Got a slumber party on the way, or a sudden need for an extra bed when cousins come to stay? You don’t need to buy an air mattress or dig out a spare guest bed. This clever, budget-friendly idea turns a few pillows and pillowcases into a cosy, portable kids bed in minutes.
It’s simple enough for kids to help make themselves, easy to store away afterwards, and perfect for sleepovers, camping-style nights in the sitting room, or unexpected overnight guests.
What You Need
- 4 pillows
- 4 pillowcases
- Needle and thread (or a sewing machine, if you have one)
How to Make It
1. Sew the 4 pillowcases together, joining them along their long edges to form one large rectangular cover.
2. Insert a pillow into each section.
3. That’s it — you’ve got a soft, padded portable bed, ready for a sleepover guest.
A Few Handy Tips
- Use older or spare pillows and pillowcases rather than your best bedding, since they’ll get a lot of use.
- A simple whip stitch along the seams is sturdy enough for this project — it doesn’t need to be fancy.
- Add a fitted sheet or blanket on top for extra comfort, and a favourite blanket or sleeping bag for warmth.
- Once the party’s over, just pop the stitches, wash the pillowcases, and store the pillows away as normal.
This is a great one to make in advance of a sleepover, so it’s ready and waiting when your child’s friends arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this portable bed comfortable enough for a full night’s sleep?
It works well for occasional use, such as a sleepover or a night when you need an extra bed in a hurry. For regular or long-term use, a proper mattress or sleeping mat is a better option.
What age is this suitable for?
It suits most primary school-aged children and up, who are a comfortable size for a bed made from four standard pillows. Always keep young children’s sleeping setups supervised.
Can I make it bigger or smaller?
Yes — simply add or remove pillows and pillowcases to suit the size of bed you need, adjusting the stitching to match.
Do I need to sew by hand, or can I use a sewing machine?
Either works fine. A sewing machine will be quicker, but hand-sewing a simple seam is easy even for beginners.
You May Also Like
- Sleepover Party Games
- How to Survive Hosting a Kids Slumber Party
- Bedtime Delay Tactics — Is Your Kid a Bedtime Staller?
- 50 Excuses Kids Use at Bedtime
Loved This Idea?
Save this page so you have it handy the next time a sleepover is on the cards, and browse our other family life ideas for more simple projects that make parenting a little easier.
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