Creating A Wedding Pillow: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding pillow is a wedding essential. While you can always buy a simple pillow from a store, making your own is a great way to bring a unique touch to your special day. You can make a wedding pillow with or without sewing, and decorate it with ribbons, beads, or buttons. You can also add a personal touch by including your name, wedding date, or other meaningful charms. Making a wedding pillow is a fun and creative way to add your own style to your wedding day.

Sewing a simple pillow

Select Your Fabric

Choose a fabric that matches your wedding colours and theme. It can be satin, cotton, burlap, or any other material you like. Cut two squares of the same size, adding a 1/2-inch seam to the length and width. For example, if you want a 16"x16" finished pillow, cut two 17"x17" squares.

Stack and Secure the Fabric

Place the squares with the right sides together. Secure the edges with pins to prevent them from shifting while sewing.

Sew Three Edges

Sew three of the four edges with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, using a straight stitch and a matching thread colour. You can do this by hand or with a sewing machine. If you don't know how to sew, you can secure the edges with hot glue or fabric glue and allow it to dry before proceeding.

Trim the Corners (Optional)

Trimming the corners is optional but will help reduce bulk and give your pillow a nicer 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 and use a blunt, pointy tool like a knitting needle or pencil to push the corners out further.

Stuff the Pillow

Polyester stuffing is recommended, but you can also use foam or a blank ring pillow. Stuff the pillow to your desired fullness, making sure to get the filling into the corners.

Close the Open Seam

Push the stuffing into the pillow so that it doesn't stick out. Fold the raw edges of the opening by 1/4 inch and secure them with sewing pins. Sew the opening shut with a ladder stitch, then remove the pins. Alternatively, you can use hot glue or fabric glue to close the opening, working in small sections at a time.

Making a no-sew pillow

Step 1: Prepare the Fabric

Cut two squares of fabric that are slightly larger than your desired pillow size, allowing for some overlap. Choose a fabric that matches your wedding colours and theme. If you want a rustic look, consider using burlap, linen, or canvas.

Step 2: Cut and Fold the Fabric

Clip or trim the corners of the fabric by about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) to reduce bulk and help conceal raw edges. Then, turn the fabric so that the wrong side is facing you, and fold down the four edges by about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) towards the wrong side. You can use an iron to press the folds, if needed, but some fabrics like burlap may not require this step.

Step 3: Apply the Adhesive

Use fabric glue or hot glue to secure the hems you just created. Unfold one edge, apply a thin line of glue along it, and then press it back down. Repeat this process for all four edges on both fabric squares. Allow the glue to dry completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Pillow

Place one fabric square with the wrong side facing up. Take the other square and place it on top, with the right side facing up. Glue three of the edges together, leaving one side open. Make sure to follow the instructions on your adhesive and allow proper drying time if needed.

Step 5: Stuff the Pillow

Turn the pillow inside out through the open side. Use your fingers or a blunt object like a pencil to gently push out the corners and give them a neat finish. Now, stuff the pillow with polyester filling, foam, or a pre-made pillow insert to your desired firmness.

Step 6: Close the Final Seam

Use your fingers to push the stuffing away from the open edge, so it doesn't get caught in the glue. Apply glue to the final seam, working in small sections at a time. Press and hold each section until the glue sets before moving on to the next. You can also use hot glue or fabric glue for this step, securing each section with clothespins until the glue dries.

Step 7: Embellish the Pillow (Optional)

If desired, you can add decorative elements to your pillow, such as a ribbon bow or embroidered design. You can also attach a string or ribbon to the pillow with a slip knot, creating a loop that can be used to secure the wedding rings.

And there you have it! A beautiful, no-sew pillow that will perfectly complement your wedding theme. Feel free to experiment with different fabrics, colours, and embellishments to make your pillow truly unique.

Decorating a ring pillow

There are many ways to decorate a ring pillow for a wedding. Here are some ideas:

Tying a Ribbon

Cut a length of ribbon that is at least four times the width of the pillow. Center the pillow over the ribbon and wrap the ends around the sides. Tie the ribbon into a knot at the front, add the rings, and then tie into a bow.

Adding a Symbolic Charm

Choose a charm that holds meaning, 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.

Embellishing with Ribbon Rosettes

Purchase miniature ribbon roses or rosettes. Trim any wire stems down to just below the bud, then hot glue the rosettes to the pillow as desired. Adding them around the bow would be ideal.

Creating a Tufted Look

Sew a few stitches through the center of the pillow to create a tufted look. Thread a needle and push it through the front of the pillow and out the back. Move the needle over slightly, then push it from the back to the front. Repeat this process one more time to create an 'X'. Cover the 'X' in the front of the pillow with a ribbon bow.

Adding a Corded Trim and Tassels

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

Creating fancier pillows

Experiment with Different Shapes

This option might not work well for no-sew pillows, but it is a great way to add a unique twist to sewn pillows. Cut out two identical shapes from your chosen fabric and sew them together, leaving a 3-4 inch gap. Turn the pillow, stuff it, and then sew the gap shut. You can try a circle, heart, or rectangle shape, or get creative and experiment with other shapes! Don't forget to clip corners and cut V-shaped notches into curved edges for a neat finish.

Choose Unique Fabrics

Instead of using traditional satin for the pillow, try something unique like burlap or embroidered fabric. The prom and formal section of a fabric store is a great place to find fancy fabrics, including those with rosettes. You can also use a combination of fabrics, such as a fancy embroidered front with a plain back.

Add a Lace Overlay

Cut a square of lace fabric and sew it to the right side of your main fabric square before assembling the pillow. You can also use other types of fabric such as chiffon or organza, or even a strip of lace ribbon. This technique can be used with both the sewn and glued pillow methods.

Embellish with Ruffled Trims

Before assembling the pillow, pin a ruffled trim to the right side of one of your fabric squares, aligning the edges. Sew the trim in place and then construct the pillow as usual. Ruffled lace trims create a romantic look, but you can also use fabric lace for a different effect.

Embroider the Fabric

Embroider the front piece of fabric by hand or with an embroidery machine before assembling the pillow. You can keep it simple or go for a more intricate design, depending on the fabric you choose. Rustic fabrics like burlap, linen, or canvas work well with simple embroidery, while fancier fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet can handle more detailed designs.

Choosing the right fabric

When making a wedding pillow, choosing the right fabric is essential. The fabric you select should complement your wedding colours and theme. You can opt for various materials, such as satin, cotton, or burlap. If you desire a rustic aesthetic, fabrics like burlap, linen, or canvas are ideal. On the other hand, satin or silk can lend a touch of luxury and elegance.

It is also important to consider the print on the fabric. Ensure that the design complements your wedding theme. If you prefer a simple approach, opt for a solid colour that harmonises with your wedding palette. Another factor to keep in mind is the size of the fabric. For a standard ring pillow, you may want to consider a size smaller than 10 inches. Most paper patterns suggest an 8 or 9-inch square, including a 1/4-inch seam allowance. This ensures the pillow is proportional to the ring bearer, often a small child, and creates a more aesthetically pleasing photograph.

Additionally, if you plan to sew your pillow, select a fabric that is easy to work with and suitable for your skill level. If you are a beginner, avoid fabrics that are overly slippery or delicate. On the other hand, if you opt for a no-sew pillow, ensure the fabric can be securely glued together.

Frequently asked questions