In a busy Catholic home, faith-filled spaces often need to be flexible. A prayer corner in the morning might turn into a reading nook by afternoon and a cozy family rosary spot in the evening. That’s why this Catholic fabric project is designed to be both beautiful and practical: a DIY Floor Pillow, sewn using our John Paul the Great Signs fabric.
This DIY round floor pillow is easy to move from room to room, perfect for children, and ideal for prayer time, quiet reading, or floor seating during family gatherings. The added carrying strap allows even little hands to move it independently, an intentional design choice that supports real family life.
At The Little Rose Shop, our mission is simple but powerful: bringing faith into everyday life. Sewing projects like this allow you to integrate Catholic imagery and saintly inspiration into ordinary moments creating a Domestic Church that feels lived-in, welcoming, and spiritually rich.
Let’s walk through this faith-inspired sewing tutorial step by step, creating a piece that will bless your home for years to come.
Supplies Needed
Gathering your supplies ahead of time helps the sewing process feel peaceful and enjoyable. This project is beginner-friendly, but choosing quality materials ensures durability—especially since this pillow will be moved, carried, and well-loved.
- Main fabric: 1½–2 yards of John Paul the Great Signs Catholic Fabric
- Backing fabric: 1½–2 yards of coordinating cotton or canvas
- Strap fabric: ½ yard of coordinating fabric (or use leftover fabric)
- Polyester fiberfill OR one large round pillow insert (26”–30”)
- Sewing machine
- Thread (matching or coordinating)
- Pins or sewing clips
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
- Measuring tape
- Iron & ironing board
- Zipper (optional) for a removable washable cover
Why we love this fabric for this project: The John Paul the Great Signs design features symbolic gestures and imagery inspired by Saint John Paul II, making it visually engaging for children and spiritually meaningful for adults. Using Catholic fabric for functional pieces like floor pillows turns ordinary household items into gentle faith reminders.
How-To
This DIY Floor Pillow tutorial is designed to be approachable and encouraging. Each step includes practical guidance, plus gentle faith-based suggestions to help you sew with intention.
Step 1: Choose Your Pillow Size
Large round floor pillows typically range from 26” to 30” in diameter. A 28” pillow is a wonderful middle ground—big enough for lounging, kneeling, or sitting comfortably.
Decide where your pillow will be used most:
- Prayer corner
- Children’s bedroom
- Living room floor seating
- Reading or quiet time nook
Faith Tip: As you plan, offer a short prayer asking Saint John Paul II to watch over your family and your home.
Step 2: Cut Your Fabric Circles
Using a pen and some string trace a circle of the size of your choice, and cut two identical circles from your fabric. One from the John Paul the Great Signs fabric and one from your backing fabric. Or two from the same fabric.
Add ½” seam allowance around the circle. For a 28” finished pillow, cut circles approximately 29” in diameter.
Step 3: Prepare the Carrying Strap
The carrying strap is what makes this pillow extra practical for family life.
- Cut one rectangle measuring 5” x 14”
- Fold lengthwise, right sides together
- Sew along the long edge
- Turn right-side out and press
Topstitch along both long edges for strength. This strap should be sturdy and strong enough for kids to carry the pillow around the house.
Family Tip: Older children can help turn and press the strap. It’s a great confidence-building sewing task!
Step 4: Attach the Strap
Place the strap ends on the right side of your pillow top, positioning them about 6” apart near the edge of the circle. Pin securely.
The strap should curve naturally and lay flat against the fabric.
Step 5: Pin Pillow Front and Back Together
Place the backing fabric right sides together with the pillow front, sandwiching the strap inside. Pin or clip all around the circle.
Leave an 8” opening for turning and stuffing (unless using a zipper).
Step 6: Sew Around the Circle
Sew around the perimeter using a ½” seam allowance. Go slowly, curves take patience. Backstitch at the beginning and end for durability.
Reinforce the areas where the strap is attached by sewing over them again.
Step 7: Turn Right-Side Out
Turn the pillow through the opening. Gently push out the seam with your fingers and press lightly around the edge.
Step 8: Stuff the Pillow
Stuff with fiberfill or insert a round pillow form. Use generous stuffing so the pillow feels supportive and plush.
Step 9: Close the Opening
Hand stitch or machine stitch the opening closed. If using a zipper, zip shut.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Portable Pillow
Your round Catholic floor pillow is complete! The built-in strap makes it easy to carry from room to room, perfect for real family life.
- Carry it to the prayer corner
- Bring it to family rosary night
- Move it to a sunny reading spot
- Use it for kneeling, sitting, or lounging
This is DIY Catholic home décor at its best beautiful, intentional, and deeply practical.
FAQs
1. Is this project beginner-friendly?
Yes! Sewing curves is a great beginner skill to learn, and this tutorial walks you through each step gently and clearly.
2. Can kids help with this project?
Absolutely. Children can help with stuffing, pinning, pressing, and even carrying the finished pillow using the strap.
3. How do I clean the pillow?
If sewn shut, spot clean. Adding a zipper allows you to remove and wash the cover on a gentle cycle.
4. Why add a carrying strap?
The strap makes the pillow portable and empowers children to move their prayer space wherever they need it encouraging ownership and independence.
5. What makes this a Catholic fabric project?
The John Paul the Great Signs fabric brings saintly imagery into everyday use turning an ordinary pillow into a quiet reminder of faith.
Related Links
Conclusion
This large round floor pillow with a carrying strap is more than a sewing project it’s a practical way to nurture faith, comfort, and togetherness in your home. Designed for real Catholic family life, it moves easily, welcomes children, and gently weaves saintly inspiration into everyday moments.
Whether used during prayer, reading, or rest, this pillow becomes a soft place where faith meets the ordinary. Thank you for choosing to create something intentional for your Domestic Church.
Explore more Catholic fabrics here: The Little Rose Shop Fabric Collection
The Little Rose Shop is a Catholic online gift shop providing books and gifts for the Catholic family to bring faith into everyday life. Additionally, The Little Rose Shop makes their original catholic artwork available for other catholic creatives to use for Catholic fabric projects and crafts, or Catholic home decor via wallpaper. Learn more about The Little Rose Shop Fabric at: Little Rose Catholic Fabric for Unique Creations