Pocket Pillows

Yes, I originally saw this on Pinterest and I immediately loved it. What's better than having a pillow with a pocket? (Ok, dresses with pockets are up there but this is still super cool.) I've decided that my nieces and nephews are getting these, plus a book of course, for their birthdays this year.

The original pin I found didn't have very straight-forward instructions on how to make the pillow so I figured it out myself.

Fabric you'll need:
A - (2) 20 x 20 inch
B - (1) 11 x 21 inch
C - (1) 13 x 21 inch
D - large-ish scraps for letters (optional)
E - (2) 11 x 1.5 inch

Yes, B & C are wider than A. This will help ensure that the pocket is big enough to actually fit stuff in it. You'll also need thread and about 14 - 20 ounces of filling, depending on how firm you want the pillow.

Steps:
1. Sew both E pieces right side together on the long sides only. Turn it right side out.
2. Sew B and C wrong sides together so that three sides meet, only sew those three sides.
3. Fold over the extra fabric on the top twice (so the outside edge is the nice edge) and sew.
4. Sew your letters to A1.
5. Place A1 right side up. Lay E on top so that the ends meet the edge of A1 and the middle is on the inside (Once you place the rest of the layers down, you will only be able to see the ends of E). On top of that place B+C B side down and A2 right side down. While pinning you'll notice the extra inch on B+C; make sure the pin the edges so they meet the edges of both A fabrics. This keeps the extra inch of fabric in the middle and gives the pocket extra space.
6. Sew on all sides leaving about 1.5 inches open.
7. Turn the pillow right side out; stuff it through the opening.
8. Hand sew the opening closed.