A bolster pillow adds a stylish contrast to traditional square throw pillows. The faux leather detail and piping give this one a sophisticated look. But it's not hard to sew.

Follow the pattern instructions to piece this pillow together then go back and add topstitching detail to the faux suede for a true leather look. The pattern calls for a standard 9" x 20" bolster but I wanted to use a 9" x 14" pillow form so I just cut the pattern pieces down accordingly.

Sewing Tools You Need

• Any Sewing Machine (we recommend the Janome Threadbanger30)

Fabric and Other Supplies

• Simplicity pattern Simplicity 4108
  
• Fabric for pillow, stripes for body and solid color for ends
• Faux suede for "belt"
• Pins and other notions
• Piping
• Bolster pillow form, 9" x 20"
• All purpose thread
• Contrasting thread for topstitching
• Regular and topstitching sewing needles
• Scissors
• Iron

If you don't want to buy a bolster pillow form, you can make your own by rolling up quilt batting. Cut your sheet of batting so it's as wide as the finished length of your bolster (for example, 20"). Roll the batting snugly until your roll is the proper thickness (for example, 9" across).

Getting Started

1. In Simplicity 4108 use the Bolster pattern pieces (21-23). The instructions are for a single piece of fabric for the side piece. But you can make the multiple pieces like I did by folding the the pattern piece. Just remember to add your 1/2" seam allowance. I had two side pieces with the faux suede belt in the middle and a contrasting piece where the ends meet.
2. Lay out your fabric pieces on the pattern to make sure everything matches up.
3. Prepare your cording. This pattern includes easy instructions for making your own.

At Your Sewing Machine

1. Sew the various parts of your side piece together. Then follow the pattern instructions for piecing together the pillow body.
2. Before sewing on the ends, replace your regular sewing needle with the topstitching needle and thread your machine with a topstitching thread that will contrast with your faux suede.
3. Sew a line of top stitching close to the edge of the faux suede belt. Repeat for the other side.
4. Finish sewing together the bolster pieces according to instructions.
5. Insert your pillow form and close with a slip-stitch.
6. Congratulations on your new bolster.

Hints and Tips

Piping makes a pillow look nicely finished. You can buy fancy pre-made piping and trims but this can get expensive. Save some money and make your own. This pattern includes easy-to-follow instructions.

Other machines suitable for this project include the Pfaff select 3.0 and the Bernina activa 220.

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