Maybe it’s the new baby in my life or a sudden embrace of my playful side, but I’m currently obsessed with oversized, whimsical pillows. Today I’m sharing a step-by-step guide to make a giant DIY monstera leaf pillow—plus notes for making a smaller, more space-friendly version.
The result is fun and imaginative while still feeling chic enough for any home, not just a kid’s room. It also makes a thoughtful handmade gift. If you’d prefer something smaller, I’ve included suggestions so the design can be scaled down easily.
How to Make a Giant Monstera Leaf Pillow
Materials
- Linen fabric (or another sturdy fabric of your choice)
- Matching thread
- A needle for final hand sewing
- Poly-fill stuffing
- Sewing machine
Instructions
1. Start by placing the right sides of two large fabric pieces together. The size can be adjusted depending on how large you want the finished leaf. For reference, the pillow shown here measures about 30 inches long at its longest point and 19 inches at its widest. The stem is roughly 10 inches long and 2–3 inches wide.
Trace the outline of a monstera leaf onto the fabric along with a separate, long stem shape. Include the curved inner cuts typical of a monstera so you can cut the leaf edges to create the distinctive shape.
2. Add a 1/8-inch seam allowance around the leaf and stem outlines, and make sure your fabric is doubled so you’ll end up with two identical leaf pieces and two identical stem pieces.
Use a small seam allowance so the pillow lies flat once turned right side out and stuffed.
3. Sew along the drawn leaf outline almost all the way around, leaving a roughly 4-inch opening for stuffing and for attaching the stem. Sew the stem pieces together in the same way, leaving a small opening for stuffing.
4. For the leaf, make small snips in the seam allowance where necessary—especially at inner notches—to relieve bulk and allow the fabric to ease smoothly when you turn it right side out. Take care not to cut through your sewn line.
5. Turn both the leaf and the stem right side out. Use a pen, dowel, or similar tool to push out points and the tip of the stem so the shape is fully realized. Fluff and separate the poly-fill before stuffing to avoid lumps, then stuff both pieces to your preferred firmness.
Quick tip: pulling apart and fluffing the poly-fill before inserting it results in a noticeably smoother finish—less lumpy and more even.
6. Hand-stitch the openings closed with an invisible (ladder) stitch and attach the stem to the leaf securely. Finish any final shaping by pushing out corners or adjusting the filling as needed.
With slightly less stuffing and some additional stitched lines across the leaf to flatten sections, this giant pillow can double as a cushioned play mat for a baby. I tested it with my little one and he loved it—just be sure to supervise closely if you use it that way.
Photos by Amelia Lawrence and Brittni Mehlhoff
Would another oversized shape work as well? Absolutely—think oversized cloud, oversized heart, or other botanical silhouettes. The monstera shape is bold and graphic, adding a playful yet sophisticated accent to a nursery, playroom, or living space. What do you think—will you try making one?