In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a custom bolster pillow cover, perfect for adding that extra flair to any room. With a few basic sewing supplies and a bit of creativity, you’ll have a beautiful, handmade pillow cover in no time.

One of the final decor elements in Ellie’s Bedroom Makeover was to add decorative pillows. We thought that Bolster pillows would add a perfect touch to her French country daybed. While we both have done quite a bit of sewing through the years we had never made a bolster pillow, but we discovered it’s easier than it looks. Just follow along with our step by step tutorial with video and see how easy it is to get professional results.

This easy DIY project shows you how to measure and make your own custom bolster pillow, as well as install a zipper for a removable cover and a clean look.

Bolster pillows are perfect for a bed, daybed, couch or chair. They’re a great way to freshen up or update any room in your home. There’s no end to the decorative fun you can have with a good set of throw pillows, and adding bolster decorative pillows to the mix opens up yet a whole other world of possibilities.

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More Bedroom DIY Projects

To see more from this bedroom makeover click any link below.

Bolster Pillow Cover Supplies

For this project you will need basic sewing supplies as well as a bolster pillow insert. As luck would have it, we were at the Goodwill looking for something else and happened to see 2 bolster pillows. They were only $2 a piece!  🙌🏻 

For the fabric for our bolster pillows we had extra fabric from the Roman shade, so there was no expense there.  We spent a total of $4 for 2 bolster pillows. Can you believe that?!

Custom Measurements

Bolster pillow inserts can range in size from 6″to 9″ in diameter as well as vary in length. We will share the measurements we used, however you will want to measure your pillow for your custom bolster pillow.

Measure the length of the bolster pillow and add 1" to the length for a seam allowance.

Begin by measuring the length of the bolster pillow, then add 1″ to that measurement. This will allow for a 1/2″ seam allowance on both ends. Our pillow length is 35 1/2″ and then we’ll add 1″ to that amount.

Bolster Pillow Measurements, measure the circumference of the bolster pillow insert.

Next, measure the circumferance of the bolster pillow. Our pillow circumference is 25″, then we added 1 1/2″ to that about for a total of 26 1/2″. We allowed 1/2″ on one side for the fold over area for the zipper and 1″ overlap for the other side of the zipper. 

For the body of each pillow our fabric is cut to 26 1/2″ x 36 1/2″.

Measure the diameter of the Bolster Pillow.

The final measurement for the bolster pillow will be the diameter. Ours is 8″ and with the seam allowance we cut 9″ circles.

For a more finished look we desired to also add a piping edge. While you can purchase ready made piping, we decided to make our own with the same fabric.

Cut out all of the pieces for each bolster pillow as follows:

  • Main body – 26 1/2″ x 36 1/2″
  • Sides – 2   9″ circles
  • Piping – 2  2″ x 26″ (cut on bias)
  • Flap – 2″ x 36 1/2″ zipper flap (optional)

Bolster Pillow Piping

Woman Stitches ends of piping fabric together forming a tube.

Begin by stitching together the 2″ wide piping fabric to form a continuous loop, right sides together.

Place cord against the wrong side of fabric. Fold fabric around the cord and stitch close to the cord.

Cut a 26″ length of cording (determined by the circumference of the bolster pillow).

Place cord in the center of the strip, against the wrong wide of the fabric. Then fold the fabric around the cording with raw edges aligned.

Stitch close to the cording using a zipper foot.

Woman makes relief cuts every 1/2" around the piping with scissors.

In order to make the cord fit around the circle fabric, make relief cuts about every 1/2″  These cuts will be within 1/8″ of the stitching line.

Stitch Piping to Bolster Sides

Pin piping around the circle of fabric.

Pin piping to the circle piece of fabric. You can see here how those relief cuts allow it to fit around the circle. Use plenty of pins to keep it in place while stitching.

Woman Stitches piping to the circle end piece of the bolster pillow.

Stitch the piping to the circle fabric. It’s a good idea to remove the pins as you sew. Stitching over the pins may result in a broken needle. Believe me I know.

Woman holds end piece of pillow with piping attached.

Once the piping is stitched on, it will look like this.

