Overview of Making a Bolster Pillow
Creating a bolster pillow is a relatively straightforward project which can add a functional and decorative touch to your living space or bedroom. In essence, to make a bolster pillow, you need to sew a cylindrical cover from fabric, fill it with an appropriate stuffing material such as polyester fiberfill, batting wrap, or foam, and then close it securely. The process involves selecting fabric, cutting it to the desired dimensions, sewing the ends and the long seam, inserting the filling, and then hand stitching or sewing the final end closed. With some basic sewing skills, you can easily make a custom bolster pillow to suit your desired comfort, support, or decorative needs.
Choosing the Right Material and Tools
Selecting Fabric for Your Bolster Pillow
The first step in making a bolster pillow is to choose fabric that complements the aesthetics of the room and fulfills your functional requirements. Consider durable fabrics like cotton, linen, or polyester blends if the bolster will be used frequently. If it’s for decorative purposes, you might opt for more luxurious materials like velvet or silk. Be sure you have enough fabric to cover the length and circumference of your pillow, plus extra for seam allowances.
Picking the Filling
Next, decide what type of filling you want to use. Poly-fil is a common choice for something soft yet supportive. Foam cylinders are also an option if you need a firmer bolster. Additionally, you could use a pre-made pillow form as an insert for an even simpler project.
Gathering Tools and Supplies
Before starting, make sure you have all necessary tools and supplies on hand. This includes a sewing machine (or needle and thread for hand-sewing), scissors, a fabric marker or chalk, measuring tape, and straight pins. If you’re working with foam, you’ll also need an electric knife or a serrated blade for cutting it to size.
Our Top 5 Pillow Picks
Updated September 2026MFWW Cervical Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Best for neck pain. A dual-height ergonomic contour cradles your head and supports the neck, for back and side sleepers.
- Contour memory foam
- Dual-height design
- Cool breathable cover
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Standard, 2-Pack
Best value pair. Shredded foam you can adjust to your loft, with a cool-gel feel and no solid-block heat. Two pillows in one box.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Standard 2-pack
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best for the whole household. The same adjustable cooling foam in queen size, four to a set, so every bed in the house gets an upgrade.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Queen set of 4
Utopia Bedding Hotel Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best hotel-style set. Plush, cooling pillows made to suit side, back and stomach sleepers alike. A safe pick for guest rooms.
- Queen set of 4
- Cooling
- All sleep positions
- Hotel style
Zalmureta Goose Feather & Down Pillows, Queen, Set of 2
Best luxury pick. A three-chamber goose feather and down fill wrapped in a 100% cotton shell, for that five-star-hotel feel at home.
- Goose feather & down
- 3-chamber design
- 100% cotton shell
- Queen 2-pack
Measuring and Cutting the Fabric
Taking Accurate Measurements
Measure the length and circumference of the filling or pillow form to determine the size of fabric you need. Add 1 inch (2.54 cm) to the length for the seam allowance, and 1-2 inches (2.54-5.08 cm) to the circumference for ease and seam allowance.
For example, if your bolster foam is 18 inches long with a 24-inch circumference, you’ll need to cut a piece of fabric that is 19 inches long (18 + 1 for seam) and 26 inches wide (24 + 2 for seam).
Cutting the Fabric to Size
Use your fabric marker to draw the dimensions directly onto the fabric and then cut it out with scissors. Ensure that the fabric is on a flat surface and that your lines are straight when marking to prevent uneven edges. For the circles that will cap the ends of your bolster, use a compass or trace around a round object with the same circumference as your pillow (plus seam allowances) onto the fabric before cutting.
Sewing Your Bolster Pillow
Sewing the Body of the Bolster
Fold the long piece of fabric in half width-wise with the right sides of the fabric together, line up the edges, and pin in place. Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine or a back-stitch by hand, sew along the long edge, creating a tube. Be sure to leave both ends open for now.
Adding the Ends
Take one of the circular pieces and align it with one end of the tube, right sides of the fabric together. Pin the circle evenly around the opening of the tube, then sew around the circle, connecting it to the tube. Repeat this process with the other circular piece, but leave an opening for turning the pillow right side out and for adding the stuffing.
Inserting the Filling and Finishing Off
Inserting the Filling
Turn the bolster cover right-side out through the opening you’ve left. Start stuffing your bolster pillow with the chosen filling. If you’re using a foam cylinder, you may need to compress it slightly to fit it through the opening, then allow it to expand inside the cover. For a more straightforward process, consider wrapping the foam in batting before inserting it to create a smooth finish.
Closing the Bolster Pillow
Once the bolster is fully stuffed to your liking, carefully fold in the edges of the opening and pin it closed, making sure the fabric edges are neatly tucked inside. Use a needle and thread to hand stitch the opening closed with an invisible stitch or slip stitch for a seamless look. Alternatively, if you’ve chosen a less visible spot for your opening, you could machine-stitch it closed with a straight stitch for added durability.
Adding Personal Touches
Decorative Elements
Your bolster pillow is now basically complete, but you can add personal touches to enhance its appearance. Consider adding trim, tassels, or piping along the seams for a more professional finish. You can even attach buttons or tufts to the ends for a classic look.
Removable Covers
For easier cleaning or to change designs with season or mood, you might want to make your bolster pillow with a removable cover. Add a zipper or create an envelope closure along the seam of one of the cylindrical cover’s long sides to do this.
Finishing Thoughts
Bolster pillows are versatile accessories that offer both form and function. Whether you’re creating one for additional back support or simply as a stylish statement piece, the process allows for a great deal of customization and creativity. By following these detailed steps and adding your personal touches, you can create a handmade bolster pillow that showcases your craftsmanship and enhances your living space. Remember to take your time with each step, especially if you’re a beginner, and enjoy the process of bringing your vision to life.
