Just the other week I shared with you a list of great gift ideas for book lovers, when you want to avoid giving them yet another book. (Didn’t catch it? Read the list here.)
There was one suggestion in there in particular that I know caught a lot of attention: that funky-looking neck support pillow. Remember? The one that was shaped a little like a dog’s bone?!?
They are so practical AND cute. You can use it as
> a neck rest (lean back and relax!)
> a book stand
> or just a comfy pillow to snuggle up with.
“What else is so good about a neck support pillow?” I hear you asking. Well, they’re ideal for a personalised, unique gift for any occasion (Hello, Christmas gift! Hello, birthday present!) for friends and family of all ages. And who doesn’t like comfort when reading?!?
What’s also super cool about these relaxing reading pillows is that they are SO easy to sew! Yes, even for beginners! (Trust me 😉)
And I’m here to share the details with you, how YOU too can DIY one of these super comfy, relaxing neck support pillows!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
What is a Neck Support Pillow?
I’ve seen these pillows called a thousand different names: reading bone pillow (which is the literal translation of the German Leseknochen), reading pillow, therapeutic neck pillow, relaxing neck pillow…. They’re all the same thing!
The idea is to have a uniquely formed pillow that fits comfortably behind your neck when sitting or lying back relaxing. They’re also perfect for book lovers because not only could you rest your head back whilst reading but you could instead put the pillow on your lap and rest a book (or tablet) against it for hands-free reading time. I also know more than a few kids who love these relaxing pillows to snuggle up with in place of a stuffed animal.
Whatever you choose to call them if you’re interested in getting your hands on one, I’m here to help!
DIY Sew a Neck Support Pillow
These pillows are so easy to make, and I’ve made MANY of them! You’ll have yours done in 60 minutes, I’m sure!
If you are looking to give one of these relaxing pillows to someone (every person has a neck, right?!? LOL) or perhaps wanting to keep one for yourself 😉, I have got not 1, but 2 options for you to choose from.
Option #1: Printable PDF Sewing Instructions
You already have some cotton fabric and polyester filling at home and just want to get sewing right now?
I have created a downloadable PDF pillow pattern plus easy-to-follow, bursting-with-colour-photos instructions. Follow the link here to get yours so you can get going already!
Tip!: Because you don’t need a lot of fabric to sew these perfect pillows, it’s a great chance to use up some of your old fabric leftovers or even upcycle unwanted bedding, like pillow cases and quilt covers!
Psst! The instructions are also available in deutsch for my German-speaking friends. Follow the above link, and you’ll find them there!
Option #2: Buy the DIY Sewing Kit
Perhaps you don’t have a pile of fabrics and filling at home waiting for you and you don’t wish to go out and buy a sack full just for a single project. Or maybe you can’t really sew (yet! 😉) but know someone who’d love to sew one for themselves Then you can grab my DIY Pillow Sewing Kit!
The kit contains everything you need (well, almost everything! You know, not the sewing machine or scissors or thread…). In addition to the printed instructions and pattern pieces, you’ll find enough fabric and filling to create your own neck support pillow. Sound good?
You can find a selection of those sets available in my Etsy Shop here. (Update: January 2023>> At the moment, my sewing kits are now available to buyers in the EU, US, Switzerland and UK. Unfortunately Coronavirus is still wreaking havoc with the postal system; delivery times and costs elsewhere are extreme. 😥 If you are outside these regions and interested nevertheless, message me so we can chat about how to make it possible!)
I have plenty of other sewing projects that are great for beginners (but not only sewing newbies!) here on Everything’s Famtastic. Take a look around the Sewing Category and get inspired!
And if it’s gift ideas you’re looking for, take a read of that last post for gifts for book lovers and my post about excellent experience gift ideas .
Are you still searching for gift ideas? Who do you find it hardest to buy gifts for? Comment below!
P.S. If you sew one (or more!) or these relaxing neck pillows, be sure to show off your photos and tag me @everythingsfamtastic !
Such an adorable and creative idea! Love this might give it a try
I hope you have fun trying!
This looks great for reading and working for bed which I end up doing more that I should , lol!
Can’t do too much reading, can you?!?
Suffering from cervical it would make me really comfortable. Interesting pillow!
This neck rest pillow looks so
Comfortable & cute. I am not a big sewing person but can def try this easy DIY project, thanks!
They ARE comfortable!! Let me know when you finish your first one!
These look great. I’ll be sharing on my Pinterest accounts
Thank you so much! They are fun to sew and fun to use!
Very cool idea! I think my kids might want to try it out!
Thank you! Do your kids like to sew too?
That’s a really neat idea,! Will have to try it out! Thanks for sharing!
Happy to hear you enjoyed it! What other things do you like to sew?
Wow! These pillows are so cute and versatile! I wish I was a good enough sewer to make one. haha
Thank you! I’ve got some even easier projects when you dare to try sewing 😉
Thank you. The post is very helpful.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
These pillows are so cute. They actually make for a good gift. Or, if one does not want to sew, give your DIY Sewing Kit as a gift.
Thank you! That was exactly my thinking 😉
Thank you ! I have always wanted to learn how to sew
My pleasure! I’ve got lots of beginners sewing projects on this site. When you’re ready to give sewing a go, you could give a reversible scarf or the fun bean bags a try!