Today I am pleased to be a part of The Fat Quarter Shop’s Blog Remix event. This pattern for a Road Trip Pillow Bag was originally posted on Jolly Jabber in May of last year. It is sized on their pattern for a child’s pillow, and shown with a bedtime story book in the pocket. I usually take my own pillow when traveling if I can, and made a Travel Pillow Case for mine some time ago so I would be better able to see it in the hotel room and not leave it behind. This one was just a step up with the handles for easier carrying and a pocket to keep a few items in that I usually have nearby at bedtime.
This fabric line is Country French Floral by Fabric Traditions. I loved the purple background and the French style roses.
I just happened to have the perfect color of Aurifil thread to go with these pretty fabrics, one a scattered flower and the other a coordinating stripe for my project.
My dimensions are larger than the pattern shows, to accommodate an adult size standard pillow.
Main Print –
2 – 20” x 24” rectangles (bag background)
1 – 20” x 22” rectangle (pocket)
Accent Print –
4 – 6” x 20” rectangles (inside and outside cuffs)
2 – 4” x 10” rectangles (handles)
I started with making the handles.
I departed from the pattern instructions after the top section was made with two changes to the pattern. First, on the inside cuff, I cut it the same size as the outside, and I only turned up 1/4-inch to match the seam on the outside cuff to the pillow case body. Second, I did not sew the side seams as the pattern shows. My method will give finished seams inside the top instead of raw edges showing as the pattern does.
Stitch the cuff to the body on the front and the back, leaving the sides open.
Add pocket to the bottom of the front side.
Now pin the top front and back sections together matching the seams.
Sew the seam from top, down the side, across the bottom, then up the other side all the way to the top. Then fold the inside cuff into the case, and press. This will eliminate the raw edge inside near the opening.
Now, topstitch the lining to the inside all the way around the seam to finish off the inside at the top. The folded up edge will align with the seam and cover that raw edge.
Voila, done!.
Inside the pocket, I have a few bedtime things – a book or two with a pair of reading glasses, some lip balm for dry rooms, a couple of binder clips to keep the curtains closed, and a sleep mask in case it is just too bright with outside lights.
Everything I like for bedtime in a hotel, right together.
There is no chance I’ll leave it behind, the bright print shows up against the white sheets you usually have in a hotel.
See Jolly Jabber for more ideas for a Road Trip Pillow bag, and other Remix patterns.
Do you like to take your own pillow when you travel?
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From My Carolina Home 
Thanks for sharing, That is a good idea to make something that would stand out in the hotel room. I always seem to leave something behind!
The pocket and handles are a great idea, as is making the pillowcase in a colourful print that won’t be left behind.
Great idea and I’ll be making one. I travel frequently to Kansas and Missouri to visit our daughters and like my own pillow to sleep on. The pockets are great to stick things in (small bottles of night cream and a small vial of antacids) to place by my bed so I don’t have to dig through the overnight bag. Got to get busy as I’m traveling in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the idea and great tutorial!!!
Another thought….these would make a great gift with a new pillow tucked inside. I have a friend who also travels frequently. Her birthday is in July and I know what I’m making her (we always do handmade gifts for each other). I’ll tuck a paperback book by her favorite author, a couple of small Bath and Bodyworks shower gels, and some Andes chocolates in the pocket. Of course a new pillow, too!!!
Fantastic idea! On road trips I do take my own pillow, and also pillows for each of the dogs. Typically I am the one driving, but if by some wild chance, someone else is driving, I can’t read or sleep in a moving vehicle. This is so handy, I am going to have to make a few! Thanks for sharing such a handy travel item. ❤ wonderful gift idea too.
What a great idea. Love your choice of fabric, and it certainly will stand out on a hotel room bed.
Great idea! Thanks for the “adult” measurements. I love the purple floral fabrics you used ♥
This is so cute! You should make another one and do a giveaway pretty please!:)
Thanks for sharing, we take lots of road trips. It will be handy.
I always have to have my special pillow and like you am afraid I will forget it. I usually put a wild pillow case on it but like your idea with the extra pocket. Are the dimensions given for your pillow? I wasn’t sure from the description.
What a great idea (and gorgeous fabrics)! I’m sure I would feel more confident walking into a hotel with something nice like that (as opposed to my normal, obvious pillowcase.) Let’s see now, what shall I put in the pocket….a book, small bottle hand cream, bottle of “something” to drink, box of cookies (chocolate of course)…….
Great idea Carole. I always bring a pillow too – the addition of the handles is so clever!
As I am very prone to leaving things behind, I rarely take my own pillow. Even with this pretty print and handles, I would probably manage to forget it somewhere! The binder clips for the curtains is a great idea, though, and I will have to throw a couple in my suitcase. THAT happens often enough!