A bolster pillow is a tube-shaped cushion you can make in an afternoon with basic sewing skills

A bolster pillow is a cylindrical cushion, open at both ends, that you stuff with fiberfill or old fabric scraps. You sew a rectangle of fabric into a tube, close one end, fill it, and close the other. The whole project takes two to four hours depending on size and whether you hand-sew or machine-sew the seams. You need fabric, thread, a needle or sewing machine, fiberfill or stuffing material, and scissors. No pattern is required — you measure and cut a rectangle, then sew three sides.

The bolster works as a back support, neck pillow, or decorative couch cushion. Because it is hollow and stuffed separately, you can adjust the firmness to your preference and replace the filling if it flattens over time. The seams are straightforward enough for a beginner but produce a professional-looking result.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut a rectangle of fabric with length equal to your desired bolster length plus one inch for seams, and width equal to the circumference you want plus one inch.
  • Sew the long sides together with a running stitch or machine stitch, leaving the short ends open.
  • Fold and sew one short end closed, stuff the tube firmly, then fold and sew the other end closed.
  • A bolster 16 inches long and 5 inches in diameter needs a rectangle roughly 17 inches by 17 inches before sewing.
  • Hand-sewing takes longer but requires no equipment; machine-sewing is faster and produces stronger seams.

Measure and cut your fabric rectangle

Decide the length and diameter of your finished bolster. A common size is 16 inches long and 5 inches in diameter, but you can make yours any size. Write down your target length and diameter.

To find the width of your rectangle, multiply the diameter by 3.14 (pi). For a 5-inch diameter, that is roughly 15.7 inches. Add one inch for seam allowance, so your rectangle width is about 16.5 inches. For the length, add one inch to your target length — so a 16-inch bolster needs a 17-inch-long rectangle.

Cut your fabric to this size using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter and ruler for straight edges. If your fabric is not wide enough, you can sew two pieces together along the short end first, then proceed with the rest of the steps. Press any seams flat before moving forward.

Sew the long sides together into a tube

Place your rectangle with the right side (the side you want facing out) facing inward, so the wrong sides are visible. Fold it in half lengthwise, bringing the two long edges together. Pin or hold these edges in place.

Sew along one long edge using a running stitch (by hand) or a straight stitch on a machine. Keep your seam about half an inch from the edge. Sew the full length of the bolster. Remove pins as you go.

Turn the tube right-side-out by reaching in and pulling the fabric through. The seam is now hidden inside. Press the seam flat with your fingers or an iron if you have one. This step transforms your flat rectangle into a hollow cylinder.

Close one end and stuff the bolster

Fold one short end inward by half an inch, then fold it in half again so the raw edge is hidden inside. Pin this folded end closed. Sew it shut using a ladder stitch (also called a whip stitch) if hand-sewing, or a straight stitch if using a machine. A ladder stitch is invisible from the outside; a straight stitch will show a line but is faster.

Stuff the open end with fiberfill, old fabric scraps, or polyester filling. Pack it firmly so the bolster holds its shape and does not go limp. How much you stuff depends on how firm you want it — a pillow for back support needs more stuffing than a decorative one. Test the firmness by squeezing the bolster before you close the second end.

Close the second end and finish

Fold the remaining open end inward by half an inch, then fold it in half again. Pin it closed. Sew it shut using the same stitch you used on the first end — ladder stitch for an invisible seam, or straight stitch for speed.

Once both ends are sewn, your bolster is complete. If you used a straight stitch on the ends, the seams will be visible; if you used a ladder stitch, they will be nearly invisible. Either way, the bolster is functional and ready to use. Trim any loose threads with scissors.

Hand-sewing versus machine-sewing

Hand-sewing a bolster takes 3 to 4 hours and requires only a needle, thread, and scissors. Use a running stitch for the long seam (the one that forms the tube) and a ladder stitch for the ends. A running stitch is fast but visible; a ladder stitch is slower but nearly invisible. Hand-sewing is good if you do not have access to a machine or prefer the meditative pace.

Machine-sewing takes 1 to 2 hours and produces stronger, more even seams. A straight stitch on a sewing machine is faster than hand-sewing and holds up better to washing and use. If you have a machine, use it for the long seam and consider hand-sewing the ends with a ladder stitch for a polished look. You can also machine-sew the ends if speed matters more than appearance.

Fabric choices and stuffing options

Cotton, linen, and cotton blends are easiest to sew and hold up well. Avoid stretchy fabrics like knits unless you are experienced — they slip and pucker. Leftover fabric from other projects works fine; you do not need to buy new yardage. Patterned fabric, solid colors, and prints all work equally well.

For stuffing, polyester fiberfill is the most common choice and costs a few dollars per bag at fabric stores. You can also use old fabric scraps, worn-out clothing cut into small pieces, or even newspaper (though it is less comfortable). Fiberfill is washable and holds its shape longest. Fabric scraps are free if you have them on hand but may clump over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash a bolster pillow after I sew it?

Yes, if you used cotton or linen fabric and polyester fiberfill. Machine-wash on a gentle cycle in cold water, or hand-wash in a sink. Air-dry completely before using. If you stuffed it with fabric scraps or newspaper, hand-washing is safer because the filling may shift in a machine.

What if my fabric is not wide enough for the full rectangle?

Sew two pieces together along one short end before you start. Use a straight stitch and a half-inch seam allowance. Press the seam flat, then proceed as if you have one large rectangle. The seam will be hidden inside the tube.

How tight should I stuff the bolster?

Stuff it firmly enough that it holds its shape and does not feel floppy, but not so tightly that the seams strain or the fabric puckers. Press on it with your hand — it should feel like a pillow, not a brick. You can always add or remove stuffing before you sew the second end closed.

Can I sew a bolster by hand if I have never sewn before?

Yes. A running stitch is the simplest hand stitch and takes practice but no special skill. Start with a small bolster (8 to 10 inches long) so you finish faster and build confidence. Watch a video of a running stitch before you start so you see the motion. The ladder stitch for closing the ends is trickier but learnable.

What size bolster should I make?

For a back support or neck pillow, 14 to 18 inches long and 4 to 6 inches in diameter is standard. For a decorative bolster on a couch, 20 to 24 inches long works well. For a pet bed, 24 to 30 inches long is common. Start with a 16-inch bolster 5 inches in diameter — it is a good middle size and teaches you the technique without a huge time commitment.