These fish pillows feel like they’ve jumped right out of a coastal daydream.

The crisp navy stripes echo sailor uniforms and beach umbrellas, while the bold button eyes make them seem curious and alive.

They’re the kind of accents that bring a little ocean magic indoors, turning a plain chair into a spot that feels like a seaside getaway.

Make a few in different sizes, and you’ll have a whole school of pillows swimming across your home.

Materials Needed

• ½ yard navy-and-white striped cotton fabric
• ¼ yard solid navy cotton fabric
• 2 black or navy buttons per pillow
• Polyester stuffing (enough to fill each fish pillow)
• White embroidery thread
• Sewing machine or hand needle
• Scissors, pins, and paper

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Draw a simple fish shape on paper and cut it out as a template. You can use this to cut two identical pieces from striped fabric for each pillow.

Step 2: Cut small triangles from solid navy fabric for the fins. Then stitch around the edges with white embroidery thread for a decorative touch.

Step 3: Pin the fins between the two striped fabric pieces, right sides facing. Then add the button eyes to the fabric before sewing the body closed.

Step 4: Sew around the fish shape, leaving a small opening at the bottom. Turn it right-side out.

Step 5: Stuff with polyester filling until plump, then stitch the opening closed securely.

Tips:

I made mine in two sizes, and placing them together looked like a parent and baby fish swimming side by side.