This has to be one of the easiest DIY craft I have ever done! We have all seen different variations of this project online. So here is mine to add to the mix! I hope you’re ready for how easy this is….
1.) I bought the pillow cases on clearance from Zellers for $2 or $3 – I did my best to find 2 patterns that complimented each other. I though this gingham and and floral combo worked well together.
2.) Then I bought the cheapest pillows I could find at Wal Mart (the “whale” pillow – $4).
3.) I pinned the seams of two cases together and sewed along the edge (using a straight stitch) as closely as I could. I opened up the 2 I sewed together first and pinned the 3rd case to the floral one (because I wanted it in the middle) and did the same thing again.
4.) Then I stuffed the pillows in the cases and viola! You have a pillowcase floor mattress!
I left the openings open on purpose – much easier to clean. I thought about sewing them closed but I made this for my fabulous niece Abby and seeing as she is a busy 3 year old I knew Leanne would appreciate being able to clean it easily! My mom had a great idea though – you could sew velcro to the openings if you are worried about the pillows falling out. I didn’t worry about it because I was too anxious to give it to Abby! But it is an idea that I will use next time. The pillows also fit super snug so that made it easier to justify not sewing in velcro. Abby loved her floor mattress and so does her baby sister Charlotte! 🙂 I think I need to make another so they each have their own!
Side Note: There is no turning the cases inside out to avoid having exposed seams. (I made this mistake thinking it would work and DOH! it didn’t) Not my smartest moment. So I had to rip out all my hardwork – a total of about 10 mins of work 😛 – and sewed it again. Just have the seams face the floor when you lay it out, no one will be any wiser! It will be our little secret.
And I use brackets on {kids} because I’m adult enough to admit I would like one for myself! haha. Sew two more cases to it and you could easily have a pillowcase mattress for yourself! Happy sewing friends! ~H.
we make it beautiful 
Leanne here commenting… These are fantastic! I can’t believe you made this craft for Abby for under $20!! She uses it all the time… 6 month old Charlotte does too. I put the baby in the seam between the pillows and she doesn’t go anywhere. Great for keeping her in one place. Thanks Heather!!!
This is a genius idea. lol… thanks for the hot tip on sewing an exposed seam, I’m sure I’d have made the same mistake!! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Really was easy to make. Thanks for the idea
This is awesome, but do you think it would work with the envelope style pillow shams instead of pillow cases?
How many cases & pillows? 4?
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I’m a little confused as how to sew them together.