We’re planning a two day road trip later this month and I’m already planning for some car time necessities. Lap table, check. Activity books, check. Snacks, check and check. The one absolute necessity we don’t have is a travel pillow for each of the boys. It’s a must if you want your kids to sleep for any prolonged amount of time in the car! Let’s get sewing…
This tutorial was created in a partnership between Fairfield Master Makers and Shannon Fabrics. This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience and to assist in the maintenance of this site.
Monster Love
Since I already had sew travel pillows for two little boys, I figured I might as well make them fun! My kids are reading the Magic Treehouse series right now (had no idea what that was until a month ago and now they’re hooked!) and are absolutely crazy about mythical creatures so I knew they would love a neck pillow that looked like a monster’s tail. The extra time it took to add the spikes and elongate the pillow body was totally worth their amazed reaction. They’ve been wearing this pillow around the house ever since I made it!
Assembly
First things first, you’re going to need some super soft fabric to make your Monster Tail Kid’s Travel Pillow. I used a pack of Cuddle Charms in Sterling Silver for the spikes and Barcelona Cuddle Violeta for the body. The spike  are slightly filled with Fairfield Poly-Fil before being sewn (inward facing) on one panel of the body. Sew both body panels (right sides facing) together using a 1/4″ seam and leaving a 5″ section open to turn right side out. Take care not to accidentally sew any of the spikes! Now just fill the body tightly with Fairfield Poly-Fil and hand sew the opening shut. Roar! (that’s monster talk for “Yay!”)
Ready for the Road
This Monster Tail Kid’s Travel Pillow is perfectly sized for small children (probably ages 2-10.) You can always enlarge the pattern a bit for older kids or shrink for smaller. The pattern comes as three printable sheets that you’ll need to tape together by matching the numbers. Cut as many pair of spikes as you want, I made 9 but kinda wish I had more. Please refrain from using for commercial purposes or I’ll have to send my sea monster after you!
{Monster Tail Kid’s Travel Pillow Free Pattern}
Comments & Reviews
Morena's Corner says
My kids would LOVE this!! What a great idea!
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks, Morena! I’ve now got two crazy boys fighting over it! :/
anneweaver1974 says
That is the cutest travel pillow EVER! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for later today that links to your tutorial: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=82786 –Anne
Vanessa Brady says
Thanks so much, Anne!
suzink says
You just have the best ideas and the cutest kids! This is just awesome. They should be stunned. lol
Vanessa Brady says
You’re the sweetest! They both loved the neck pillow…now I’ve got to make another! :/
Cindy says
I saw this on shannonfabrics and just wanted to come here and say I think it’s adorable!
Dee says
I am making these for my grandchildren to use on a long trip. I plan to make each section a different kind/ color of fabric. Thanks!
Risa says
My son’s head always seems to fall forward Will this help keep his airway open when that happens? Thanks!
Vanessa Brady says
I can’t tell you for sure since every kid is different but it definitely helped keep my kids more comfortable during long car rides.
Edith says
Hi… not sure if this will get to the cteator. I found the travel pillow and am making 3?today for 3 little girls who HAVE to journey to me p, their grandmother, 50 mins each way, and always fall asleep. This pattern is much appreciated. I just want to ask if u suggest velcro to close it, now u have used it many times? Thanks.