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install zipper

Press Right Edge of Fabric for pillow cover to prepare to install the zipper.

Along the 37″ length of the fabric press over 1/4″ on one side

Press Left Edge of Fabric, 1" to form a cover for the zipper.

and 1″ along the other side.

Align zipper to the pressed edge of the fabric and pin in place.

Next align the zipper teeth with the 1/4″ fold edge. Pin in place.

Align the edge of the zipper with the cut edge of the fabric and pin in place.

Then for the left side of the zipper align the raw edge of the zipper with the raw edge of the fabric, pin in place.

With the zipper closed the left edge of the fabric should overlap the right edge by about 1/8″.

Carefully unzip the zipper and stitch the left edge 1/8″ from the folded edge.

Finally, on the left side of the zipper stitch 3/4″ from the folded edge of the fabric, stitching the zipper in place.

Once both sides of the zipper is stitched to the fabric it will look like this, with the zipper completely hidden.

Zip close, the left flap should completely cover the zipper and overlap the right edge by 1/8″.

This should form a tube of fabric when the zipper is closed.

A flap is stitched along the zipper section to prevent the batting from getting caught in the zipper.

Often when you zip a pillow closed, the batting can get caught in the zipper. So we decided to add an extra piece of fabric that would prevent this from happening.

We cut a 2″ x 37″ piece of fabric and zigzagged one edge. Then we placed it under the zipper on the right side and stitched over our stitching line.

You’ll see that when we stuff the insert and zip the pillow closed, it closes much easier. However this step is totally optional.

Welcome to Our Site

If you’re new here, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.

Let us introduce ourselves, we’re Michelle and Steph, a mom and daughter team who love to DIY and decorate our homes.

Not only are we passionate about making our homes warm, comfortable and unique, but it’s our mission to help you create that same feeling in your own home.

You’ll find ideas for repurposing, creating, decorating and making your home truly yours, while always mindful of a tight budget.

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Stitch Bolster Pillow Sides to Fabric Tube

Woman pins bolster pillow sides to the Tube of fabric with the zipper.

Finally turn the fabric tube inside out and pin the circle pieces to each end.

Woman stitches side piece to the body of the pillow.

Once again use lots of pins to ensure that there are not puckers in the fabric.

Stitch the circle pieces on each end of the fabric tube. Stitch on top of the previous piping stitch line.

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Stuff Pillow Cover & Enjoy

Turn the pillow cover right side out and stuff with bolster pillow form.

Turn right side out, insert bolster filler and enjoy your one of a kind, designer bolster pillow.

By following these simple steps you will ensure professional result. You’ll have a designer pillow without the designer price tag.

The bolster pillows look so stylish on the beautiful French country daybed.

The 36″ length is the perfect size for each end of Ellie’s French country daybed. 

Pink floral with navy background bolster pillow on a French country daybed.

These final touches really pull the room together. By incorporating the remaining fabric from the Roman shade, we’ve carried that color and pattern across the room, making it feel more cohesive.

Styled Bolster Pillows on a French country day bed with canopy.

Have you made a bolster pillow? This was our first time and we are thrilled with the results.

Is this a project you would like to try?

We hope you found some inspiration for your home today.

Please share your tips and ideas with us.

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PInterest image, Bolster Pillow Tutorial, floral bolster pillow cover on a French country daybed.

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DISCLAIMER


This blog’s content is for entertainment purposes only and is not professional advice. By reading this blog and attempting to recreate a project, you assume all responsibility for any injuries or damages incurred. Read my full disclaimer here.

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I have always had a passion for transforming spaces and creating organized, functional homes. Even as a child, I loved rearranging furniture and decorating my childhood home. In fact my dad would comment he was afraid to come home from work and sit, for fear the furniture would be rearranged. I enjoy the challenge of turning ordinary items into extraordinary pieces, whether it’s a piece of furniture or an entire room. My creativity and attention to detail drive me to find unique ways to breathe new life into any space.

As a wife (to a supportive and patient husband, Steve), mother of three, and grandmother of five, I balance my love for home improvement with family life. I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, and exploring nature. I also frequent yard sales, thrift stores, and vintage markets, always on the lookout for my next project.

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