How to Create a Reusable, Non-Traditional Ring Bearer Pillow for Your Wedding

You wouldn't let your bridesmaids walk down the aisle in white satin and lace dresses, would you? So why should your ring bearer's pillow look like it was cut from your wedding dress? This alternative DIY pillow is more interesting and will fit your wedding decor better. It is also much cheaper than the $35-65 custom pillows that are available in color. All you need to make your own version are basic sewing skills, a sewing machine and about an hour's time to devote to the project.

Choosing Your Fabric Since this pillow is to be reused, it will be larger than a standard ring bearer pillow, and two-tiered. Keep that in mind when choosing your fabrics. Matching the color of the bridesmaids' dresses and the groomsmen's ties is great, but you don't want the pillow to be too bright and distracting, either, since it may go on someone's couch. Try to find a patterned fabric that has a lot of white for the top half. The bottom half will be partially obscured from view, so it is okay to use a bright solid there.

Materials
½ yard solid fabric
1/3 yard patterned fabric
1 large decorative shank button
2 feet of 1/8" white ribbon
4 mini bows in a complementary color
Stuffing or 12 inch square foam pillow form
8"x8" square of quilting material
Straight pins
Needle/Thread (for finishing work)
Hot or Fabric Glue
Ruler/measuring tape
Butcher paper or newsprint
Scissors

Decorative Button & Ring Ribbons Cut the ribbon into two single foot lengths. Glue the center of each ribbon to the back of the button, on either side of the shank.

Bottom Pillow Use the ruler to create a 12 5/8" x 12 5/8" square on the butcher paper. This is the pattern for both pieces of the bottom pillow. Cut out both pieces using this pattern and turn the front sides facing each other. If you are using a pillow form, sew a 5/8 inch seam around three sides, turn right side out, insert form and sew remaining side by hand. If you are using stuffing, sew around until only 3-4 inches remains unsewn. Turn it right side out, stuff and finish sewing by hand.

Top Pillow Use the instructions from the bottom pillow, substituting an 8 5/8" square and sew only three sides before turning. Insert quilting material and sew the last side by hand. Sew from each corner to the diagonally opposite corner.

Assembly Lay the top pillow on the bottom, at a 45 degree angle to the bottom pillow. Using a double thickness of thread, sew the button into the center of the top pillow and down through the top layer of the bottom pillow as well. If desired, run a small circle of glue between the pillows as well before proceeding. Sew each corner of the top pillow to each side of the bottom. Glue or sew a mini bow at each corner, over the knots.