Sew Your Own Body Pillow

It is very easy to sew your own body pillow. Not only will you save money on purchasing one from a store, but you can also make it to match the décor of your room. The finished product can be as long as you desire. When you have finished this easy project, lay your body pillow across your bed to transform it into a comfort zone! 

Step 1 – Determine the Length of Your Pillow 

After you measure how long you want your body pillow to be, add 1 inch for the seams. Fold one of the short ends about a ½-inch and iron it.  

Step 2 – Stitch Three Sides 

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, with the ironed short end facing you. Make sure you turn it wrong side out since you do not want any stitching to be visible on the outside.

With your sewing machine, sew the folded sheet across the long end and the un-ironed short end using a ½-inch seam. Leave the ironed short end open for the filling. If you do not have a sewing machine, use the backstitch at the beginning and end.  

Step 3 – Add the Stuffing 

Turn your shell right-side out with the sewn edges on the inside. This will give you a tube to fill for your pillow. You can use any material—new or recycled shredded foam, scrap fabric, cotton or down. If you have an old down comforter that is leaking feathers, you can fold that up and use for your pillow stuffing.

Do not fill too much since you want a huggable pillow that is not too firm. Test it to see how firm you want it to be.  

Step 4 – Sew the Pillow Closed 

After stuffing your pillow, stitch the ironed down edge using a ¼-inch seam. You may need someone to support the other end for you while you sew—doing this alone is difficult with such a long pillow. You can use a sewing machine or do it by hand using an invisible prick stitch.  

Step 5 - Pillow Cover 

No pillow is complete without a cover. To make yours, you will need fabric that is about 3 inches wider and 5 inches longer than your body pillow.

Iron once of the short sides using a ¼-inch seam to the wrong side, and then another 2 inches. Remember to unfold the 2 inches before you stitch the side seams.

Fold the case wrong side out and stitch the un-ironed short end and long end using the backstitch for extra security. Fold the 2- nch ironed end back to the wrong side and stitch it.

Turn the case right-side up and add a closure of your choice. Your pillowcase is ready for your body pillow.