How to Make a Tooth Fairy Pillow

tooth fairy pillow
Mollie Johanson
Project Overview
  • Total Time: 2 hrs
  • Skill Level: Kid-friendly
  • Estimated Cost: $25

Updated by Mollie Johanson

If you know a child with some loose teeth, surprise them with this DIY tooth fairy pillow. The tooth-shaped pillow features a small pocket that can hold a tooth—and later a gift from the tooth fairy. This project is quick and easy to sew with our free pattern and instructions. Although some of the curves might be a challenge, you can even have your kids practice their sewing on the straighter lines. And they definitely can help you stuff the pillow. Then, they'll be ready for a visit from the tooth fairy.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine
  • Pencil
  • Iron
  • Needle

Materials

  • White fabric (2 10-inch squares)
  • Accent fabric for the pocket (about 3.5 by 5 inches)
  • Stuffing
  • White thread
  • Embroidery floss
  • Optional: Lace or eyelet trim or piping

Instructions

  1. Cut the Tooth Fairy Pillow Pieces

    Download the JPG Tooth Fairy Pillow template, and print it out at 100% on standard paper. You can adjust the percent higher or lower if you want a larger or smaller pillow.

    Place the tooth template on the white fabric with the straight edge on the fold. Pin and cut around the shape, or trace and cut out the tooth. Repeat to cut the second tooth from your white fabric. Then, cut the pocket by placing your accent fabric on the pattern piece as directed on the pattern.

    fabric pieces for the tooth fairy pillow
    Mollie Johanson
  2. Make the Pocket

    Using the cutting fold line, fold the pocket so that the right sides are together. At this point, you can add a small piece of eyelet or piping to the open edges of the pocket if you'd like.

    Sew the edges using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, leaving an opening on the bottom to turn the pocket right side out.

    Trim the seam allowances at the corners to eliminate bulk and to allow the pocket to lie flat. Turn the pocket right side out, and push the seams to the edges.

    Fold under the seam allowance where it was left open. Then, press the pocket, keeping the seams at the edges of the pocket.

    fabric for the pocket
    Mollie Johanson
  3. Decorate the Pillow Front

    If you'd like, embroider a face pattern at the top center of the tooth front. Mark the face lightly with a finely sharpened pencil. Use satin stitch for the eyes and back stitch for the mouth, working with three strands of embroidery floss. You can also decorate the pillow front by embroidering a name or adding other motifs. And if embroidery isn't your thing, use fabric paint for the embellishments.

    Next, pin the pocket on the pillow front, keeping the folded edge of the pocket at the top. Top stitch the pocket in place, stitching close to the edge on the seamed edges of the pocket and leaving the folded edge open.

    attaching the tooth fairy pillow pocket
    Mollie Johanson
  4. Sew the Tooth Fairy Pillow

    Place the right sides of the tooth pillow pieces together matching the edges, and pin in place. You can sew piping, eyelet trim, or lace along the seams at this point if you want.

    Sew the edges using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, leaving about 2 1/2 inches on one side open.

    Clip the seams at the curves, so they will lie smoothly when turned. Then, turn the tooth fairy pillow right side out, and push the seams to the edges.

    sewing the pillow layers
    Mollie Johanson
  5. Fill and Stitch the Tooth Pillow

    Stuff the pillow, pushing the stuffing into the tooth roots and the crown first. Then, fill the entire pillow until it is the firmness that you desire. For a smooth and even fill, add the stuffing in small pieces.

    Slip stitch the opening shut when you are happy with how full and firm the pillow feels.

    closing the opening of the tooth fairy pillow
    Mollie Johanson
  6. Finish the Tooth Fairy Pillow

    To add an extra touch to the edge of the pillow, top stitch around the tooth shape by hand. Use running stitch and three strands of embroidery floss in a coordinating color. 

    Your new pillow is now ready for a visit from the tooth fairy! There's no need to hide a tooth under a regular pillow when you have this adorable cushion sitting by the bed.

    finishing the edges of the tooth fairy pillow
    Mollie Johanson