Crafting A Wedding Ring Pillow: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding ring pillow is a popular tradition where the wedding rings rest on the pillow as the ring bearer carries them to the altar. Making your own pillow is a great way to bring a unique touch to your special day. You can make a simple sewn or no-sew pillow, or decorate it with ribbon, lace, embroidery, or tassels for a fancier look.

Sewing a simple pillow

First, select your fabric, choosing a material and colour that match your wedding theme. Cut two 10-inch squares of fabric, or adjust the size as needed, remembering to add a 1/2-inch seam to the length and width. Stack the squares with the right sides together, securing the edges with pins.

Next, sew three of the edges with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, using a sewing machine or hand-stitching with a matching thread colour. If you don't know how to sew, you can secure the edges with hot glue or fabric glue instead. After sewing, trim the corners to reduce bulk and help your pillow look neater.

Now, turn the pillow right side out, using a blunt, pointy object like a pencil to push out the corners. Stuff the pillow with polyester filling, foam, or a blank ring pillow. Close the open seam by folding and pinning the raw edges, then hand-sew it shut with a ladder stitch. Alternatively, you can use hot glue or fabric glue to close the opening.

To finish, create a decorative bow by attaching a string to a ribbon with a slipknot and forming the ribbon into a bow. Secure the bow in the centre of the pillow with a few stitches or hot glue, then trim and singe the ends of the ribbon and string if needed. Finally, thread the rings onto the string and tie a knot or bow to secure them.

Making a no-sew pillow

Step 1: Choose Your Fabric

Select a heavy fabric such as burlap, linen, or canvas in a colour that complements your wedding theme. Cut two 10-inch squares of this fabric, or adjust the size as needed, adding 1 inch to the length and width for a larger pillow.

Step 2: Prepare the Fabric

Clip the corners of each fabric square by 1/4 inch to reduce bulk and help conceal raw edges. Then, turn the fabric so that the wrong side is facing you. Fold and press down 1/4 inch of the four edges towards the wrong side, using an iron if needed. Repeat this step for both pieces of fabric.

Step 3: Glue the Hems

Unfold one edge and apply a thin line of hot glue or fabric glue along it. Press the hem back down and repeat for all the hems on both fabric squares. Trim any frayed bits of fabric sticking out.

Step 4: Assemble the Pillow

Place one square with the wrong side facing up, and the other square on top with the right side facing up. Glue three edges together, leaving the fourth edge open. Allow the glue to dry.

Step 5: Stuffing

Stuff the pillow with polyester filling, foam, or a mini pillow insert to your desired fullness. Make sure to push the stuffing into the corners for a neat finish.

Step 6: Final Touches

Use hot glue or fabric glue to seal the final seam, working in small sections at a time. Press and hold each section until the glue dries if using hot glue, or secure with clothespins if using fabric glue.

Step 7: Embellishments (Optional)

You can add a decorative touch by gluing a ribbon and cord bow to the centre of the pillow. Tie the rings to the cord and adjust the length of the ribbon and cord as needed. Trim any excess material and singe with a flame to prevent fraying.

Decorating a ring pillow

Embroidery and Fabric

Embroidery is a popular way to decorate a ring pillow and add a touch of elegance. Consider embellishing the pillow with embroidered flowers, butterflies, or monograms. You can also opt for a simple embroidered design, such as a laurel motif or your initials and wedding date. Linen or burlap fabric in neutral colours like white, ivory, or beige is a classic choice, but you can also go for something more unique, like velvet or crochet.

Nature-Inspired Decor

If you're having a rustic or beach wedding, bring the outdoors in with nature-inspired decorations. For a rustic vibe, use burlap and lace, dried flowers, or wood slices. For a beach wedding, a seashell ring holder is a cute idea; you can even decorate it with pearls. You could also fill a small bird's nest with dried flowers and ribbon for a unique, woodland-themed ring pillow.

Creative Containers

Think outside the box and use a unique container instead of a traditional pillow. A small briefcase, a glass jewellery box, or a wooden ring box are all elegant options. For a playful touch, consider a balloon that says "Here Comes the Bride" or a festive ornament for a holiday wedding. You could even use a book with a secret compartment carved into it, perfect for literature lovers!

Ring Security

For a fun twist, dress up your ring bearer as a "security guard" tasked with protecting the rings. Equip them with a lockbox or briefcase for the rings, and don't forget the sunglasses and badges to complete the look.

Seasonal and Themed Decor

Tie your ring pillow into the season or theme of your wedding. For a Christmas wedding, a ring pillow with holly or other festive embellishments is a cute idea. If you're having a beach wedding, consider a ring pillow with anchor or seashell motifs. For a fall wedding, pumpkins or autumnal colours like burgundy or orange can be a fun choice.

Remember, your ring pillow should reflect your personal style and complement your wedding's colour scheme and theme. It's also a nice way to include meaningful details, like heirlooms or items with sentimental value.

Creating fancier pillows

Different shapes

This idea works well for sewn pillows. Cut out two identical shapes from your desired fabric and sew them together, leaving a 3-4 inch gap. Turn the pillow, stuff it, and then sew the gap shut. Try a circle, heart, or rectangle shape. Remember to clip corners and cut V-shaped notches into curved edges.

Fabric choices

Instead of using satin, try a unique fabric such as burlap, or a fancy embroidered fabric for the front with a plain fabric for the back. Look in the prom and formal section of the fabric store for fancier fabrics, including ones with rosettes.

Lace overlay

Cut a square of lace fabric and sew it to the right side of the first fabric square before assembling the pillow. You can also use chiffon or organza, or a strip of lace ribbon.

Ruffled trims

Pin the trim to the right side of one fabric square, aligning the edges. Then, sew it together and assemble the pillow. Ruffled lace trims look more romantic, but you can also use fabric lace.

Embroidery

Embroider the front piece of fabric by hand or with a machine before assembling the pillow. Simple embroidery works best for rustic pillows (burlap, linen, or canvas), while detailed embroidery is better for fancier fabrics (silk, satin, or velvet).

Adding a lace overlay

To add a lace overlay, cut four pieces of lace trim, each 15 inches long. Cut the end of each piece at a 45-degree angle, with the narrower end on the flat finished side of the trim and the wider end on the frilly side. Place two pieces of lace right sides together and stitch them together along the short ends. Repeat this step until all the pieces of lace trim are sewn together, forming a square.

Place the lace trim and the fabric right sides together, ensuring the straight edge of the lace trim lines up with the edge of the fabric. Pin the lace trim to the fabric, then sew the lace trim to the fabric using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

You can also create a pillow with a lace trim edge. Cut a 13-inch square of fabric and cut four pieces of lace trim, each 15 inches long. Cut the ends of the lace trim at a 45-degree angle, then place the lace trim and the fabric right sides together. Pin the lace trim to the fabric and sew using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

Finish your pillow by inserting the pillow form through the opening at the back. You can use a hand sewing needle to whip stitch the back of the pillow closed, but this is optional if you use a pillow form.

Frequently asked questions