Cut a piece of fabric to become the front pocket, it should be the length of your pillow form plus seam allowance, and then double the final height of your pocket plus seam allowance. In this example, our measurements are 17" x 22". Measure and mark the center of the fabric along each side and draw a line connecting the marks.

A template, or printout, of the design is an excellent tool to help with placement. Print a template using embroidery software of the design at size.

We recommend Wilcom's Hatch software which comes in different levels depending on what you'd like to use the software for. Hatch organizer works well to view your designs, print dielines and templates, change design colors, and create basic design layouts. (This is an affiliate link. We may earn commission on purchases made with this link.)

Arrange the template so it's in the lower half of the square, about 1/2" from the line. Center the template between the two sides. Mark the center point, as well as the horizontal and vertical axis lines of the template on the fabric.

Cut a piece of stabilizer that is larger than the embroidery hoop. Spray it with temporary adhesive and smooth it into place on the wrong side of the project or fabric behind the area where you will be embroidering. At this time, if you’re using a fabric like fleece or another fabric with a pile, place a piece of water-soluble stabilizer and place it over the right side of your fabric.

Using the water-soluble stabilizer as a topper will help keep the embroidery from sinking into the fabric.

Attach the hoop to the machine and load the design. Move the hoop so the needle is right over the center point. Embroider the design. A size 11 or 75/11 embroidery needle is a fine choice when embroidering on fleece.

After embroidering, trim the excess cutaway stabilizer away from the back. Then gently tear the water-soluble stabilizer from the front. You can use a damp sponge to remove any small bits that are left behind.

Fold the fabric lengthwise (top and bottom edges aligned) with the wrong sides together. Pin in place and sew a 1/4" seam along the all four outer edges of the shape.

To prepare the front panel, cut a piece of fabric to match your pillow form plus seam allowance. In this example our fabric is cut to 17” x 17”. Lay the fabric flat with the right side facing up. Place the embroidered pocket on top with the right sides facing up. The bottom edges of the front panel and the pocket should be aligned. Pin in place.

For the back of the pillow, prepare as you would like for making an envelope pillow. We cut our two back pieces out at 17” x 12” and finished one edge of each piece with a 1/2” rolled hem.

Flip the back fabric pieces over so the right side is facing up. With the seamed edges facing in toward each other, overlap the two pieces 4" on top of one another and pin.

To add the trim, align the raw edge of the trim with the outer edges of the back pieces and pin. Using a zipper foot, sew a 1/4" seam along the outer edge to tack the trim in place.

Lay the back piece on top of the front piece with right sides together, and pin. Sew a 1/2" seam around the entire outer edges. Turn the fabric right side out through the back envelope opening and insert the pillow inside.

Tuck a book inside the pocket for the perfect cozy accent to your reading nook!