How to Make a Zafu Pillow
A zafu pillow is a rounded pillow with a flat top and bottom. The pillow is used for meditation in all religions that practice it, such as Buddhism. If you are not Buddhist or don't meditate for religious purposes, you can still use the comfortable pillows as floor seating or decorative accents in a room. Make the pillows from sturdy fabric so they will be able to withstand the weight of an adult.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton duck fabric
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Fabric pen
- Straight pins
- Iron and ironing board
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Buckwheat hulls
- Needle
Instructions
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1
Cut a strip of fabric about 60 inches long and 10 inches wide. Cut two fabric circles about 13 inches across.
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2
Measure six inches from the end of the fabric. Make a small vertical mark with a fabric pen. Measure ¾ of an inch away from the first mark and make a second mark. Measure ¾ of an inch away from the second mark and make a third mark.
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3
Measure three inches down from the third mark and make a sequence of three more marks, each ¾ of an inch apart. Continue making these three marks every three inches down the length of the strip. This will turn into pleats that are essential for the zafu-style pillow.
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4
Fold the fabric along the marked lines. The inside line becomes the center of each pleat and the two outside lines mark the outside edges of each pleat. Pin the pleats in place with straight pins. Iron the pleats in place.
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5
Overlap the ends of the fabric strip together about three to four inches. Sew the top and bottom portion of the seam together, leaving the middle open for stuffing later.
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6
Turn the strip inside out. Pin one circle to the top ½ inch of fabric on the top of the fabric strip. Sew the circle to the strip. Repeat for the other strip. Remove the pins as you sew.
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7
Turn the pillow right side out. Stuff the pillow with buckwheat hulls. Add enough hulls so that the pleats expand with the addition of the hulls. Sew the pillow closed along the open edge by hand.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
