In one of my Handmade Christmas posts, I shared these Man Cave pillows. The idea is to have a personalized pillow to hold a remote and phone while watching the boob tube to make sure nothing gets lost. My husband is using his as intended, but I have heard of at least one recipient using a pocket to keep a beer close by.

They are super simple to make, and come together quickly. While anyone who sews could easily figure out their own pattern, here is how I did mine.

Supplies:

• 1 16.5″ x 16.5″ background fabric for front (grey on gray in photo)
• 1 16.5″ x 6.5″ fabric for pocket (Yankees fabric in photo to line pocket
• 1 16.5″ x 6.5″ piece of iron-on fusible interfacing
• 1 16.5″ x 3″ fabric for pocket band (red fabric in photo)
• 2 16.5″ x 12″ fabrics of choice for pillow back (not shown)
• 1 16″ pillow form (not shown)
• Coordinating thread and basic sewing supplies
• Note that additional materials may be needed to personalize the pillows as described within

Instructions:

First, use your method of choice to put the name on the background fabric. It should ideally be centered, with the top of the name being placed approximately 4 inches from the top of the fabric. I did mine on my embroidery machine. You can do that, or embroider by hand, or use fabric markers or paint, or appliqué with fusible web.

Next fold your pocket band fabric lengthwise and iron to form a crease. Add the word “Remote” on the left side, and “Phone” on the right, using your preferred method of personalization.

Then, fuse the interfacing on to the wrong side of the pocket fabric.

With right sides together line the pocket band up with the top edge of the pocket and stitch a 1/4″ seam. Make sure your embroidery is against the pocket fabric and will appear the right way when you flip the band up.

Flip the band up and iron it flat.

Pin your pocket on top of the front of the pillow, lining up the bottoms and sides and pin in place. Using a coordinating thread color, stitch through the center of the pocket, from the bottom to the top of the band, creating two pockets. Backstitch at both ends of your stitching. With that, your pillow top is complete.

You can make the back of the pillow with whatever method you prefer. For me, I create two pieces with a rolled hem that overlaps in the center. This allows the pillow to be inserted and removed easily for washing. Attach your backs, insert your pillow, and you are done!

If you make any Man Cave pillows, let me know. I would love to see them!