How to Make a Bolster Pillow

Co-authored by Mia Danilowicz

Last Updated: October 1, 2024 Approved

You can easily add a decorative touch to living room furniture or spruce up a guest room with a bolster pillow -- a cylindrical pillow, used to provide back support. You can even opt to hug your bolsters as you sleep. Once you learn how to make a bolster pillow on your own, you can sew the pillow in an afternoon and enjoy a new decorative pillow on your bed by evening. You can use polyester batting to make a softer pillow or an old bath towel for a firmer bolster pillow.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Forming the Ends

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1
Fold the fabric in half, right-side facing in. Set the paint can on top of the fabric, near the bottom edge. Trace around the paint can with the fabric marker.
- Cut 2 pieces of fabric around the traced line. This will give you 2 circles for the ends of the decorative pillow.
It should be .5 inches (1.27 cm) away from the edge. This is the seam that will connect the tube to the ends.

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3
Clip this edge of each circle of the bolster pillow, .5 inches (1.27 cm) apart, all the way around.
- Clip up to the stitched line, but not through it. The clipped edges will make it easier for you to sew the pillow together in the end.
4
Find the circumference of the 2 circles by measuring the diameter. You can do this by multiplying the diameter of the circle by 3.14 for the circumference. You need this measurement to find out how much fabric to cut for the middle of the bolster pillow.
- For example, if the diameter of the circles is 5 inches (12.7 cm), the circumference is 15.7 inches (39.9 cm), or 5 x 3.14.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Forming the Body

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Use the circumference plus 1 inch (2.54 cm) (for the seam allowance) and 24 inches (60 cm) long.
2
Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise, right-side facing in. Pin the 24-inch (60 cm) edge together.
- Sew the pillow along this 24-inch (60 cm) edge, .5" (1.27 cm) from each edge, forming a tube.
The inside should be facing out as you're pinning.
This is so that it fits inside the rounded edge of the rectangle. If you don't, you'll have excess fabric on the edges of your pillow.
5
Start sewing the circle to the edge of the rectangle. Use the row of long stitches on the fabric as a guide as you sew the pillow, so that they will be concealed when the decorative pillow is finished.
- Repeat with the second circle if you are using the polyester batting.
- Don't sew the second side all up! Leave a 3-inch (7.62 cm) gap so you can add the batting to the bolster pillow.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making the Shape

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1
Fold the towel so that it measures 24 inches (60 cm) long. That is, if you're using it. Pre-made bolster pillow shapes are available and can be easily substituted. Just make sure they're the right size and shape beforehand.
- Roll the towel so that it is the same diameter as the decorative pillow.
Then slide the rolled towel inside. Make sure the towel maintains its shape or you'll end up with a bumpy, uncomfortable pillow.
3
Hand-sew the second circle to the pillow, making sure to conceal the raw edges. Turn the fabric of the pillow right-side out if you're using the batting.
- Stuff the bolster pillow with the batting and hand-sew the pillow closed!

Expert Q&A

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Question

Can I use old clothes to make a bolster pillow?

Mia Danilowicz
Master Tailor
Mia Danilowicz is a Master Tailor who works onset and on the red carpet in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Mia specializes in bridal and gown couturier fittings, garment reconstruction, and custom design. Mia has worked at the Oscars, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes. Her clients include a long list of entertainment and fashion industry headliners, major fashion magazines, luxury consumer brands, and popular media. Mia was trained at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received her AA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management.

Mia Danilowicz

Master Tailor

Expert Answer

To repurpose old clothes into a bolster pillow, begin by washing and ironing the garments to ensure cleanliness and smoothness. Then, carefully cut the selected pieces of fabric into sections large enough to cover the bolster pillow form, leaving extra for seam allowances. Next, stitch the fabric pieces together along the edges, reinforcing the seams for durability and leaving one end open. Turn the fabric right side out and insert the pillow form or stuffing material, evenly distributing it. Close the opening securely with hand stitches or a sewing machine. Optionally, embellish the pillow with decorative elements like buttons or embroidery. Finally, trim any loose threads for a polished finish. This process not only transforms old clothes into a cozy pillow but also offers a creative way to repurpose garments while reducing waste.

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Question

Where can I find the bolster cushion itself? I'm looking for two bolster cushions, about 12" by 43".

Community Answer

Try a fabric or craft store.

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