How to Make a Pillow Stand for iPad

Last Updated: March 13, 2021

A pillow stand can make life a lot easier for you when using your iPad. It will cushion the iPad and keep it upright, as well as serving as a very comfortable stand that can be placed on your lap, stomach or other surface while you read, play, and write with your iPad.

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Obtaining and Cutting the Pattern

1
Download a PDF of the pillow stand pattern. It can be obtained from here: http://blog.ipevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/PadPillow_sewing_pattern.pdf. It will print the size required. Or, you can use the image provided here but be aware that it may not size correctly. When using the pdf, it's possible that the pattern may be bigger than a standard document, so you may have to print it using a larger than normal paper.
- Using scissors, cut out the pattern shapes from the printed document.

Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Cutting the Fabric

1
Place the paper pattern cutouts onto the fabric you're using. Trace around the shapes with a fabric pencil or tailor's chalk.
2
Cut out the pieces from the fabric. You will end up with three fabric cutouts––one long rectangle piece and two chisel-like shapes.

Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Adding the Leather Tag

1
Following the pattern guide, add the leather tag. Sew the leather tag onto the rectangular cloth cutout using needle and thread.

Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

Sewing the Fabric

1
With a sewing machine, sew the chisel shapes onto the rectangular shape. Follow the pattern to guide you as to where to join the pieces.
2
When you’ve sewn all three fabric cutouts together, you’ll have the basic shape of the iPad pillow stand. There will also be a hole in the back to allow you to stuff the foam inside the fabric stand.

Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

Preparing the Carving Foam

1
Cut the first piece of carving foam using a ruler and razor knife. This smaller piece should measure 12.6 x 9.1 x 1.6 inches (32 x 23 x 4cm).
2
Shave down one side of the foam piece to form a semi-triangular shape rather than leaving it as a simple rectangle.
3
Cut the second triangular piece of foam. This larger piece should measure 6.3 x 5.7 x 12.6 inches (16 x 14 x 32cm ), where 6.3 inches is the base of the triangle, 5.7 inches is the height, and 12.6 inches is the length.

Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Adding the Foam to the Fabric Cover

1
Carefully stuff the foam pieces into the fabric cover. Add them one at a time, pushing them in through the opening of the sewn-together fabric cover.
2
Try folding the two foam sections together. If either piece of foam doesn’t fit neatly, you’ll need to remove the foam pieces and trim them for a better fit.
3
Done! Enjoy your very own homemade iPad pillow stand. It’s perfect for holding your iPad or eBook readers in your lap or anywhere else.

Things You'll Need

A large piece of sturdy cloth for the pillow's exterior, measuring 0.45 yards (about 16 inches) long and 45 inches wide––a tough material like denim works best, but you can experiment with other fabrics
Scissors
Fabric pencil
Sewing needle and thread
Sewing machine
Razor knife
Ruler
Small piece of leather
Large chunk of carving foam (from art supply stores/specialty stores) for the soft body of the pillow