Creating Wedding Ring Pillows: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding ring pillows are a fun and creative way to involve young people in your wedding ceremony. They are used to carry the wedding rings down the aisle, and can be made at home or bought from a variety of retailers. Making your own pillow is a great way to add a unique touch to your special day. This can be done by sewing or using a no-sew method, and there are many ways to decorate your pillow, from embroidery to ribbons and bows.

Choosing the fabric

Type of Fabric

The type of fabric you choose will depend on the style and theme of your wedding. Some popular fabric options include:

• Satin: Satin is a classic and elegant choice for a wedding ring pillow. It has a smooth and shiny surface that can add a touch of luxury to your pillow.
• Cotton: Cotton is a versatile and breathable fabric that can be used for any style of wedding. It is easy to work with and comes in a variety of colours and prints.
• Burlap: Burlap is a rustic and durable fabric often used for outdoor or barn weddings. It has a natural and earthy look that can add a unique touch to your pillow.
• Linen: Linen is a lightweight and breathable fabric that is perfect for beach or casual weddings. It has a relaxed and effortless look while still being elegant.
• Velvet: Velvet is a luxurious and soft fabric that is perfect for fall or winter weddings. It adds a touch of sophistication and warmth to your ring pillow.

Colour and Print

When choosing the colour of your fabric, consider your wedding colours and theme. You can match the fabric to your wedding colours or choose a complementary colour. If you choose a fabric with a print, ensure that it aligns with your wedding theme. For example, if you are having a beach wedding, you could choose a fabric with a seashell or starfish print.

Fabric Weight and Texture

Consider the weight and texture of the fabric. You want to choose a fabric that is easy to work with and that will hold its shape when sewn into a pillow. Some fabrics may be too thin or delicate, while others may be too thick or stiff. The weight and texture of the fabric will also affect the overall look and feel of the pillow. For example, a lightweight and airy fabric like chiffon or organza can add a romantic and delicate touch to your pillow.

Embellishments

You can also add embellishments to your fabric to make it more unique and special. For example, you can add a lace overlay to your fabric for a vintage or boho-style wedding. You can also embroider the fabric by hand or with a machine, adding a personal and intricate touch to your pillow. Other embellishments to consider include ruffles, ribbons, rosettes, or beads.

Sewing the pillow

Now that you have your fabric cut into two 10-inch squares, it's time to start sewing! Stack the squares with the right sides together, securing the edges with pins. If you're using a sewing machine, use a straight stitch and a matching thread colour to sew three of the edges with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. If you're sewing by hand, use the same straight stitch and matching thread, or secure the edges with hot glue or fabric glue, allowing it to dry before moving on to the next step.

Next, you'll trim the corners—this isn't necessary, but it will give your pillow a nicer finish by reducing bulk. Cut as close to the stitching as you can without cutting the thread. Be sure to clip the corners along the edge you've left open, as this will make it easier to sew shut later.

Now, turn the pillow right side out. Flip the corners into the pillow, then pull them out through the opening. Use something blunt and pointy, like a knitting needle or pencil, to push the corners out further.

Once you've stuffed your pillow with polyester filling (or foam or a blank ring pillow), it's time to close the open seam. Push the stuffing into the pillow so that it doesn't stick out, then fold the raw edges of the opening in by 1/4 inch and secure them with sewing pins. Sew the opening shut with a ladder stitch, then remove the pins. If you don't want to sew, you can use hot glue or fabric glue instead, working in 1-inch sections at a time.

Now your pillow is almost complete! All that's left is to add the ribbon and string for the rings. Choose a ribbon and string that match your pillow and cut the ribbon to your desired length. Fold the string in half to make a loop that is positioned behind the ribbon, then pull the ends of the string through the loop and tighten to make a knot. Centre the knot by sliding it along the ribbon, then form the ribbon into a bow by folding the ends into loops, crossing the left loop over the right, and threading it through the gap. Tug on the loops to tighten the bow, leaving the strings out of the bow. Position the bow in the middle of the pillow and sew or glue it in place, ensuring the strings and tails hang below the loop. Trim and singe the ribbon and strings if they're too long, then thread the rings onto one of the strings and tie both strings into a knot or bow.

Adding decorations

Ribbons and Bows

Tie a ribbon around the pillow, ensuring it is at least four times the width of the pillow. Centre the pillow over the ribbon, wrap the ends around the sides, and tie a bow at the front. You can then tie the rings onto the ribbon. To add a lavish touch, consider adding corded trim and tassels to the seams of your pillow.

Charms

Add a symbolic charm to the bow, such as a horseshoe or a heart. Sew it to the pillow under the bow, or slide it onto the ribbon before tying it.

Rosettes

Purchase miniature ribbon roses or rosettes and hot glue them to your pillow, perhaps around the bow.

Tufted Look

Create a tufted look by sewing a few stitches through the centre of the pillow. Thread a needle through the front of the pillow and out the back, then move the needle over 1/8 to 1/4 inch and 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.

Embroidery

Embroider the fabric by hand or with an embroidery machine before assembling the pillow. Simple embroidery works best with rustic fabrics like burlap, linen, or canvas, while detailed embroidery pairs well with fancier fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet.

Tying the rings

One way is to attach a string to a ribbon with a slipknot. Choose a piece of ribbon and string that match your pillow. Fold the string in half to make a loop that is positioned behind the ribbon. Pull the ends of the string to make a knot around the ribbon, then tug on them to tighten the knot. Slide the knot across the ribbon until it is centred. The ribbon will make a decorative bow, and the string will be used to secure the rings.

Another way is to simply tie the rings to a ribbon without the use of a string. This can be done by threading both rings onto one end of the ribbon and then tying the ends of the ribbon into a knot or a bow.

If you are using a ring box or other alternative to a ring pillow, the rings can be placed inside the box or tied to the outside with a ribbon.

Alternative pillow designs

There are many ways to make a wedding ring pillow your own, from the fabric you choose to the shape and decorations. Here are some alternative pillow designs to get you started:

Alternative Shapes

While the traditional wedding ring pillow is square, you can easily switch it up by cutting your fabric into a different shape before sewing. Try a circle, heart, or rectangle for a unique take on the traditional pillow. Just remember to clip the corners and cut V-shaped notches into curved edges before sewing to ensure a smooth finish.

Fabric Choice

The fabric you choose for your pillow can also make a big difference. While satin is a popular choice, you could try something like burlap, linen, or canvas for a rustic look. Or, for a fancier feel, opt for silk, satin, or velvet. You could even use a combination of fabrics, such as a fancy embroidered fabric for the front and a plain fabric for the back.

Lace Overlay

For a romantic touch, add a lace overlay to your pillow. Cut a square of lace fabric and sew it to the right side of your main fabric before assembling the pillow. You could also use a strip of lace ribbon and sew the short ends down for a unique touch.

Ruffled Trims

Add some texture to your pillow by pinning a ruffled trim to the right side of one of your fabric squares before sewing. You can use a ruffled lace trim for a romantic look or go with a fabric lace for something a little more subtle.

Embroidery

Embroider the front piece of your fabric by hand or with an embroidery machine before assembling the pillow. This can be as simple or as detailed as you like and is a great way to incorporate a meaningful design or motif.

Frequently asked questions