How to make a long bolster pillow!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA  During this blog, I will demonstrate how to make a long bolster using more than one bolster pillow form.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

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I used 1 and a half yards of Dorothee Ebony, 1 and a half yards of piping cord, 3 pieces of foam and Pro Stick adhesive spray glue.

 

 

PROCEDURE:

 

I had a customer that needed a 34.5″ bolster made for a swing bed so I thought this would be a great way to explain how to create this extra long bolster.

 

First step in creating this bolster was to take three 13.5″ bolsters and make them equal to 34.5″.  The three bolsters measured 40.5″ all together so I cut one of the bolsters down to 7.5″.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA  This photo demonstrates how I placed the bolsters together using the Pro Stick adhesive glue spray.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA  Once you have the bolster glued together add batting around the  bolster. This helps to make a smooth finished product.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA  I decided to add a zipper to this bolster because of the length. First I cut a four inch piece of fabric, baste stitched the sides together, then cut down the middle. I know this step is a little bit different than most ways to create a zipper casing but I like this way just because to me it is easier than trying to match up your design. Now add your zipper.

 

 

 

 

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA  Next, I wanted to match my design so I laid my zipper casing on top of my remaining fabric and pinned in place. Notice the extra piece of fabric to the right of the zipper casing, I cut this piece off once I had it stitched down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This shows where I stitched the zipper casing in then turned around and serge.  Next, measure your bolster’s diameter and cut the fabric to match adding one inch for seam allowance. Now sew to the remaining side of the zipper casing.

Now is the time to try what you have sewn so far to check it’s fitting. Place it around your bolster and make adjustments if needed.

 

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Shown in the photo are the end caps. To cut these place your bolster on it’s end and draw the pattern on the fabric back then add a half inch all the way around for seam allowance.

 

 

 

 

 

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Your bolster end can either be plain, have fringe or in this case have a piped cord. Cut your piping fabric two inches wide and using a zipper foot enclose the cord inside your cut fabric.

Add the piped cord to the bolster ends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s time to close up the ends of the bolster.

 

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Pin the circles you cut to the ends of the bolster cover and stitch this down. Once you have sewn the end covers on, you are finished!

 

 

 

 

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Now you know how to make those big bolster pillows that you can see in all the magazines!

Happy Sewing until next time!!