How to Make A Travel Pillow and Blanket

Many airlines charge for a travel pillow and blanket that are often too little and too flimsy.
If you are a frequent traveler, you can save yourself some money and travel in comfort by making your own travel pillow and blanket. By making them yourself, you can customize them to the size you want.

Instructions

1

Make a case for the travel pillow and blanket by laying the towel flat. Fold the towel in half shortways with the right sides together. Pin the right and left sides.

2

Cut the elastic piece. Make a small loop out of the elastic and baste the ends together. On either the right or left side seam, directly in the center of the seam, pin in the ends of the looped elastic (with the loop facing inward) before sewing in a 1/2-inch seam. Leave the front finished edge open. Turn the piece right side out and gently poke out the corners of the travel pillow and blanket case.

3

Mark a line down the center to the front finished edge using a straight edge ruler and chalk. Use a straight stitch on the sewing machine to sew down the chalk line. Note there are now two openings in the casing for the travel pillow and blanket. One opening is for the travel pillow form and the other will be for the blanket.

4

Make the travel pillow form that will be inserted into the towel casing by measuring the section of the towel where the travel pillow will be inserted. Cut out two pieces of muslin that are exactly 2 inches smaller than that section. Sew around the edges of muslin in a 1/2-inch seam, leaving a hand-size opening for stuffing the travel pillow with polyfiber. Lightly stuff and slip stitch the opening closed.

5

Sew the large button on the opposite side of the loop to finish the casing for the travel pillow portion of the travel pillow and blanket. Finish the fleece blanket by simply cutting off the machine selvage of the yardage purchased.

6

Fold the travel blanket 3 times lengthwise, then in half. Roll tightly and insert into the casing. Put the travel pillow in the other opening. Loop the button with the elastic to secure.

Slide the completed travel pillow and blanket casing over the handles of a carry-on bag. Leave the travel pillow in the soft towel casing and remove the travel blanket when needed.