A bolster is an unusual shaped cushion which can be placed on the bed, on a chaise lounge or in a window seat. They can be made from most fabrics to match, contrast or co-ordinate with your existing soft furnishings. These free illustrated sewing instructions will eanble you to make your own bolster cushions.

Requirements:

Bolster cushion pad in desired size.

Suitable fabric.

Matching thread.

Two self covering buttons or tassells.

Making the Cushion:

Measure both the length of the pad and across the ends. Add these two measurements together and add 1.25inches (3cms) seam allowance. Measure around the pad and add 1.25inches (3cms) seam allowance.

Cut out one piece of fabric to required measurements.

With right sides together, fold fabric into a tube and stitch a  flat seam (See figure 1). Turn right side out.

Turn in seam allowance at both ends and press.

Gather round one end , taking large  running stitches close to the folded edge (See figure 2).

Pull up gathering stitches and fasten thread off firmly.

Insert cushion pad through open end and gather in the same way.

Cover the buttons, following the manufacturers instructions, and sew one to each end to cover the gathers or attach tassells (See figure 3).

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3