We delayed sharing this post for weeks because making a dozen number pillows around a newborn takes time. I wanted a simple prop for Arlo’s monthly photos to track his growth, and I also wanted something useful after the first year. That idea turned into these DIY number pillows. They work beautifully for photo milestones, live well as nursery decor, and make a fun learning tool to help little ones recognize numerals.
I chose a neutral base fabric and added bright neon trim for each pillow to match the colorful nursery vibe I’m planning. You can pick any fabric or mix and match patterns, with or without trim. The trim adds a few extra steps but gives a polished, playful finish.
DIY Number Pillows
Total Time: About 1 hour per pillow
Supplies
Printable number patterns (optional) or create your own with a preferred font.
Approximately 1/4 yard fabric per two pillows (a full set from 1–12 requires about 1 3/4 yards).
About 1 yard trim per pillow. I used pom-poms and tassels in neon and bright colors; buying trim locally lets you purchase smaller amounts. If ordering online, trims often come in multi-yard packages, so plan accordingly.
Fabric scissors, sewing machine, sewing pins, stuffing, needle and thread, and embroidery floss for securing the centers of numbers with holes (such as 0, 4, 6, 8, 9).
Directions
1. Print and cut your number templates. If printing on 8.5 x 11″ paper and you want slightly larger pillows, trim about 1/2″ around the template edges before cutting.
2. Fold your fabric in half with right sides together so you cut two identical layers at once.
3. Pin the templates to the folded fabric. For a full set, you’ll need two of each number.
4. Cut out the numbers through both fabric layers.
For each number, follow these steps:
5. Unpin the two pieces and lay one piece face up. Pin trim along the edge with the decorative side facing inward so it will sit between the two fabric layers.
6. Baste the trim in place using a long stitch. For larger pom-pom trim, a zipper foot can help sew close to the trim edge.
7. Place the second number piece on top, right sides together, sandwiching the trim between the layers. Stitch around the edge with a 1/4″–1/2″ seam allowance, leaving roughly a 3-inch opening for turning.
8. Clip small notches into any curved seams to reduce bulk, then turn the pillow right side out.
9. Stuff the number firmly but evenly.
10. Close the opening with a slip stitch by hand for a neat finish.
11. For numbers with enclosed holes, secure the center using embroidery floss: thread a needle, tie a large knot, and stitch from the back through the center to the front, then back again, repeating several times and finishing with a knot at the back to pull the center tight.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
This project is ideal to work on during pregnancy or while waiting through adoption. Make one pillow at a time or complete the whole set in a weekend—the result is a cheerful, useful keepsake. I absolutely love how these turned out.
p.s. DIY Balloon Letter Pillows were another project I enjoyed making earlier.