Another easy sewing project for you in today’s post. One that is perfect for the book lovers out there with this how to make a reading cushion tutorial.

Is there anything better than reading a good book and being super comfortable doing so? Well, this easy sewing project combines the two, a superb reading cushion. A project perfect for the book lover and a great idea for a handmade gift this Christmas, especially for the little readers out there.

The idea of this cushion came to me after I had made the DIY Planner Pouch, which incorporated a pencil case with a pocket on the front. I thought it would be the perfect addition to the envelope cushion project. Turns out I am not the only one, just a quick search on Pinterest brings up lots of different versions of this cushion or pillow!

So, if you would like to see how to make a reading cushion, then let’s get crafting! Jump to the video version of this post if you prefer to watch rather than read!

How to Make a Reading Cushion | What you need:

To make the reading cushion, you are going to need the following items. Some items on this list are affiliate links and will be marked with an asterisk (*). This means that I may earn a small amount of commission should you make a purchase through the link. This is at no extra cost to you.

• X 2 types of material, preferably cotton – x1 for the cushion and x1 for the pocket
• Heavy Interfacing*
• Thick Ribbon
• Matching cotton thread
• Sewing Machine
• Sewing pins or clips*
• Iron
• Cushion Inserts*

Step 1 – Create Cushion Sewing Pattern

The first thing to do is to create a pattern to make the cushion. This includes the front piece and two back pieces of the envelope cushion. As well as a piece for the front pocket.

The size of this depends on the size of the cushion and can be easily altered to suit whatever insert you use. For this project, I am using 18″x18″ cushion inserts. The cushion cover needs to be made slightly bigger than this to accommodate the cushion.

Use scrap paper, I like to use brown packaging paper for mine, but greaseproof paper works perfectly too. You will need to measure and cut out the following:

• 48cm x48cm (19″x19″) square for the front of the cushion
• 48cmx40cm (19″x16″) for the back of the cushion
• 48cmx25cm (19″x10″ for the front pocket

Step 2 – Cut out Material

When the pattern is ready, then it is time to prepare and cut out the material. First, wash dry and iron the material chosen for the cushion. Always do this with any new material purchased, as it allows for shrinkage prior to sewing. You don’t want the material shrinking once the project is made! I always find ironing the material helps it lay flat and aids in even cutting out of the material.

On the material for the cushion, pin the front pattern piece on and cut it out. Then repeat the same for the back piece, except this time you will need two of them. Fold the material so that when you pin the pattern piece onto the fold, you will get two even pieces of the material. This also saves on the material too! Then, cut along this fold with scissors to separate the two parts.

Next, place the pocket pattern piece onto the material of choice. Again, fold this and place one edge of the pattern along the folded edge. This will give you two pieces needed for the pocket.

Finally, cut out two pieces of the pocket pattern piece in the heavy interfacing material. Follow the process as above for this.

If you want to create a handle for the cushion, then cut a 30cm piece of thick ribbon. Cut out the same amount in the thick interfacing too to help strengthen the ribbon piece.

Step 3 – Fuse interfacing

Before sewing, the interfacing needs to be attached. I am using the iron-on version as I find this the easiest to use.
Place the front pocket pieces of the material right side down so that the wrong side is facing up. Then, place the iron-on interfacing shiny side down onto the material, lining up the edges. Press this on with an iron, following the instructions of the interfacing. Some ask for a damp cloth to be applied and iron over this, and some state no steam.

Repeat with the ribbon piece for the handle.

Step 4 – Create the pocket

When the pockets pieces have the interfacing, it is time to sew them together. Place the two pieces together right sides to right sides. Line up the edges so that they are even, then head to the sewing machine.
Sew along one of the long edges (48cm), ensuring that you have roughly a 1cm seam. Backstitch on each end to add strength to the seam.

Next, press the seam open on the wrong side of the pocket, so that the seam is flat. Fold-down the middle of this, so that the two sides of the pocket are right sides out. Press again along this folded edge to keep the material flat and sew a top stitch along the folded edge. Make sure this is neatly sewn, as the stitching will be seen on the outside of the cushion. The pocket piece is then ready.

Step 5 – Attach the pocket

Before sewing the whole cushion together, it is important to baste stitch the pocket onto the front piece. Turn the sewing machine to the largest stitch possible and place the front cushion piece right side up. Then, place the pocket piece on top of this, lining up the bottom edges of each piece together, as well as the two edges. Sew along the two sides to attach the pocket.

Step 6 – Sew the cushion

Before sewing the cushion together, the two back pieces need hemming. Fold one long edge 1 cm, press and fold over again by 1 cm, pressing. Then sew along this bottom edge, making sure it is neatly sewn. This part will show on the outside of the cushion.

Then it is time to create the full cushion. Place the front piece with the pocket attached right side up. Then place over one of the back pieces along the bottom edge up, again ensuring the sides line up as much as possible. Place the final back pieces on top of this, lining up the top edges with the material going downwards. There will be several layers of fabric on the middle part of the cushion now. Pin all the edges to secure in place.

Before sewing, place the ribbon handle on the top part of the cushion. Make sure that it is sandwiched in between the material. Also, make sure that the ribbon is folding in flat and not twisted. Pin into place too. You can also add in a label into one of the side seams too if you have personalised labels.

Sew along all the edges, making sure the seam is quite deep. Backstitch the start and end of the seams, as well as when sewing over the flaps of the back pieces. This will add extra strength to the reading cushion.

Step 7 – Turn right side out

Before finishing off the cushion, check that it fits the insert. Turn right side out and place the cushion insert in. If the cover is too loose, then make the seam a little deeper until it fits snug.

When the seams are ready, cut each of the four corners and the seam edges. I like to use pinking shears to help reduce any fraying of the material. For added strength, you can sew a zig-zag stitch all along the edges of the cushion cover. This also gives it a professional look too!

Turn right side out, and push out the corners. Then place in the cushion insert and the reading cushion is ready to go. All that needs to be added is a few of your favourite books for the final touch!

That is how to make a reading cushion. What do you think of this project? Will you be making any handmade gifts this Christmas? Let me know in the comments below!

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How to Make a Reading Cushion Video:

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How to Make a Reading Cushion | Pin It!

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