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A Dollhouse Pillow is a playful sewing project that can double as a reading cushion and a place to tuck away small dolls or treasures. This simple version has a house-shaped front, painted roof and window details, and three fabric pockets. It makes a thoughtful handmade gift for a child, and you can personalize the colors to suit the recipient.
Before you begin, wash and dry the fabrics if needed, then press them flat. The project uses a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Read the fabric paint instructions before applying it so you know how long it needs to dry and how to heat-set it safely.
Dollhouse Pillow materials and tools
- 1 yard of patterned fabric for the pillow backing
- One 14″ x 16″ piece of plain fabric for the roof
- One 16″ x 18″ piece of patterned fabric for the house body
- Three 7″ x 9″ pieces of plain fabric for the windows
- One 4″ x 7″ piece of wool felt for the door
- One decorative button
- Black fabric paint and a paintbrush
- Poly-Fil stuffing
Tools: Pins, fabric pencil, sewing machine, scissors, rotary cutter, and self-healing cutting mat.
Seam allowance: 1/2 inch. A ruler and a pressing iron are also useful for marking and setting the fabric between steps.
How to sew the Dollhouse Pillow
1. Shape the roof
On the 14″ x 16″ roof piece, mark the halfway point across the top edge, about 8 inches from either side. Starting 2 inches above the bottom of each side edge, draw a diagonal line to the center mark. Cut along both lines to create the roof shape. Use a ruler to keep the lines even.
2. Join the roof to the house front
Place the base of the roof against the top edge of the house-body fabric, with right sides facing each other. Pin the pieces together and stitch across the edge using the 1/2-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open so the front lies flat.
3. Paint the roof and window details
Paint a design on the roof fabric and add windowpane lines to the three window pieces. Let the paint dry completely, then heat-set it according to the paint manufacturer’s instructions. Waiting until the paint is fully dry helps prevent smudging while you sew.
4. Make and attach the pockets and door
For each window pocket, fold one 7-inch edge down by 1/2 inch and press. Fold it down another 1/2 inch, press again, pin, and topstitch along the folded edge. Repeat for the other two pieces.
Fold the remaining three sides of each pocket inward by 1/4 inch and press. Position the pockets on the house front, about 1 3/4 inches in from the edge, with the right sides facing up. Pin and edge-stitch along the three folded sides, leaving the top open so the pockets can hold small items.
Place the felt door 2 1/2 inches in from the right side and 1 inch above the bottom edge. Pin it in place and edge-stitch around it. Sew the decorative button onto the door as a doorknob. Because small buttons can pose a choking hazard, make sure it is firmly attached and supervise young children during play.
5. Sew the pillow backing
Lay the house front on the backing fabric and cut around its full outline. Place the front and backing right sides together, pin around the edges, and stitch the perimeter, leaving a 3-inch opening for turning. Clip the corners without cutting through the stitches, turn the pillow right side out, and press carefully.
6. Stuff and close the pillow
Fill the house with Poly-Fil until it reaches your preferred thickness. Add small amounts at a time and distribute the stuffing into the corners for an even shape. Close the 3-inch opening with a slip stitch.
Finishing ideas for your Dollhouse Pillow
A bold painted roof and contrasting fabric can give the finished pillow a cheerful look. The pockets are useful for storing small dolls or keepsakes, though this design does not open to show a dollhouse interior. You can coordinate the pocket fabric with the roof or choose a contrasting color to make the details stand out.
The Dollhouse Pillow was designed by Rubyellen. Before gifting it, check that the seams are secure, the button is firmly sewn on, and the pockets are suitable for the intended child’s age. With its soft stuffing and practical pockets, this house-shaped cushion can be used for reading, play, or displaying small treasures.
