Sewzy
Memory Pillow Sewing Pattern
The Memory Pillow is an intermediate sewing pattern in 5 sizes, 12 in to 20 in. It takes about 1 hour 30 minutes in 13 written steps. It is in the Sewzy iPhone app with every size included. Print it as a letter-size PDF or an A0 copy-shop file.
Updated October 29, 2026
- Level
- Intermediate
- Time
- About 1 h 30 min
- Sizes
- 5
- Steps
- 13
The Memory Pillow pattern comes in 5 sizes, 12 in to 20 in. It is an intermediate project that takes about 1 h 30 min, in 13 steps. Best fabrics: A button-up shirt (long sleeves for the Hug style) or a tee.
Premium Print the letter or A0 PDF from the app.
Photos are renders of the finished item, made from this pattern's shapes.
Sizes and fabric
| Size | Finished size and details | Fabric |
|---|---|---|
| 12 in | 12 in | Front 14 x 14 in · backs 12 x 18 in |
| 14 in | 14 in | Front 16 x 16 in · backs 14 x 20 in |
| 16 in | 16 in | Front 18 x 18 in · backs 16 x 22 in |
| 18 in | 18 in | Front 20 x 20 in · backs 18 x 24 in |
| 20 in | 20 in | Front 22 x 22 in · backs 20 x 26 in |
A button-up shirt (long sleeves for the Hug style) or a tee. A second shirt or cotton helps if the back is short. Lightweight fusible interfacing keeps the fabric steady.
You also need
- 1 shirt; long sleeves for the Hug style (a second shirt or cotton if the back is short)
- Pillow form, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 in square
- Poly-fil for the arms, about 60 g (2 oz)
- 2 spare shirt buttons (Hug), thread, hand needle
- Press cloth; ballpoint needle for tees
- Optional: photo transfer sheet, floss, fabric pen
Pattern pieces
Front (cut 1), Envelope back (cut 2 on the fold), Sleeve arm (cut 2), Name tag (cut 1), Photo patch (cut 1), Heart (cut 1-2)
Seam allowance: ½ in (1.3 cm) included; the name tag and heart are cut on the line.
The steps
The written guide in the app takes you through 13 steps, one at a time.
- Prepare the shirt
- Cut the shirt apart
- Place, chalk, then fuse
- Close the placket
- Cut the front and mark it
- Heart, photo, tag and spare buttons
- Cut and hem the backs
- Classic · Sew it round
- Hug · Sew the arms
- Hug · Wrist and stuffing
- Hug · Baste the arms on
- Hug · Sew the envelope
- Hug · Button the hug
Watch how it's done
Short tutorials on YouTube for the techniques in this pattern, by other sewists. They are not made by Sewzy.
- How To Fuse Iron-On Interfacing To Fabric Whatsshecreating · Fusing interfacing to the shirt
- Envelope Pillow Cover Tutorial done 3 WAYS! / Beginner Sewing Tutorial Tamara's Joy // Sewing Channel · The envelope back
- How to Make a Memory Pillow Out of a Shirt SewVeryEasy · Memory pillow from a shirt
More kitchen and home
Questions about the Memory Pillow
How much fabric does the Memory Pillow need?
Best fabrics: A button-up shirt (long sleeves for the Hug style) or a tee. Exact amounts for each size are in the guide inside the Sewzy app.
Which sizes does the Memory Pillow come in?
It comes in 5 sizes, 12 in to 20 in. The size table on this page lists what each size fits.
How long does the Memory Pillow take to sew?
About 1 hour 30 minutes. It is rated intermediate, and the written guide in the app has 13 steps.
Related guides
How to make a memory bear from a loved one's clothes6 min readA memory bear is a teddy sewn from a loved one's clothing. See how much clothing you need, how to cut it, the 10 sizes and how long it takes (about 4 hours).
How to sew a plushie: stuffed animal sewing for beginners5 min readHow to sew a plushie for beginners: choose fabric, cut and mark pieces, sew curves, turn, stuff evenly and close the gap with a neat ladder stitch.
What is a PDF sewing pattern and how does it work?7 min readA PDF sewing pattern is a pattern file you print yourself. See what one looks like, how it works and how to print, tape, cut and sew from it, step by step.
Sew the Memory Pillow in Sewzy
Every size is included. Premium opens all 100 patterns and starts with a 3-day free trial.
Free to download
Premium starts with a 3-day free trial. Cancel any time in iOS Settings. Prices in USD.