If you’ve ever wondered how to make a nursing pillow, you’re in the right place. Creating your own nursing pillow is a rewarding and practical sewing project that provides comfort to both mother and baby. Not only is it more affordable than store-bought versions, but you can also personalize it with your favorite fabrics and patterns.
A nursing pillow is an essential accessory for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, offering ergonomic support to reduce strain on your back, neck, and arms. Learning how to make a nursing pillow allows you to create something tailored perfectly to your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover step-by-step instructions on how to make a nursing pillow, what materials are best, sewing techniques to use, and how to customize it for maximum comfort. Whether you’re sewing it for yourself, a friend, or as a thoughtful handmade gift for a baby shower, this tutorial covers everything you need.
1. Materials Needed to Make a Nursing Pillow
Before diving into how to make a nursing pillow, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. Having the right tools and supplies will ensure your project is successful and enjoyable.
First, you will need about one yard of soft, durable fabric. Cotton, flannel, or minky fabrics are excellent choices for comfort and ease of washing.
You will also need polyester fiberfill or another hypoallergenic stuffing material to give the nursing pillow its firm yet comfortable shape.
In addition to fabric and stuffing, you’ll need a sewing machine, scissors, pins, a measuring tape, and a fabric marker or chalk for tracing your pattern.
It’s highly recommended to use a zipper, Velcro, or buttons if you want your nursing pillow to have a removable cover for easy washing.
To start, you’ll also need a printed nursing pillow pattern or you can easily create your own by drawing a large “C” shape on paper that fits comfortably around your waist.
Having all these materials on hand will make the process of how to make a nursing pillow much smoother and more enjoyable.
2. Creating the Nursing Pillow Pattern
One of the most important steps in how to make a nursing pillow is designing the pattern. This ensures the final product fits comfortably and functions well.
Begin by laying out your pattern paper on a flat surface. Draw a large “C” shape—wide enough to wrap around your waist but leave space in the center for your body.
The outer curve should be about 24 inches wide and the inner curve approximately 12 inches wide, creating a balanced pillow shape.
Once you’ve drawn the outline, add a seam allowance of about ½ inch around the entire pattern. This extra space is crucial for stitching.
Cut out the pattern carefully. Fold your fabric in half with the right sides facing in, then pin the pattern to the fabric.
Cut two identical “C” shapes from the fabric. These will form the front and back of your nursing pillow.
If you’re adding a zipper or other closure, mark the spots where it will be placed. This is an optional but highly recommended step when learning how to make a nursing pillow for convenience.
3. Sewing the Nursing Pillow Together
Now comes the exciting part of how to make a nursing pillow—sewing it together! This step brings your fabric to life and transforms it into a functional pillow.
Place the two fabric pieces together with the right sides facing each other. Pin around the edges to secure them before sewing.
Using a sewing machine, start stitching around the outer edges, leaving an opening of about 6 to 8 inches on one side for stuffing.
Make sure your stitches are even and strong. Reinforce areas that might experience more tension, especially around curves.
If you’re adding a zipper, insert it now along the designated edge following the zipper instructions. This allows you to remove the pillow cover for washing.
Once the sewing is complete, turn the pillow cover right side out through the opening or zipper.
Before stuffing, inspect the seams carefully to ensure there are no gaps or weak spots that could come undone later.
4. Stuffing and Finishing the Nursing Pillow
Stuffing is a crucial part of how to make a nursing pillow because it determines the firmness and comfort of the final product.
Begin filling the pillow with polyester fiberfill in small amounts, pushing it evenly into all the curves and corners. This ensures the pillow maintains its shape.
Continue stuffing until the pillow feels firm enough to support the baby but still soft and comfortable for the parent.
Be careful not to overstuff, as this can make the pillow too stiff and uncomfortable for long feeding sessions.
Once you’re satisfied with the stuffing, close the opening. If you didn’t add a zipper, hand-sew the opening shut using an invisible stitch for a clean finish.
Smooth out the pillow and adjust the stuffing if needed, redistributing it evenly for maximum comfort.
Congratulations! You’ve now completed the process of how to make a nursing pillow, and you have a beautiful, functional piece that will make feeding time much easier and more comfortable.
– How to Make a Nursing Pillow
What is the best fabric to use when learning how to make a nursing pillow?
Soft, washable fabrics like cotton, flannel, or minky are ideal. They are gentle on the skin and easy to clean.
How much stuffing do I need to make a nursing pillow?
Typically, one large bag (around 16 oz) of polyester fiberfill is enough for one nursing pillow, but it depends on how firm you want it.
Can I make a nursing pillow without a sewing machine?
Yes, you can hand-sew it, but it will take longer. A sewing machine provides stronger and neater seams.
Is it necessary to add a zipper to the nursing pillow?
While not strictly necessary, adding a zipper or removable cover is highly recommended for easy washing and maintenance.
Can I customize the size of my nursing pillow?
Absolutely! When designing your pattern, you can adjust the dimensions to better fit your body or preference.
Is making a nursing pillow cheaper than buying one?
Yes. DIY nursing pillows are often significantly cheaper, especially if you already have sewing supplies at home.
Now you know exactly how to make a nursing pillow from start to finish! From choosing the right materials and designing your pattern to sewing, stuffing, and finishing, every step empowers you to create a custom, comfortable pillow that perfectly suits your needs.
This DIY project is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to personalize the look and feel of the pillow. Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a heartfelt gift, the satisfaction of crafting something useful and beautiful is priceless.
I hope this guide has been helpful. If you’ve tried making your own nursing pillow, feel free to share your experience in the comments! Your honest feedback and suggestions are always welcome to help improve future tutorials
