How to Make Neck Roll Pillows
A neck roll pillow is a small, firm pillow that's perfect for supporting the neck while reading in bed. If you have neck or back problems, sleeping with a neck roll pillow in addition to your regular pillow provides extra support, and may help alleviate your pain. You can also make a neck roll pillow in a slightly larger size and use it as a decorative bolster on a bed or sofa.
Things You'll Need
- 3/4 yard of fabric, 36 inches wide
- 2 yards of half-inch ribbon
- Sewing thread and needle, or sewing machine
- Lace, ribbon or contrasting fabric
- Polyester or cotton stuffing, or a foam bolster form
Instructions
-
-
1
Fold under 1/4 to 1/2 inches of fabric at each short end and stitch to form a hem.
-
2
Measure 6 inches from the short end of your fabric and draw a line to mark this edge. Do this again 6 inches in from the other short end of the fabric. Sew ribbon, lace or a 4 or 5 inch wide piece of contrasting fabric along each of these lines on the fabric. Sew the other edge of the ribbon, lace or fabric to the body of the pillow, or leave it free.
-
-
3
Fold the fabric lengthwise with the right side in, long edges meeting. Sew a seam along this edge. Press the seam open so that each side of the seam lays flat against the fabric.
-
4
Turn the fabric right side out and insert your bolster form. If you are stuffing the pillow, stuff loosely at this point.
-
5
Cut the 1/2 inch ribbon in half so that you have two pieces measuring 1 yard each. Tie the ribbon tightly to close each end of the bolster, covering the stitching marks from your trim. If you are using stuffing, tie the ribbon at one end, stuff the pillow as tightly as possible and then tie the other end.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you need to trim the bolster form, use a serrated knife to saw through the foam.
If using stuffing, stuff as tightly as possible. The pillow is supposed to be firm.
You may use buckwheat hulls, flaxseed or rice instead of fabric stuffing.
Twist rubber bands around the ends before adding the ribbon to ensure a tight seal.
A sturdy cotton or upholstery fabric works best for these pillows. You can make a no-sew version with a cut-off jeans leg. Hem the ends or allow them to fray.
For a smaller pillow, sew a shorter tube of fabric with a smaller diameter.
