Crafting A Wedding Ring Pillow: A Step-By-Step 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 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. The pillow can be decorated with a ribbon and a bow, and the rings can be tied to the pillow with a string.

Sewing a simple pillow

Materials:

• Fabric (satin, cotton, burlap, etc.)
• Polyester stuffing
• Ribbon
• String
• Sewing pins
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Hot glue or fabric glue (optional)

Steps:

• Cut 2 10-inch (25 cm) squares of fabric. If you want a different-sized pillow, just be sure to add a 1⁄2-inch (1.3 cm) seam to the length and width.
• Stack the squares with the right sides together, and secure the edges with pins.
• Sew three of the edges with a 1⁄4-inch (0.64 cm) seam allowance. You can use a sewing machine or sew by hand. If you don't know how to sew, you can use hot glue or fabric glue instead.
• Trim the corners to reduce bulk and achieve a nicer finish.
• Turn the pillow right side out, and use a blunt, pointy object to push out the corners.
• Stuff the pillow with polyester stuffing, foam, or a blank ring pillow.
• Close the open seam by folding in the raw edges and securing them with pins. Sew the opening shut with a ladder stitch, or use hot glue to close it in sections.
• Attach a string to a ribbon with a slipknot. Position the loop behind the ribbon, pull the ends of the string to make a knot, and tighten.
• Form the ribbon into a bow by crossing the left and right loops and threading them through the gap. Adjust and tighten the bow.
• Secure the bow in the middle of the pillow by sewing or using hot glue.
• Trim and singe the ribbon and strings to your desired length.
• Thread the rings onto one of the strings and tie both strings into a knot or bow.

Making a no-sew pillow

Step 1: Cut the Fabric

Start by cutting two squares of fabric, each measuring 10 inches (25 cm). If you prefer a different size, simply add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to the length and width. This method will give your pillow a rustic look, so consider using a heavy fabric like burlap, linen, or canvas. Choose a colour and print that match your wedding theme.

Step 2: Clip the Corners

To reduce bulk and help conceal raw edges, clip the corners of each fabric square by 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm).

Step 3: Set the Seams

Turn the fabric so that the wrong side is facing you. Fold down each of the four edges by 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) towards the wrong side and press with an iron if needed. Repeat this step for both pieces of fabric. Burlap holds folds and creases easily, so ironing may not be necessary.

Step 4: 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 5: Glue the Squares Together

Place one square with the wrong side facing up. Take the other square and place it on top, right side facing up. Glue three edges together, leaving the fourth edge open. Allow the glue to dry. Ensure that the entire 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) width of each hem is coated with glue to create a flanged seam.

Step 6: Stuff the Pillow

Fill the pillow with polyester stuffing, a piece of foam, a mini pillow insert, or a plain ring pillow of the same size.

Step 7: Glue the Final Seam

Push the stuffing into the pillow to avoid getting it caught in the glue. Working in small sections, glue the final seam shut. If using hot glue, hold each section until it dries before moving on. If using fabric glue, secure each section with a clothespin and remove the pins once dry.

Step 8: Attach the Ribbon and String

Choose a ribbon and string that match your pillow. Create a loop with the string by folding it in half and placing it behind the ribbon. Pull the ends of the string over the ribbon and through the loop to form a knot. Centre the knot by sliding it along the ribbon. The ribbon will form a decorative bow, while the string will secure the rings to the pillow.

Step 9: Form and Secure the Bow

Create loops with the left and right ends of the ribbon and cross the left loop over the right. Thread the left loop through the gap and pull on the loops to tighten the bow. Position the bow in the centre of the pillow and secure it with hot glue or fabric glue.

Step 10: Trim and Singe the Ribbon and String

If the ribbon tails or strings are too long, trim them to your desired length. If the material is fraying, use a flame to singe the ends.

Step 11: Tie the Rings to the Pillow

Thread both rings onto one of the strings and tie the strings together in a knot or a bow.

Decorating a ring pillow

Now for the fun part: decorating your ring pillow! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Tie a ribbon around the pillow. Cut a length of ribbon that is at least four times the width of the pillow. Center the pillow over the ribbon, wrap the ends around the sides, and tie a knot at the front. Then, add the rings and finish with a bow.
• Add a symbolic charm to the bow, 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.
• Embellish the pillow with ribbon rosettes. Purchase miniature ribbon roses or rosettes, and hot glue them to your pillow as desired. Adding them around the bow would be ideal.
• Create a tufted look by sewing 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. Repeat this process to create an "X" shape, then 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 and make some tassels using matching embroidery thread. Sew them to the corners of the pillow. Silver and gold colors make great accents, but feel free to use other colors as well.

Creating fancier pillows

There are many ways to create fancier ring pillows for your wedding. Here are some ideas to elevate your ring pillow and make it unique:

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 for a cleaner finish.

Fabric Choices

Experiment with different fabrics such as burlap, embroidered fabric, chiffon, or organza. Using unique fabrics will make your ring pillow stand out. Look in the prom and formal section of the fabric store for fancy options, including fabrics with rosettes.

Lace Overlay

Add a lace overlay to your ring pillow for an elegant touch. Cut a square of lace fabric and sew it to the right side of one of your fabric squares before assembling the pillow. You can also use a strip of lace ribbon and sew the short ends down for a unique touch.

Ruffled Trims

Pin a ruffled trim, such as ruffled lace, to the right side of one of your fabric squares before sewing the pillow together. Align the edges of the trim with the edges of the fabric and sew using a 1/8 inch seam allowance. This will add a romantic and fancy element to your ring pillow.

Embroidery

Embroider the front piece of fabric by hand or with an embroidery machine before assembling the pillow. You can keep it simple or add intricate details to match your wedding theme. Embroidery works well with rustic fabrics like burlap, linen, or canvas, as well as fancier fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet.

Adding a lace overlay

Step 1: Cut the Lace Fabric

Using fabric scissors, carefully cut a square of lace fabric that is slightly smaller than your main fabric square. The lace will serve as the overlay, so ensure it is cut to the desired size and shape.

Step 2: Sew or Glue the Lace Overlay

Take your main fabric square (the one you plan to use as the base of your pillow) and place it in front of you with the right side facing up. Now, position the lace fabric on top, centering it neatly. Use a straight stitch and matching thread colour to sew the lace to the base fabric, leaving a 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) seam allowance. Alternatively, you can use fabric glue or hot glue to attach the lace, carefully gluing the edges to the base fabric.

Step 3: Assemble the Pillow

With the lace overlay now attached, continue assembling your pillow using the simple pillow method or the no-sew method, as outlined in the previous steps. This will involve sewing or gluing the main fabric pieces together, stuffing the pillow, and closing the final seam.

Step 4: Embellish and Add Finishing Touches (Optional)

Once your pillow is assembled, you can add further embellishments, such as a ribbon bow or decorative cording. You can also attach a string to the pillow, forming a loop that the rings can be tied to. Trim any loose threads and singe the ends of the ribbon or string with a flame to prevent fraying.

Step 5: Finalise the Design

With your lace overlay in place and any additional embellishments added, your ring pillow is now complete! This elegant and unique touch will surely enhance the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

Frequently asked questions