top of the other and pinning each edge. Then, sew or stitch all sides, leaving an opening of adequate distance that will allow you to turn the pillow inside out.

If you are sewing by hand, you can attach the ribbons by using a needle and thread to sew through the centre of the ribbon and then through the pillow to the other side. Pull the thread taut to create a fuller-looking pillow. Continue to go back and forth through the pillow several times, finishing off at the back.

Sewing the pillowcase

Firstly, cut your fabric into two squares. The size of the squares will depend on your desired pillow size, but a standard ring bearer pillow is typically around 10 to 12 inches in length on each side. It is important to ensure that both squares are of the same size so that they can be sewn together easily. Once you have your fabric squares, you will need to place them on top of each other, ensuring that the edges align.

Next, you will need to pin the fabric in place. Place pins along each edge of the fabric to hold the two pieces together. This will make it easier to sew the pieces together and ensure that they do not shift during the sewing process.

Now, it is time to sew! You can sew the pillowcase by hand or using a sewing machine. If you are sewing by hand, use a basic running stitch or a backstitch for added strength. Sew along three and a half sides of the fabric, ensuring you have a steady hand and even stitches. Leave an opening of about 6 inches on one side, which will be used to turn the pillowcase right side out and stuff the pillow. If you are using a sewing machine, use a straight stitch and a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Begin stitching from one side of the marked opening, backstitching to secure the stitch. Stitch all the way around the pillow, pivoting at the corners.

Once you have sewn along three and a half sides, it is now time to prepare the pillowcase for turning and stuffing. Carefully clip the corners of the pillowcase, being mindful not to cut too close to the stitches. This step will help create neat corners when you turn the pillowcase right side out. Now, turn the pillowcase right side out through the opening you left. Use a point turner or similar tool to gently push out the corners for a crisp finish.

Your pillowcase is now ready for stuffing! Use polyester fiberfill, cotton filling, or any preferred stuffing material. Gently stuff the pillow to your desired thickness, ensuring that it is not overstuffed. Use your finger to test the quality and ensure it has a soft, fluffy feel. Once you are satisfied with the stuffing, you can now pin the opening closed.

Finally, hand sew or whipstitch the opening closed. You may also want to press the raw edges to the inside of the pillowcase before sewing for a neat finish. And there you have it—a beautifully sewn ring bearer pillowcase, ready to be adorned with ribbons and bows!

Frequently asked questions