DIY Adorable Lip-Shaped Accent Pillow: Valentine's Day Craft

Updated at: 22/02/2025

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show your love (or self-love!) than with a charming, handmade touch? This year, ditch the generic store-bought gifts and craft something truly unique: an adorable lip-shaped accent pillow! This delightful project is surprisingly simple, perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike, and guarantees a touch of playful romance to any room. Imagine the fun of snuggling up with this quirky, personalized pillow, adding a whimsical element to your space while showcasing your creativity.

Forget expensive, impersonal gifts; this DIY project lets you express your affection in a fun, handmade way. With just a few readily available materials and some basic sewing skills, you can create this cute lip-shaped pillow in no time. Ready to transform fabric scraps into a delightful Valentine's Day decoration? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own pouty, plush companion.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Cardboard
  • Red Fabric (or fabric of your choice)
  • Scissors
  • Pen/Pencil/Sharpie
  • Sewing Machine (optional)
  • Pins
  • Polyfill or old pillow stuffing
  • Wooden stick (optional)
  • Hot glue gun (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise children when using sewing machines, needles, or scissors. Keep them away from small craft items that could be choking hazards.
  • Use caution when handling hot glue. Allow ample time for the glue to cool before touching and keep it away from flammable materials.
  • If allergic to any materials (fabrics, fillings, etc.), choose alternative supplies and wear a mask if necessary to avoid skin irritation or respiratory issues.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Template

    • Download the free template (link in description), print it, and trace it onto cardboard, enlarging it by 2-3 inches.
    Prepare the lip template: Download the free template (link in description), print it, and trace it onto cardboard, enlarging it by 2-3 inches.
    Prepare the Template

  2. Cut Fabric Lip Shapes

    • Trace the enlarged cardboard template onto your fabric, leaving a 1-2cm/inch seam allowance. Cut out two identical lip shapes.
    Cut out the fabric: Trace the enlarged cardboard template onto your fabric, leaving a 1-2cm/inch seam allowance. Cut out two identical lip shapes.
    Cut Fabric Lip Shapes

  3. Cut Backing Fabric

    • Place one of the cut fabric pieces onto your backing fabric and trace it, adding the same seam allowance. Cut out this piece.
    Prepare the pillow backing: Place one of the cut fabric pieces onto your backing fabric and trace it, adding the same seam allowance. Cut out this piece.
    Cut Backing Fabric

  4. Sew Pillow Pieces

    • Place the two lip pieces right sides together, pin, and sew around the edges, leaving gaps at the top and bottom of the lips.
    Sew the pillow pieces: Place the two lip pieces right sides together, pin, and sew around the edges, leaving gaps at the top and bottom of the lips.
    Sew Pillow Pieces

  5. Cut Seam Notches

    • Cut small indents into the seam allowance to prevent bulkiness when turning the pillow right-side out.
    Cut notches: Cut small indents into the seam allowance to prevent bulkiness when turning the pillow right-side out.
    Cut Seam Notches

  6. Turn Pillow Right Side Out

    • Turn the pillow right side out through the gaps.
    Turn right side out: Turn the pillow right side out through the gaps.
    Turn Pillow Right Side Out

  7. Mark and Sew Center Line

    • Use one half of the original template to mark the center line of the pillow. Sew a straight stitch along this line to close up the pillow.
    Mark and sew the center line: Use one half of the original template to mark the center line of the pillow. Sew a straight stitch along this line to close up the pillow.
    Mark and Sew Center Line

  8. Fill the Pillow

    • Stuff the pillow with polyfill or other stuffing material using a wooden stick to help push it into every corner.
    Fill the pillow: Stuff the pillow with polyfill or other stuffing material using a wooden stick to help push it into every corner.
    Fill the Pillow

  9. Close Gaps

    • Close the gaps at the top and bottom using either an invisible stitch or hot glue.
    Close the gaps: Close the gaps at the top and bottom using either an invisible stitch or hot glue.
    Close Gaps

Read more: King Size Quilt Tutorial: Efficient Chain Piecing Method

Tips

  • Use any fabric you like! Velvet or shimmery fabrics look particularly nice.
  • Using a sewing machine makes stitching much faster.
  • Mark the gaps clearly to avoid accidental stitching.
  • Don't cut through the stitching when creating the notches!
  • Fill the pillow firmly to achieve the best lip shape.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Lip Shape

Reason: Improperly cutting or pinning the fabric pieces before sewing can lead to an asymmetrical or distorted lip shape.
Solution: Carefully trace and cut the pattern pieces, ensuring accurate mirroring and symmetrical placement before sewing.

2. Stuffing Issues

Reason: Overstuffing or understuffing the pillow can result in a misshapen or lumpy final product.
Solution: Use a consistent amount of filling, evenly distributing it throughout the pillow to achieve a smooth, natural curve.

FAQs

What kind of fabric is best for making this lip-shaped pillow?
A medium-weight fabric like felt, fleece, or cotton works well. Felt is particularly easy to work with for beginners because it doesn't fray.