Diy Ring Bearer Pillow Crafting Guide

A ring pillow is a popular wedding tradition. The wedding rings rest on the pillow as the ring bearer carries them to the altar. Making your own ring pillow is a great way to bring a unique touch to your special day. You can make a ring pillow by sewing or using a no-sew method. For a sewn pillow, cut two squares of fabric, stack them, and sew three of the edges. Trim the corners, turn the pillow right side out, and stuff it. Close the pillow, attach a string to a ribbon with a slipknot, and tie the ribbon into a bow. Secure the bow with glue, trim the ends, and tie the rings to the string. For a no-sew pillow, cut squares of fabric, clip the corners, and glue the hems. Glue three edges of the squares together, stuff the pillow, and glue the final seam. Attach a string to a ribbon, tie a bow, and secure it with glue. Trim the ends and tie on the rings.

Choosing the right fabric

When making a ring bearer pillow, choosing the right fabric is essential to achieving the desired look and feel. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your fabric:

Type of Fabric

The type of fabric you choose will depend on the overall theme and style of your wedding. Common fabric choices include satin, cotton, burlap, linen, canvas, and silk. If you want a more rustic look, burlap, linen, or canvas are great options. For a fancier and elegant appearance, consider silk, satin, or taffeta, which hold their shape well. Embroidered or printed fabrics can also add a unique touch, but ensure the print complements your wedding theme.

Color and Pattern

Select a fabric color that matches your wedding colors or theme. You can also opt for a "something old" approach by using a vintage handkerchief or linen as your fabric. If you're feeling creative, consider using a combination of solid colors and printed fabrics to create a playful or whimsical effect.

Fabric Weight and Texture

The weight and texture of the fabric will impact the overall look and feel of the pillow. Lighter fabrics like silk or satin will give the pillow a delicate and airy appearance, while heavier fabrics like burlap or canvas will result in a more substantial and textured look. Consider the weight of the rings you'll be using and choose a fabric that can comfortably support them.

Fabric Care

Consider the care instructions for the fabric, especially if you plan to wash the pillow after the wedding. Some fabrics, like silk or satin, may require special care, while others, such as cotton or linen, are easier to maintain. If you're using a vintage fabric, ensure it can withstand the chosen adhesive or sewing method.

Amount of Fabric Needed

The amount of fabric needed will depend on the size of your pillow. For a standard ring pillow, two 10-inch squares of fabric are typically used, but you can adjust the size according to your preference. Don't forget to account for seam allowances and any decorative elements you plan to add.

Combining Fabrics

You can also combine different fabrics to create a unique and personalized pillow. For example, use a fancy embroidered fabric for the front and a plain fabric for the back. Layering fabrics, such as lace over a solid color, can also add depth and texture to your design.

Sewing a simple pillow

Select Your Fabric and Cut

Choose a fabric that matches your wedding colours and theme. It can be satin, cotton, burlap, or any other material you prefer. 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 and Secure the Fabric

Place the first square with the right side facing up, then put the second square on top, with the right side facing down. Secure the edges with pins to keep them in place.

Sew Three Edges

Using a sewing machine or sewing by hand, sew three of the edges with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Use a straight stitch and a thread colour that matches your fabric. If you don't want to sew, you can secure the edges with hot glue or fabric glue instead.

Trim the Corners

Trimming the corners is optional but recommended as it reduces bulk and gives a neater finish. Cut as close to the stitching as possible without cutting the thread. Be sure to clip the corners along the open edge to make it easier to sew shut later.

Turn the Pillow Right Side Out

Flip the corners into the pillow, then use a blunt, pointy object like a pencil to push the corners out further. This will help give your pillow a crisp finish.

Stuff the Pillow

Polyester stuffing is recommended, but you can also use foam or a pre-made ring pillow insert. Push the stuffing into the pillow evenly, making sure it doesn't stick out from the open seam.

Close the Open Seam

Fold the raw edges of the opening in by 1/4 inch and secure them with pins. Hand sew the opening shut with a ladder stitch, then remove the pins. Alternatively, you can use hot glue or fabric glue to close the seam.

Attach a String to a Ribbon

Choose a ribbon and string that complement your pillow. Create a slipknot by folding the string in half behind the ribbon and pulling the ends through the loop. Centre the knot on the ribbon. The ribbon will form a decorative bow, and the string will be used to secure the rings.

Form and Secure the Bow

Create a bow by crossing the left and right loops of the ribbon and tightening them. Position the bow in the centre of the pillow and sew or glue it in place, ensuring the tails and strings hang below the loops.

Trim and Singe the Ribbon and Strings

Cut the ribbon and strings to your desired length. If the ends are fraying, carefully singe them with a flame to seal and finish them.

Tie the Rings

Finally, thread your rings onto one of the strings and tie both strings into a knot or a bow to secure them in place. Adjust the bow and strings as needed.

