Every drawing begins with a pencil, and every pencil begins with a spark of creativity.
By stitching one into a plush, oversized form, you bring that spark into the real world. It’s like holding a symbol of imagination you can cuddle.
Also, these pillows feel like a bridge between work and play, soft sculptures reminding you that inspiration doesn’t have to stay on the page.
Materials Needed
- 1 yard of main fabric (cotton, corduroy, or patterned fabric, 20” wide for one pencil)
- ½ yard cream fabric
- ¼ yard black fabric
- ¼ yard pink or metallic fabric (for the eraser section)
- Matching thread
- Polyester stuffing (about 300-400 g per pillow)
- Fabric scissors and measuring tape
- Pins or clips
- Sewing machine (straight stitch works fine)
- Hand sewing needle
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Measure and cut your main pencil body fabric into a long rectangle (about 16”×24” for a medium pillow or larger if you want an extra-long pencil).
You now fold it lengthwise and sew along the long edge to form a tube.
Step 2: Cut a piece of cream fabric into a triangle shape, this will be the sharpened section of the pencil.
Then attach it to one end of the tube with right sides facing. Once sewn, it should look like the wood part tapering into a point.
Step 3: For the pencil tip, cut a small triangle of black fabric.
You stitch it carefully to the cream section to complete the point. Make sure the seams align smoothly so it looks neat.
Step 4: On the opposite end, cut a strip of pink (or metallic) fabric wide enough to wrap around the tube.
This becomes the eraser section. Then sew it onto the open edge, leaving a small gap for turning and stuffing.
Step 5: Turn the pencil right-side out.
Begin stuffing firmly from the tip, making sure to pack stuffing evenly so the pencil holds its shape. Work your way up toward the eraser end.
Step 6: Hand-stitch the gap closed neatly. If you want to add detail, stitch a thin silver strip just above the eraser to mimic the metal band on a real pencil.
Tips:
If you’re making more than one, try different fabrics such as florals, stripes, corduroy, or even denim.
Kids love them in bold, playful colors, while muted tones can make them look like modern home décor.