DIY Bolster Pillows: How to Make Your Own Customized Sleep Support

If you're someone who struggles with getting comfortable and sleeping soundly through the night, a bolster pillow could be just the thing you need. Unlike traditional pillows which are often too soft or too flat, a bolster pillow is designed to provide firm, supportive cushioning for your neck, back, and other areas of your body. While you can certainly purchase a pre-made bolster pillow from a store or online retailer, making your own can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Not only will you be able to customize your pillow to your exact preferences, but you'll also save money compared to buying a pre-made pillow.

Materials You'll Need:

Fabric: You'll need enough fabric to cover the length of your bolster pillow, plus a little extra for seams and finishing. Most types of fabric will work, but it's best to choose something sturdy and tightly woven. Cotton or canvas are good options.

Thread: Choose a thread color that matches your fabric.

Pins: You'll need these to hold your fabric in place as you sew.

Sewing machine: While it is possible to sew your bolster pillow by hand, a sewing machine will make the process much quicker and easier.

Scissors: Use these to cut your fabric to the right size.

Stuffing: This is the material that will give your bolster pillow its firmness and support. There are several options to choose from, including foam, batting, and shredded memory foam.

Zipper (optional): If you want to be able to remove the stuffing from your bolster pillow for cleaning or adjustment, you can add a zipper to one end. Make sure the zipper is long enough to span the entire length of your pillow.

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

The first step in making your bolster pillow is to cut your fabric to the right size. Measure the length of your pillow and add a few inches for seam allowance. The width of your fabric should be double the diameter of your pillow.

For example, if you want to make a bolster pillow that is 20 inches long and 6 inches in diameter, you'll need a piece of fabric that is 26 inches wide (6 inches x 2 + seam allowance) and at least 23 inches long (20 inches + seam allowance).

Use your scissors to cut your fabric to the right size.

Step 2: Sew the Fabric Together

Once your fabric is cut to the right size, it's time to sew it together. Fold your fabric in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other. Pin the two sides together, leaving a few inches open at each end for stuffing.

Sew the two sides of your fabric together, using a straight stitch and a seam allowance of about 1/2 inch. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seams to keep them from unraveling.

Step 3: Turn Your Fabric Right Side Out

After you've sewn the two sides of your fabric together, turn it right side out. This will give you a long tube of fabric that is open at both ends.

Step 4: Stuff Your Pillow

Now it's time to add the stuffing to your bolster pillow. There are several different materials you can use for this, depending on your preferences and budget.

Foam: Foam is a popular choice for bolster pillows because it is firm and supportive. You can buy foam inserts online or at a fabric store. Cut the foam to the length of your pillow and insert it into your fabric tube.

Batting: Batting is a softer material that is often used for quilts and other sewing projects. It can be purchased at a fabric store and is relatively inexpensive. Cut the batting to the length of your pillow and roll it up tightly. Insert the rolled batting into your fabric tube.

Shredded memory foam: Shredded memory foam is a newer material that is becoming more popular for pillows and other bedding products. It provides the firmness and support of foam, but is also more breathable and moldable. You can buy shredded memory foam online or at specialty bedding stores. Fill your fabric tube with the shredded foam until it reaches your desired level of firmness.

Step 5: Close Your Pillow

Once your pillow is stuffed to your liking, it's time to close it up. If you want to be able to remove the stuffing from your pillow for cleaning or adjustment, you can add a zipper to one end. Sew the zipper in place using a zipper foot on your sewing machine.

If you don't want to add a zipper, you can simply hand-sew the two ends of your fabric tube together using a needle and thread. Make sure your stitches are tight and secure so that the stuffing doesn't escape.