How to Sew a Moon Pillow for Newborn Photography | Tutorial

I hope to inspire you with this moon pillow tutorial.  Whether you’re a newborn photographer, or you’re looking for an adorable, easy-to-make accent pillow for a little boy or girl’s room, if you’ve got some basic sewing skills this will be a piece of cake.  I’ve even got a suggestion below if you don’t sew… and either way, no pattern is needed!

SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Fabric
Scissors
Thread
Sharpie or fabric marker
Two circle shapes for templates (or string to draw your own)
Sewing machine (optional)
Straight pins

STEP 1:  Cut your fabric into two identical circles.

I used a circle mirror I had hanging in my house for my template – and traced around it with a Sharpie marker to get two identical, perfect circles.  Mine were 26″, which was just right if you’re using it for a newborn photography prop.  But you can adjust your circle size to be any size you want!

TIP: If you don’t have a circle shape the size you need, no problem!  You could wrap a piece of string around a sharpie, or fabric marker.  Then, cut the string to be the length of your radius.  In my case, the circle was 26″ across, so the radius is half that which is 13″.  Next, have someone hold the string (tightly) in the center of your fabric.  Pull the string tight, and draw your circle!

UPDATE: Someone who made the pillow from the tutorial commented that they used the string method on cardboard for their circles, then used the cardboard as a template.  This is probably a better method to ensure perfect circles.

STEP 2: Trace and cut a smaller circle out of the bigger circle.

My second circle was 12-13″ (so about half the size of the first).  It is important that you place your circle template onto the edge, as opposed to closer to the center.  This will help give your moon a true crescent shape.  Once again, I used a Sharpie to trace the outline before I cut.  After cutting out the guide I drew, I trimmed a little more free hand.

TIP: I suggest putting right sides together, and cutting both of your circle pieces at the same time to be sure they are exact.  I didn’t do that.  Turned out ok anyway.

STEP 3:  With right sides together, pin.

Of course, pinning is optional.  But it will help you greatly!

STEP 4: Sew!  BE CAREFUL to leave at least 5-7 inches without stitching so you can stuff your pillow. See picture from STEP 6 & 7.

I used a machine to sew, but if you wanted, you could sew this by hand.  I even saw a no sew version with hot glue (although I’m not sure this would hold up if your pillow will get frequent use, or will need to be washed).

STEP 5: Make small cuts (optional).

On the outside of the seam line, make some perpendicular, straight line (and/or triangle shape) cuts to allow your circular shaped seam to lay better.  You can also iron your seam if you wish (I didn’t… I’m a lazy seamstress and didn’t want to get the iron out).

STEP 6:  Turn right side out, and stuff with filler.

I bought some nice filler.  I spent a little more to make sure I had a quality end result (I got the no bunching kind).  But I ran out!  So I cut into an old throw pillow and used the filler from it to make sure my pillow was very firm and to make up the rest that was needed.  It was perfect!

STEP 7:  Hand sew the opening.

Here’s my finished product!  Check out this link to see the moon in use at baby Rowan’s session.  It turned out EXACTLY like I hoped – SO CUTE!!  If you have any questions, feel free to place them in the comments below.

UPDATE:  To answer a few questions I’ve gotten already… the final pillow measures 21.5″ (and above I mention that I began with a 26″ circle).  I used a medium weight jean fabric (I preferred the lighter side, which is actually the back).

-Jamie