When I asked on Snapchat what to do with leftover velvet from previous projects, almost everyone suggested Valentine’s Day pillows. Since we had already made conversation heart and heart emoji pillows before, I decided to put a twist on the idea: a heart lollipop pillow. It’s playful, oversized and perfect for decorating a bed, loveseat or for creating smaller versions as sweet little gifts.
This pillow is especially charming because of the small white highlight detail that makes the heart look glossy and three-dimensional. It’s a quick sew project that takes about two hours and uses simple supplies. Below are clear steps to make your own heart lollipop pillow.
DIY Heart Lollipop Pillow
Total Time: 2 Hours
Supplies
Paper shopping bag or other large paper
1/2 yard pink velvet or similar fabric
1/4 yard white felt
Sewing machine
Needle and thread
Stuffing
Scissors
Directions
1. Make a heart template from paper. Fold the paper in half, draw half a heart along the fold, cut through both layers and unfold to reveal a symmetrical heart.
2. Fold your velvet with right sides together. Use the template to cut two identical heart shapes.
3. Cut a small highlight shape from white felt to add the glossy detail.
4. Pin the highlight onto one heart and stitch around its edge with a narrow seam (about 1/8″) so it sits flat.
5. Place the second heart on top of the first with right sides together. Pin around the perimeter and stitch, leaving a 4″ opening along one side near the bottom for turning.
6. Trim the seam allowance at the point of the heart and make small notches or a slit at the top curves to reduce bulk. Turn the heart right side out for a clean shape.
7. Cut a long strip of felt for the lollipop stick roughly 1 1/2 times the length of the heart and about 8″ wide. Fold it in half and stitch along one short side and the long side, then turn it right side out.
8. Stuff both the heart and the felt stick firmly but evenly to keep shape.
9. Close the opening in the heart with a slip stitch by hand for an invisible finish.
10. Attach the stick to the heart using one of two options: either sew the stick to the back of the heart by closing the stick’s short end with a slip stitch, pinning it in place and hand-stitching around the edge where it meets the heart; or fold about 1/2″ of the stick’s top under for a neat edge, pin it over the heart’s point and slip stitch it around to secure.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
If you prefer a simpler version, make just the heart with the little white highlight for a sweet, minimalist pillow. Try different fabrics and colors to match your décor or to create a set.
p.s. For a candy-inspired treat, you can also make edible heart lollipops using soft candy like Airheads as a fun companion project.