Some of the most romantic surprises are also the simplest. These quick and easy DIY His & Hers Pillowcases turn a plain set of pillowcases into a heartfelt love note your spouse gets to read every single night. It’s part craft, part love letter, and part mini-date — and it works any time you want to remind your sweetheart how much you appreciate them, whether it’s around Thanksgiving, an anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or just because.
Why This Little Surprise Works
We don’t always say the appreciation we feel out loud — life gets busy. Writing it where your spouse will see it at the end of every day is a small gesture that lands in a big way. Even better, it doubles as a two-way date: once they discover their pillowcase, they get to write sweet notes on yours, too.
What You’ll Need
- Two plain white pillowcases (wash and dry them first)
- Fabric markers (sometimes labeled permanent fabric or textile markers)
- Small scraps of fabric or a couple of pre-made bows (optional)
- A needle and thread, if you’re adding bows
How to Make Your His & Hers Pillowcases
1. Label them. Lay the pillowcases out flat and, using a fabric marker, write “His” on the end of one and “Hers” on the end of the other. Then draw a cute little stick person on each — one boy, one girl. Add details if you like (I gave my husband’s little guy some camo pants and mine a skirt).
2. Add a little flair (optional). For a splash of color, make a tiny bow tie for his pillowcase and a hair bow for hers out of fabric scraps, or grab pre-made bows from a craft store. Attach each with a few quick stitches. Ta-dah — instant cuteness!
3. Write your love notes. This is the heart of it. Cover your spouse’s pillowcase with short notes of thankfulness and love — the reasons you’re grateful for them, favorite memories, little inside jokes. Think lines like “You’re my hero!” and “Thank you for loving me unconditionally.” A few heartfelt words go a long way.
4. Set the surprise. Place the pillows back on the bed and wait. When it’s time to turn in, your spouse will find your sweet, crafty love note waiting for them.
Make It a Two-Way Surprise
Hand your spouse a fabric marker and invite them to fill in your pillowcase whenever they have a minute. It’s such a sweet way to encourage each other — and you both end up with a keepsake you’ll smile at every night. Tip: heat-set the ink per your marker’s instructions (usually a quick press with an iron on the reverse side) so your notes survive the wash.
More Romantic Surprises to Try
Love a simple, heartfelt gesture? Here are a few more ways to surprise your spouse:
- 80+ Love Notes & Free Printables for Your Spouse
- 150 Reasons Why I Love You DIY Book
- A Monthly Anniversary Tradition to Steal
- 35+ At-Home Date Night Ideas for Couples
DIY Pillowcase FAQs
Use fabric markers, sometimes labeled permanent fabric or textile markers, so the writing stays put through washing. It’s a good idea to test on a fabric scrap first.
If you use fabric markers and heat-set them per the package directions (usually by ironing on the reverse side), the notes should hold up to gentle washing. Avoid regular markers, which fade and bleed.
Yes. It turns an everyday pillowcase into a heartfelt love note your spouse sees every night, which makes it a sweet, low-cost surprise for any time of year.
Write short notes of appreciation and love, such as why you’re grateful for them, your favorite memories together, or little inside jokes. A few heartfelt lines are plenty.
Any time! It’s lovely around Thanksgiving, an anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or a birthday, but it’s just as sweet on a random weeknight when you want to show your spouse some love.
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We love your comments
I did something like this for our first Valentines Day when we were dating! He absolutely loved it.
I love, love, love this idea!!!! ;p) Just in time for a christmas gift. Thanks!
this may be a dumb question, but i have never used fabric markers, will the ink come off on your face if you actually use the pillows???
Nope. 🙂 No worries about the ink coming off on anything!
Love this! Would it work if you use sharpies instead of fabric markers?
Hi Bonnie! It would work with Sharpie markers. Just realize that the writing/drawing will fade much quicker after washing if you don’t use fabric markers. Have fun!
Such a cute idea Angie. I think my girls would love their own pillowcases too! 🙂
Yes! This definitely would work for children, too. That’s a great idea!
I love this idea and your stick people. I think you rocked those camouflage pants. I am for sure doing this!!! xox <3
Heehee! Thanks!
oh my good lord those are adorable. what a fun idea!
This is great! So simple and sweet! Picking up some pillow cases today!
awww these are soo cute.. made me smile.. i have especially saved these pictures in my pc, because right now I am single, and will made them for my love soon 🙂
What a fun idea Angie- your husband’s tie cracked me up!
Lol! It didn’t quite come out like I imagined. 🙂