Project #12: Bolster for yoga from old towels, curtains and fabric


Materials
Bolster Filling:
Approximately about 2 feet (60 cm) wide fabric rectangles of varying lengths.  The total length was several metres when placed end to end.  It would depend on the thickness of your fabric.

Bolster Covering fabric:
(my measurements, base yours on the size of your bolster.)
circle 8″ diamter
rectangle: 31.5″ x 24.5″
straps and loops: 2″x 30″
Method

I used old towels, scraps of polar fleece, old curtains, even old cloth diapers that I sewed together and trimmed to a uniform width.  I did not sew the pieces together so that it would be easier to wash.  I kept on creating pieces and rolling up them up into a log shape until they reached a diameter between 6 and 8 inches or (about 16-20 cm).
The bolster filling

The first attempt at the cover, was made from the body of a sweater.  I sewed 2 tubes that snuggly fit around the bolster.  I used it this way for a few months. It became a little sloppy with use and so I decided to make a new cover for the bolster using a piece of heavy weight cotton from my stash.  I also added more fabric to the outside of the bolster to fatten it up.  I also added 3 ties to hold the roll together.
Now measure the length, diameter and the circumference of your bolster.  Check your measurements, as I found that even though from the side the bolster looked less than 7 inches, around the centre the measured diameter was fatter than the calculated one.  I made the appropriate circle paper pattern piece adding in seam allowance of 1/2″.  Similarly add seam allowance to the rectangle piece of fabric that will be the tube of the bolster cover and I added extra length for a wide hem.  I closed my cover with a thin strap laced through 4 equally spaced loops at the top edge of the cover. 

I made the strap from the 2″ wide strip of fabric.  Fold it in half lengthwise and press.  Open up and fold  both long edges into the centre crease and press.  You should have a strap that is 4 layers thick and about 1/2″ wide.  Sew along both edges of the strap and cut to length for 4 loops and 1 tie and finish the ends.



open cover



closed cover



Ready to support your yoga practice or …
…give it a hug.

June Written by:

One Comment

  1. Avatar
    April 6, 2011
    Reply

    Great idea June!! I love how you re-purposed all those old linens! Great website…so glad I stopped by!
    Jacqueline
    http:sewsimpledesign.blogspot.com

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