- 1). Measure the bed width for which the bolster is to be made. Cut your fabric equal to the width of the bed plus 1 inch. Roll the batting to the circumference you wish your bolster to be. Measure the circumference, cut that measurement plus 1 inch. Cut two round end pieces of the same size circumference plus 1 inch. A bolster that gathers at each end calls for a different measurement.
- 2). Cut the length measurement an additional 6 inches if you are making a drawstring bolster. The drawstring bolster can sit alone at the top of the bed and is decorative. If making the drawstring bolster, there is no need for the two round end pieces. This is the simplest bolster to make and can be made fancier by adding lace or eyelet edging.
- 3). Fold the length of the fabric right sides together and stitch a 1/2-inch seam. Iron the seams flat. This is the "tube" that will hold the foam or polyester batting. For the flat-end bolster, pin one round bottom piece to one end of the tube. Stitch this end completely around the end of the tube. Turn right side out. Insert the batting or the round bolster foam into the tube. You are only be able to machine stitch about half way around the other flat end.
- 4). Stitch by hand the rest of the end piece. If making the drawstring bolster, you have an extra 6 inches with which to work. Stitch a hem around each end of the tube. Turn the tube down to meet the batting. approximately 1 inch from the filling, fold 1/2 inch on the inside of the tubing. Stitch this leaving a small opening in which the ribbon will go. This is the casing.
- 5). Thread the ribbon though the casing and tighten. At this point, you can make the ends of the bolster decorative by sewing a border of lace or eyelet trim.
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