Creating the Perfect Reading Pocket Pillow with “It Takes a Village” Fabric

If you’re looking for a thoughtful, cozy gift for the little ones in your life, a reading pocket pillow is the perfect project. It combines the comfort of a soft pillow with a handy pocket to hold their favorite book. For this project, “It Takes a Village,” fabric collection by Jennifer Long for Riley Blake Designs is an inspired choice. Filled with whimsical illustrations and a vibrant village theme, this fabric adds a touch of wonder that will surely charm any child.

Here’s how to create a magical reading pocket pillow that not only brings stories to life but also becomes a cherished item in their reading nook whether it is in front of the fire place or snuggled in the family’s reading corner.

Chose your fabric! Why Choose “It Takes a Village” Fabric”

Jennifer Long’s It Takes a Village fabric line is playful yet sophisticated. The designs are perfect for children’s items, filled with charming scenes of a buzzy community life with adorable tiny animals at play. The fabric colors are gentle yet vibrant, making them versatile enough to suit any nursery or bedroom theme. This collection is ideal for projects that need a bit of character, warmth, and whimsy.

Materials Needed

• It Takes a Village Fabric – 1/2 yard for the pillow, 1/4 yard for the pocket.
• Two 1/2 yards of coordinating fabric for backing
• Pillow Insert: 16 x 16 inches works well.
• Basic Sewing Supplies: thread, pins, scissors, and a sewing machine.

Directions – they way I did it. But there are loads of how-to-videos you can watch as well as patterns to purchase, if you need.

• Cut your fabric
  • For the pillow front (main part), cut a square 17×17 which allows for a 1/2 inch seam allowance.
  • For the pocket, cut a 10×17 inch piece on the fold, this will help reenforce the pocket for wear.
  • For the backing, cut two rectangles measuring 11×17 inches each (I made an envelope closure)
• Prepare the Pocket and Attach to Pillow Front
  • Paying attention to directional fabrics, lay the pocket piece (folded) on the front pillow (main part). Line up the edges, bottom and sides, and secure with a baste stitch along the bottom raw edges and two short sides.
• Create the Envelope Closure
  • On each of the backing pieces, fold one long edge over (wrong side) 1/2 inch, then again, and sew a 1/4 hem straight across.
  • With RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER, place the two backing pieces top of the pillow. The hemmed edges should be overlap.
• Let’s put it together
  • Keeping Front & Backing pieces together (right sides facing), pin around the sandwich to keep everything in place. Head over to your sewing machine with your pillow sandwich.
  • Sew a 1/2 seam around the entire pillow sandwich. Here’s a tip, I ALWAYS reenforce the corners with backing stitching, it will help with durability.
  • Now, trim the corners to reduce bulk and turn the pillow cover right side out. Just reach in through the envelops and pull rights sides out.
• Now fluff up your pillow insert and slip it in. Fluff and situate your insert. ALL Done!

Quilted Pocket – I added a quilted pocket. I inserted 10×17 piece of fusible fleece between the folded pocket piece. I used my HQ750 domestic sewing machine to quilt a grid pattern to add texture. My Sew Steady Grid helps me keep everything lined up and evenly spaced. As a quilter, I had to add a little something-something:)- Be creative and add your own personal touches.

Again, this project makes the perfect gift anytime of the year. A reading pocket pillow is both functional and heartfelt, especially when crafted with a storybook-like fabric such as It Takes a Village. This pillow encourages children to reach for a book and snuggle up, making reading time even more enjoyable. Whether it’s for bedtime stories, quiet time, or a playful break during the day, this pillow will be a beloved addition to their daily routine.

With Riley Blake Design’s delightful fabric and a bit of crafting love, you’ll create a reading pocket pillow that’s more than just a pillow – it’s a treasured keepsake that helps foster a lifelong love of reading. Mom, auntie and elementary school principal approved.