Create A Ring Bearer Pillow Ribbon

A ring bearer pillow is a popular wedding tradition. The wedding rings rest on the pillow as the ring bearer carries them down the aisle. Making your own pillow is a great way to bring a unique touch to your special day.

To make a ribbon for a ring bearer pillow, you will need:

- Two pieces of fabric in your chosen colour and material, cut into squares

- Ribbon and string for decoration

- Thread and pins

- Poly-fil stuffing

First, lay two lengths of ribbon across the first fabric square, extending past the square on opposite sides. Pin the ribbon in place and then place the other pillow square on top, followed by more pins along the edges, leaving a gap for turning the pillow right side out. Sew along the pinned edges, turn the pillow right side out, and stuff with poly-fil.

Now for the creative part! Decorate the pillow as you see fit. The classic method involves wrapping a designer ribbon into a large bow and sewing or gluing it in place. You can add more ribbon if you like, but remember to tie together any loose pieces so they don't dangle. Finally, subtly sew or glue in the string as a place to tie the rings.

Choosing and cutting your fabric

Choosing the right fabric and cutting it to the right size are crucial steps in making a ring bearer pillow.

For a traditional look, opt for a white or cream fabric. You can choose from a variety of materials, including satin, cotton, or burlap. If you want to add a unique touch, consider using a different type of fabric, such as silk, velvet, or even denim. The fabric should complement your wedding theme and colours.

Once you have selected the fabric, cut out two squares that are the same size. The standard size for a ring bearer pillow is 8" or 9", but you can make it larger or smaller depending on your preference. Remember to add a seam allowance to your measurements. For example, if you want a 10" pillow, cut the fabric to 10 1/2" to account for a 1/2" seam.

If you are making a no-sew pillow, you will also need to clip the corners of the fabric squares by about 1/4" to reduce bulk and help conceal the raw edges.

Lay out your fabric squares and place two lengths of ribbon across the first square, extending past the square on opposite sides. This will create a clean look for the ribbon once it is tied on the outside. Pin the ribbons in place and then place the other pillow square on top, followed by more pins along the edges, leaving a 4" opening on one side for turning and stuffing the pillow.

Sewing the fabric together

Now that you have cut your fabric and ribbon to size, it's time to sew them together. Stack the squares of fabric with the right sides together, and secure the edges with pins. You can then sew three of the edges with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, using a straight stitch and a matching thread colour. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can secure the edges with hot glue or fabric glue and allow it to dry.

Next, trim the corners of the fabric. This step is optional, but it will help to reduce bulk and give your pillow a neater finish. Cut as close to the stitching as you can without cutting the thread itself. Remember to clip the corners along the edge you've left open, as this will make it easier to sew the pillow shut later.

Now, turn the pillow right side out. Flip the corners into the pillow, then use a blunt, pointy tool like a knitting needle or pencil to push the corners out further. Once you're happy with how the corners look, stuff the pillow with polyester filling, or another filling of your choice.

To close the open seam, push the stuffing into the pillow so that it doesn't get caught in the seam. Fold the raw edges of the opening in by 1/4 inch, and secure them with sewing pins. You can then hand sew the opening shut with a ladder stitch, or use hot glue or fabric glue to close the seam. If you're using glue, work in small sections of about 1 inch at a time, and hold each section until it sets before moving on to the next.

Finally, attach a string to a ribbon with a slip knot. Choose a ribbon and string that match your pillow, and fold the string in half to make a loop behind the ribbon. Pull the ends of the string to make a knot around the ribbon, then tighten the knot and slide it to the centre. The ribbon will be used to form a decorative bow, and the string will be used to tie the rings to the pillow.

Stuffing the pillow

Now that you have sewn your ring bearer pillow, it's time to stuff it! Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

Gather your polyester stuffing or other filling material such as foam or a plain ring pillow insert. You can also use Poly-fil, a type of polyester fibre filling, for a fluffy and full look.

Step 2: Stuff the Pillow

Begin filling your pillow through the opening you left earlier. Gently push the stuffing into the pillow, making sure to get it into all the corners. You want your pillow to be plump and cushioned, so don't be afraid to use a generous amount of filling. However, avoid overstuffing, as this may cause the seams to strain or tear.

Step 3: Close the Opening

Once you are satisfied with the amount of stuffing, it's time to close up the pillow. Use a whipstitch or a ladder stitch to sew the opening shut by hand. You can also use hot glue or fabric glue if you prefer, working in small sections at a time and securing each section before moving on.

Step 4: Smooth and Shape

Gently manipulate the filling to ensure an even distribution throughout the pillow. Shape the pillow as desired, making sure the corners are well-defined and the edges are smooth.