Making a no-sew pillow

Cut the Fabric

First, cut two 10-inch (25 cm) squares of fabric. If you want the pillow to be a different size, add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to the length and width.

Prepare the Fabric

Clip the corners of the fabric squares by 1/4 inch (0.64 cm). This will reduce bulk when you fold the fabric and help conceal the raw edges. Then, turn the fabric so that the wrong side is facing you. Fold the four edges down by 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) towards the wrong side. Press the fabric with an iron, if needed. Repeat this step for the second piece of fabric.

Glue the Hems

Unfold one of the edges. Draw a thin line of hot glue or fabric glue along the edge, then press it back down. Do this for all of the 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) hems on both fabric squares. Trim any frayed bits of fabric sticking out.

Glue the Squares

Set the first square down with the wrong side up. Place your second square on top, with the right side up. Glue three of the edges together using hot glue or fabric glue. Leave the fourth edge open and let the glue dry. Make sure that the entire 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) width of each hem is coated with glue to give you a flanged seam.

Stuff the Pillow

Polyester stuffing will work best, but you can also use a piece of foam, a mini pillow insert, or a plain ring pillow, as long as it is the same size.

Glue the Final Seam

Use your fingers to push the stuffing into the pillow so that it does not get caught in the glue. Working 1 inch (2.5 cm) at a time, glue the final seam down. If you are working with hot glue, press and hold each section until it dries before moving on to the next. If you are using fabric glue, secure the section with a clothespin, then move on to the next section. Remove the pins once the glue dries.

Attach the String and Ribbon

Choose a coordinating ribbon and cord that match your pillow. Fold the string in half, then place it behind the ribbon to make a loop. Pull the ends of the string over the ribbon and through the loop. Pull on the ends of the string to tighten the knot. Centre the string. The ribbon will form the decorative bow, and the string will secure the rings to the pillow.

Tie the Ribbon

Take the left and right sides of the ribbon and fold them into loops. Cross the left loop over the right loop, then thread it through the hole you made. Pull on the loops to tighten the bow. Tug on the ribbon loops and tails to adjust the bow.

Glue the Bow

Place a large drop of hot glue or fabric glue in the middle of the pillow. Adjust the bow so that the tails and strings hang below the loops. Press the bow into the glue and let it set.

Trim and Singe the Ribbon and String

If the ribbon tails or the strings are too long, trim them to the length you want. If the material is fraying, singe them with a flame.

Tie the Rings

Thread both rings onto the left string and tie both strings together into a simple knot. You can also tie the strings into a bow for a fancier look.

Decorating the pillow

Now that you have assembled your ring bearer pillow, it's time to decorate it! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Tie a ribbon around the pillow and add a symbolic charm, such as a horseshoe or a heart, to the bow.
• Embellish the pillow with ribbon rosettes or other trims, such as ruffled lace or corded trim with tassels.
• Create a tufted look by sewing a few stitches through the centre of the pillow and covering the X in the front with a ribbon bow.
• Experiment with different fabric choices, such as burlap or embroidered fabric.
• Add a lace overlay or a strip of lace ribbon to the front piece of fabric before assembling the pillow.
• Embroider the fabric by hand or with an embroidery machine before assembling the pillow.
• Add a 2-inch ribbon strip under the pillow for the ring bearer to hold onto.

Adding a unique touch

• Choose a unique fabric: Instead of using traditional satin, opt for a unique fabric like burlap, linen, or canvas. You can also use embroidered fabric or a combination of different fabrics for the front and back of the pillow.
• Experiment with shapes: Cut your fabric into a circle, heart, or rectangle instead of a square. This adds a whimsical touch to your pillow.
• Add a lace overlay: Sew a square of lace fabric to the top of your pillow for a romantic touch. You can also use a strip of lace ribbon and sew the short ends down.
• Incorporate ruffled trims: Pin a ruffled lace trim to the right side of one of your fabric squares before sewing the pillow together. This adds a romantic and elegant touch.
• Embroider the fabric: Embroider the front piece of fabric by hand or with a machine. This can be as simple or detailed as you like, depending on the fabric you choose.
• Add a symbolic charm: Attach a meaningful charm, such as a horseshoe or a heart, to the bow of your pillow. This adds a special touch and can be a lucky talisman for your wedding day.
• Create a tufted look: Sew a few stitches through the centre of the pillow to create a tufted effect. This also provides a spot for the rings to nestle.
• Use corded trim and tassels: Hot glue thin cording to the seams of your pillow and make tassels from matching embroidery thread to add a lavish touch.
• Make it easy for little hands to hold: Add a stretchy ribbon band or a handle to the pillow to make it easier for the ring bearer to hold, especially if they are a child.
• Add a pop of colour: Use colourful fabric, ribbons, or trims that match your wedding colours. This will make your pillow stand out and tie your wedding theme together.
• Personalise it: If you're handy with a needle and thread, embroider the couple's initials or wedding date onto the pillow. This adds a special touch that they can treasure long after the wedding.

Frequently asked questions