A yoga bolster is a cylindrical or rectangular shaped pillow that provides support while you are practicing certain yoga postures. One advantage of making your own yoga bolster is that you can choose exactly the size and firmness you want as well as an attractive one-of-a-kind design for the exterior. The method described here is primarily for a cylindrical bolster, although it will work for a rectangular bolster as well.
Step 1
Measure the length, height and diameter of your pillow form. Write these measurements on your notepad.
Step 2
Determine the size of the piece of fabric you will need, using the measurements just obtained. You will need a rectangle of fabric. The long side of the rectangle should be equal to the pillow form length plus pillow form height plus 3 inches. The shorter side of the rectangle should be the pillow form diameter plus ¾ inches.
Step 3
Cut the fabric to size. Make sure the fabric grain is straight.
Step 4
Cut two ribbon drawstrings, each at least twice as long as the short side of the rectangle.
Step 5
Pin a ¼ inch hem on both of the long sides of the fabric, folding from the right side to the wrong side. Iron hem in place, then remove pins. This creates a smooth edge along the long sides of the fabric.
Step 6
Pin a ¼ inch hem on both short sides of the fabric, folding from the right side to the wrong side. Iron the hem in place, then remove the pins.
Step 7
On the short ends of the fabric, turn over a 1 and ¼ inch casing for the ribbon drawstring, folding from the right side to the wrong side. Iron the hem in place.
Step 8
Insert the ribbon into the casing. Stitch the casing closed along the double folded under edge, being careful not to stitch the ribbon into place.
Step 9
Fold the fabric together along its length, right sides together. Sew the fabric together along the length using a ¼ seam allowance, being sure not to sew the drawstring pockets closed.
Step 10
Turn the bolster cover right side out. Insert the pillow form into the bolster cover. Tighten the drawstrings and tie securely.
Tips and Warnings
- Choose fabric that can be machine washed and dried for easy care. Use a fray stopping product on the ends of the ribbon drawstrings to prevent fraying, or tie small knots in the end of each ribbon. If you cannot find a bolster pillow form, create a roll of firm foam rubber or cotton batting tied into cylindrical shape. For an extra firm bolster, subtract one inch from the short side of the fabric rectangle.
- Avoid fabrics that are slippery, such as satin.
Things You'll Need
- Bolster pillow form
- Measuring tape
- Note pad and pencil
- Fabric for cover
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Iron
- Thread
- Sewing machine or needle
- Coordinating ribbon for drawstring
- Other sewing tools as desired
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