Step 5: Embellish (Optional)

At this point, you can add any additional decorations to your pillow. You can sew or glue on embellishments such as small flowers, charms, or other trinkets that hold special meaning for you and your spouse-to-be. This adds a personalised touch to your pillow and makes it even more unique.

Now your ring bearer pillow is stuffed and ready to be adorned with ribbons and, of course, the all-important rings!

Adding a ribbon and ring

Now that you have cut your fabric, ribbon, and string, it's time to add the final touches to your ring bearer pillow. Here is a step-by-step guide on adding the ribbon and ring:

• Create a slipknot with the ribbon and string: Take your chosen ribbon and string, and create a slipknot by folding the string in half to make a loop behind the ribbon. Pull the ends of the string to create a knot around the ribbon and adjust it to the centre.
• Form a bow: Take the left and right ends of the ribbon and create loops. Cross the left loop over the right, then thread it through the gap. Pull on the loops to tighten the bow.
• Secure the bow: Position the bow in the middle of the pillow and secure it with a few stitches. You can also use hot glue or fabric glue if you prefer. Ensure that the tails and strings of the bow hang below the loop.
• Trim and singe the ribbon: Cut the ribbon and strings to your desired length. If the ends are fraying, carefully singe them with a flame.
• Attach the rings: Thread both wedding rings onto one of the strings and tie a simple knot or a bow to secure them. You can also use a slipknot as previously described.
• Final adjustments: Ensure that the ribbon and ring are securely attached and make any necessary adjustments to their positioning. Your ring bearer pillow is now complete and ready for its special role in the wedding ceremony!

Final touches and decorations

Now for the fun part! Once you've stuffed your pillow, you can decorate it however you like. Here are some ideas for the final touches and decorations:

Wrap a bow

The classic method involves wrapping a designer ribbon into a large bow. You can add more ribbon if you like, but remember to tie together the pre-sewn pieces so they no longer dangle. You can now subtly sew in the string as a place to tie the rings.

Tie a ribbon around the pillow

Cut a length of ribbon at least four times the width of the pillow. Center the pillow over the ribbon. Wrap the ribbon ends around the sides of the pillow. Tie the ribbon into a knot in the front of the pillow. Add the rings, then tie the ribbon into a bow.

Add a symbolic charm to the bow

Choose a charm that is meaningful, such as a horseshoe for good luck, or a heart for love. Sew it to the pillow under the bow, or slide it onto the ribbon before tying it into a bow.

Embellish with ribbon rosettes

Purchase miniature ribbon roses or rosettes. If they are attached to wire stems, trim the stems down to just beneath the bud. Hot glue the rosettes to your pillow as desired. Adding them around the bow would be ideal.

Create a tufted look

Sew a few stitches through the center of the pillow. Thread a needle and push it through the front of the pillow and out the back. Move the needle over 1⁄8 to 1⁄4 inch (0.32 to 0.64 cm), then push it from the back and out the front. Do this one more time to create an X. Knot and cut the thread. Cover the X in the front of the pillow with a ribbon bow.

Add a corded trim and tassels for a lavish touch

Hot glue thin cording to the seams of your pillow. Make some tassels using matching embroidery thread. Sew them to the corners of the pillow. Silver and gold colours make great accents, but other colours can also be used.

Make a different shape for a unique touch

This may not work well for no-sew pillows, but it is a great option for sewn pillows. Cut two identical shapes out of the desired fabric and sew them together. Leave a 3 to 4-inch (7.6 to 10.2 cm) gap. Turn the pillow, stuff it, then sew the gap shut. Try a circle, heart, or rectangle shape. Remember to clip corners and cut V-shaped notches into curved edges.

Experiment with different fabric choices

Instead of using satin for the pillow, try a unique fabric, such as burlap. You can also use 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. You'll find all sorts of fancy fabrics, including ones with rosettes!

Add a lace overlay before assembling the pillow

Cut a third square of lace fabric. Sew it to the right side of the first fabric square with a 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) seam allowance. Assemble the pillow using the Simple Pillow method. Other fabric options include chiffon and organza. For a unique touch, use a strip of lace ribbon. Cut it to the width of the square, and sew the short ends down.

Add ruffled trims

Before you assemble the pillow, pin the trim to the right side of one square fabric piece. Align the edges of the trim with the edges of the fabric. Pin then sew it together using a 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) seam allowance. Remove the pins, then sew the pillow as directed in the sewing method. Ruffled lace trims look more romantic, or you can use a fabric lace.

Embroider the fabric

Before assembling, embroider the front piece of fabric by hand or with an embroidery machine. Assemble the pillow using one of the first two methods. The embroidery can be as simple or as detailed as you like. Simple embroidery works best for rustic pillows, such as burlap, linen, or canvas. Detailed embroidery works best for fancier fabrics, such as silk, satin, or velvet.

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