How to Sew a DIY Book Pillow with Pocket: A Fun & Easy Summer Sewing Project

✨ Tired of Hearing “I’m Bored” Already? Here’s a Creative Solution!

Summer break is here, and if you're anything like me, you're already wondering how to keep your 9-year-old (or any age, really) busy, happy, and learning during those long, school-free days. Every year, we make summer homework and reading a must in our house. And trust me—there’s enough downtime for a little brain-boosting review and lots of reading without taking away the fun of summer.

But here’s the thing: kids are way more willing to dive into learning if it’s actually fun. That’s why we love summer reading programs (hello, prizes!) and why this year, I created something that has already made a huge difference—a DIY book pillow with a pocket.

It’s not just cute, it’s practical. With a handle, a book pocket, and a washable design, this book pillow encourages cozy reading in every corner of the house. Best of all? You can make one in under an hour.

Let’s get sewing—and reading! 📖✂️

🧵 What Is a Book Pillow?

A book pillow is a small, soft pillow with a handle and built-in pocket. It's designed to carry your child's current read, a bookmark or timer, and anything else they like to have on hand during their reading time. It travels easily from bed to couch to porch swing—wherever your child finds their favorite reading nook.

Our version includes:

• A pocket for books and reading accessories

• A handle for carrying it around the house

• A washable envelope-style pillow cover

• Quick construction—less than 1 hour to make!

  
  

📚 Why a Book Pillow Encourages Reading

Summer reading doesn’t have to be a chore. When kids have a special place—or in this case, a special thing—that’s just for reading, it can motivate them to open their books more often. Pair this project with free summer reading programs that offer prizes (here’s a great list: Summer Reading Programs) and you’ve got a powerful combo.

Watch the video tutorial:

🧰 Supplies You’ll Need

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• Front panel fabric cut to 18”x18”

• Back panel fabric 2 pieces cut to 12”x18”

• Pocket fabric cut to 22”x18”

• Handle & binding fabric

  • Strap cut to 4”x 8½”

  • Binding cut to 4½”x18”

• Fusible fleece cut to 18”x18” and 11”x18”

• 18”x18” pillow form

• Rotary cutter & mat

• Iron

• Thread

• Sewing clips

• Optional: Reading timer/booklight

  
  

✂️ Step-by-Step Instructions to Sew Your DIY Book Pillow

1. Make the Handle

• Fold the handle fabric lengthwise and press.

• Open and fold each long side to meet the center crease, press again.

• Fold the strip in half and press one last time.

• Sew the open edge closed and topstitch the folded side with a 1/8” seam.

2. Make the Binding

• Fold and iron the binding fabric the same way as the handle.

• Do not sew yet; you’ll attach it to the pocket later.

3. Create the Pocket

• Fold the pocket fabric in half (short ends together), wrong sides facing.

• Press the fold, open it up, and place the 11”x18” fusible fleece inside.

• Fold fabric back over fleece and press from the adhesive side to adhere.

• Open the binding, sandwich it around the folded edge of the pocket, clip, and sew with a 1/8” seam.

4. Assemble the Front Panel

• Iron the 18”x18” fusible fleece to the back of the front panel fabric.

• Line up the pocket with the bottom edge of the front panel and clip in place.

• Baste the short sides of the pocket to the panel.

• Optional: Use a fabric marking pen/pencil to draw a vertical line on the pocket to create a second small pocket for a bookmark or light. (I placed mine 3½” from the right edge.) Stitch down this line making sure to backstitch a few times over the edge of the pocket to reinforce it.

7. Final Assembly

• Lay the front panel face up.

• Place one back panel face down, aligning the raw edge to the top of the front panel with the finished edge toward the center of the front panel.

• Place the second back panel face down, aligning it to the bottom (the panels will overlap).

• Clip everything in place and sew around all four sides with a 3/8” seam.

• Clip corners, turn right side out, and insert your pillow form.

🎉 You Did It!

You just created an adorable, practical, and washable book pillow that your child will love using all summer long. Whether they’re sprawled out under a tree, curled up in bed, or tucked into a fort, this book pillow goes wherever their imagination leads.

✅ Final Tips

• Use bold, fun fabrics your child loves to make it extra special.

• Add multiple pockets for journals, pens, or bookmarks.

• Encourage your child to help with fabric choices or sewing if they’re interested! This is a great beginner project!

Ready to make reading fun this summer? Grab your fabric and pillow form and start stitching a DIY book pillow today! Don’t forget to check out free summer reading programs to keep those pages turning all summer long. 📖☀️

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