HomeLux Comfort
How to Make a Cylinder Pillow: Your Ultimate DIY Guide
Lux Comfort

How to Make a Cylinder Pillow: Your Ultimate DIY Guide

From Puffy Editorial Team
Last updated on: Mar 06, 2025 | 4 min read
How to Make a Cylinder Pillow: Your Ultimate DIY Guide

Key Takeaways

  • Cylinder pillows provide versatile comfort and stylish decor.
  • DIY cylinder pillows require simple materials and basic sewing skills.
  • Customizing pillow covers allows easy style updates.
  • Proper fabric selection ensures durability and comfort.

Learning how to make a cylinder pillow is an excellent way to add personalized comfort and a decorative touch to your living space.

Whether you need additional neck support, lumbar relief, or a chic accent piece, cylinder pillows (also called bolster pillows) are ideal.

This DIY project is simple, customizable, and perfect for adding comfort and style to your home decor.

How to Make a Cylinder Pillow

Making your cylinder pillow is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s everything you need to know:

Materials Needed:

  • Fabric (cotton, velvet, or upholstery fabric)

  • Pillow stuffing (polyfill or memory foam)

  • Sewing machine or needle and thread

  • Measuring tape

  • Scissors

  • Fabric marker or chalk

  • Pins or sewing clips

  • Circular templates (for the pillow ends)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Cylinder Pillow

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Fabric

  • Decide on your pillow dimensions (length and circumference).

  • Measure and cut a rectangular fabric piece for the pillow body, plus two circular pieces for the ends.

  • Include a ½-inch seam allowance on all sides.

  • Mark the seam allowances clearly using a fabric marker or chalk to ensure precise sewing and neat edges.

Step 2: Sew the Pillow Body

  • Fold the rectangular fabric in half lengthwise, with the right sides together.

  • Sew the longer edges together, forming a tube, leaving ends open.

  • Press the seam open with an iron to create a clean, professional finish.

Step 3: Attach Circular Ends

  • Pin the circular fabric ends to the open edges of the tube.

  • Sew carefully around the edges, leaving a small gap on one end for stuffing.

  • Trim excess fabric from the seams to minimize bulk and improve pillow shape.

Step 4: Stuff the Pillow

  • Fill your pillow with polyfill, memory foam pieces, or your preferred pillow stuffing.

  • Adjust the filling until you achieve your desired firmness and shape, ensuring an even distribution throughout the pillow.

Step 5: Close the Opening

  • Hand-sew the small opening closed with an invisible stitch.

  • Smooth and shape your pillow to evenly distribute stuffing.

  • Fluff and reshape the pillow periodically to maintain its comfort and form.

A Puffy Lux Mattress perfectly complements your DIY cylinder pillow, providing enhanced comfort and support for better sleep and relaxation.

How to Make a Cover for a Cylinder Pillow

Creating a removable pillow cover makes it easy to clean or update your pillow’s appearance.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Measure your pillow dimensions carefully, adding an inch for seam allowances.

  • Cut a rectangular fabric piece and two circular pieces accordingly.

  • Add a zipper or button closure on the rectangular piece for easy removal.

  • Sew the edges carefully, leaving an opening to insert your pillow.

  • Reinforce the seams around the zipper or button area for extra durability.

  • Finish the edges with a clean, professional look using a zigzag stitch or serger to prevent fraying.

Choosing the Best Fabric for Your Cylinder Pillow

The right fabric enhances your pillow’s aesthetics and comfort. Consider these options:

  • Cotton: Breathable, soft, and easy to clean, making it perfect for everyday use.

  • Velvet: Luxurious, soft, visually appealing, and ideal for adding elegance to your décor.

  • Upholstery fabric: Durable, sturdy, and ideal for frequent use, particularly for high-traffic areas.

Fabric Selection Guide:

Fabric Type Comfort Level Durability Ideal Usage
Cotton High Moderate Everyday use, washable
Velvet Luxurious, soft Moderate Decorative, occasional use
Upholstery Fabric High durability, great for frequent use High Heavy-duty, daily use

Tips for a Successful DIY Cylinder Pillow

  • Always prewash and iron your fabric before sewing to avoid shrinkage and ensure precise measurements.

  • Choose high-quality, hypoallergenic stuffing for added comfort, particularly beneficial for those with allergies or sensitive skin.

  • Ensure seams are tightly sewn to prevent the stuffing from escaping, and reinforce stress points with double stitching for extra durability.

  • Consider using fabric stabilizer for slippery or lightweight fabrics to make sewing easier and improve the overall appearance.

Integrating your cylinder pillow with a Puffy Cloud Mattress can greatly enhance your comfort by providing targeted support for your neck, back, or legs.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to make a cylinder pillow empowers you to create customized comfort that complements your home decor.

This simple yet versatile DIY project is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their living spaces with a personalized touch.

Get Your Puffy Lux Mattress
$1,350 in savings
Transform your comfort with the Puffy Lux.
Relax into award-winning comfort with this hybrid mattress:
  • 8 layers of cloudlike luxury.
  • Medium-plush feel.
  • Gel-infused cooling.
  • 101-night sleep trial.
SHOP PUFFY LUX

Shop the Award-Winning Puffy Collection

puffy mattresss

Choose Your Award-Winning Mattress

Experience the cloudlike comfort and support of our hybrid and memory foam mattresses.

  • 4 luxury mattresses
  • All sleeper types
  • Made in the USA

Prices start from $499

SHOP MATTRESSES
puffy bed frame

Customize Your Comfort With a Bed Frame

Upgrade your sleep with our stylish and supportive bed frames, bases, and foundations.

  • Support for all mattresses
  • Adjustable comfort options
  • Quick and easy setup

Prices start from $152

SHOP BED FRAMES
puffy beddings

Elevate Your Sleep With Luxury Bedding

Add luxury to bedtime with our silky soft sheets, protectors, blankets, and more.

  • Premium materials
  • Contemporary style
  • Ultra-soft comfort

Prices start from $59

SHOP BEDDING

Puffy Is Ranked America’s #1
Luxury Mattress

Hear from
12,000+
satisfied Puffy sleepers about why they give our award-winning comfort 5 stars.

READ PUFFY MATTRESS REVIEWS

Find Official Puffy
Mattress Stores Near You

Try out the cloudlike comfort of the luxury Puffy mattress collection before you buy at our partner stores across the USA.

FIND A MATTRESS STORE NEAR YOU
SIGN UP FOR EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS.
Get special offers, product news,
and sleep tips straight to your inbox.
Save $1,425 when you buy any Puffy mattress. Verify your eligibility for our: