How to Make a Long Roll Pillow for a Bed

Make a roll pillow in the size you need.

A roll pillow, also called a neck roll, is often the focal point of the decorative pillow collection on a bed. It fits into most collections because the curves of its shape create a strong counterpoint to the squares and rectangles of the other pillows. It looks good as a tiny lumbar cushion on a slipper chair, yet maintains its design punch when constructed as a medium or oversize pillow. An intermediate home sewer, following a few guidelines, should be able to make a long roll pillow to customize her bed.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Quilt batting
• Masking tape
• Sewing machine
• Matching thread
• Hand-sewing needle
• Heavy-duty thread
• Bodkin

Instructions

1. Determine the length of the roll and record it as “finished length.” Decide the thickness of the roll and record it as ‘‘diameter.” These measurements are arbitrary, which is one of the advantages of sewing for yourself.

2. Create the roll filler by cutting a piece of quilt batting to the measurement of the pillow's finished length and rolling it tightly to the required diameter. Wrap masking tape around it to hold it in place when the roll is completed. Fray the exposed width end by pulling some of the batting away; this will soften the cut edge of the batting along the length of the roll.

3. Calculate the cut length of the fabric by adding the finished length to the diameter, plus 2 inches for ease and seam allowances. Calculate the cut width of the fabric by multiplying the diameter by 3.14. Add 1 inch for seams.

4. Cut the fabric to the cut length and width. Mark the cut length seams with an “L” inside the seam allowance, on the wrong side of the fabric. Sew the fabric, right sides together, along the “L” seam, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open. You have created a tube, open at both ends.

5. Turn each end edge 3/4 inch over to the wrong side and press. Turn another 3/4 inch and press. Stitch all around the inside folded edge, leaving 2 inches unsewn to allow for inserting the drawstring.

6. Turn the roll right side out. Remove the masking tape and insert the form.

7. Thread a bodkin with four thicknesses of heavy-duty thread and insert the thread through one side of the opening in one end casing. Feed the thread through the casing, around to the other end of the opening. Pull the thread ends tightly together to close the ends of the roll. Tie the ends together securely. Tuck them inside the pillow.

8. Stitch the casing opening closed. Close the other end of the roll in the same way.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a variety of fabrics together by sewing strips to form one large piece.

• Add a tassel, a self-covered button, or both, at each end for a custom touch.