Crafting Pillows: Are they Worth the Money?

[@the1_grammy503]

Hi Bonnie👋🏼 Thank you for the pillow reviews. I searched several places for this type pillow. If they’ve been given specific names on a website they are a little bit hard to find. Due to the price of what I did find, I decided to make my own. We’re all capable of doing so! I found a free pattern online and used yarn that I had on hand. I had purchased it at a sale price so yay me! I used an old pair of my Granddaughter’s stockings to stuff the polyfill then placed it in the pillow. Now I don’t have to worry about the fibers trying to escape on me! It’s a good size pillow that fits around my waist and you can personalize it with the amount of stuffing and use the yarn of your choice. So, for any of these crafty folks who would rather make one, it’s easy.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

That's great! I did do a little research (as I was walking through a Joanne's store one day) to price all the components needed to crochet/sew one of these pillows and found that the total expense was comparable to buying a lower cost one. Of course if you already own the components (I did not), it would be far less expensive. I would love to see your pillow! My email is [e-mail] if you could send a photo, but no pressure!

[@the1_grammy503]

@@BonnieBayCrochet I will be honored to send you a photo of my pillow!

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I got it! Thank you!! @@the1_grammy503

[@the1_grammy503]

@@BonnieBayCrochet my pleasure!

[@cjtaylor9178]

I found them very easy with the links

[@debbienewton909]

I like that last one. I usually just use a small throw/sofa pillow, but that one looks very versatile and within budget. Thank you!!

[@debbienewton909]

Ordered a Strawberry Red one (looks like hot pink) and it should be here tomorrow! Will post a review later 😀

[@debbienewton909]

Love it!! Not too big, not too small thickness-wise, fits around me very well. It is actually called a nursing pillow. Doesn't ride up, isn't too tight or too loose. It's a beautiful color! It did not smell like dye when delivered so I was able to use it right away! Good for napping too, lol! Thanks for recommendation!!

[@crochetyourwaytoday]

Thanks for the review! I bought a nursing pillow cover only like the smallest size you reviewed. I stuffed it with yarn balls that didn't have bands from mystery boxes.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

That's a clever idea!

[@denisejf]

Thank you for reviewing these pillows. I really don't want to bring another thing into the house so, I would rather just use a regular bed pillow and save my money for yarn or treats for my family. Have a wonderful blessed day 🙏🏻💝

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

You are welcome Denise!

[@snospmoht3252]

Got a Boppy nursing pillow and found that it was good but due to my no-longer-trim waist it kept sorta popping out and away from my body constantly. So I was always wrestling with it to get it back in place. Finally had a lightbulb moment that fixed the problem. Went and bought a second Boppy and now I use both, wrapping one around each side (I'm narrower at the waist from the side than across the front). This does an even better job of lifting up and supporting my elbows than the one alone did. And the ends at my back act like a lumbar support pillow too. Yeah, it's a bit cumbersome compared to using nothing but I'm long past those days of sacrificing my body parts for speed or convenience. I want to be able to crochet for another 20-30 years so gotta take care of all the moving pieces and parts! If I hadn't already made my purchases, your reviews might have tempted me towards a couple others. Thanks for the information. 💟

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I like the way you think! Yes, whatever we can do to preserve our body is worth the investment!

[@berrycarbs]

This is such a great video. It’s something that very few crocheters talk about and no one (until now) has made a video about as far as I know. I bought mine at Hobbii here in Denmark and it was around $70-75 I think. It might be cheaper in America since we are known for our heavy taxes. 😂 I have tried with blankets rolled up, all the pillows I own and anything else not nailed down but this purchase have made the difference to me… I can now comfortably crochet for hours on end without having pain in my arms, shoulders and neck. I did consider nursing pillows but they are expensive too where I am.

[@mariadaidone1645]

I like the last one it looks more comfortable

[@jacostleyable]

Thank you for the review you did. I really help me make a decision. I like the second one and last one the most. Price makes a big difference. I would rather spend it on yarn.😊

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Same here! Besides, I do like the softer versions - and can always add more stuffing later if needed.

[@savarnanelson8684]

I purchased a crochet pillow in a large from Hobbii in November. I’m am 59yo and thick on the middle. This pillyin a Size large worked perfectly for me. The others were small and snug. Hobbiii crochet pillow deluxe highly recommend! Thanks

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Thank you for that recommendation!

[@berrycarbs]

This is the pillow I bought too… It’s designed by a crocheter, filled with natural materials and it lets heat escape… The latter is nice since I tend to get very hot sitting with a pillow or blanket.

[@bimbielf3531]

Hi Bonnie, I was grateful to see this! I do get sore elbows from knitting and crocheting and my physio suggested a cushion a while back. I often craft while watching my laptop so needed something snug. I have bought the last one and look forward to trying it out. I liked that I could use it as a pillow while travelling. Thank you from Australia

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I hope this one works for you! Mine is nice for travel as well as working away from home. Heading out on another trip next week to serve a family member and will definitely be taking this one with me!

[@JoJo-uq2vo]

Very kind of you to share this info.🙏🏽

[@nikkinaseem4776]

Thank you for the review. Because of my budget I will spend the money on yarn and use my regular pillow😅😅. I do like the last one as I would love the versatility of being able to use it for crafting and for a travel pillow.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I guess great minds think alike!

[@dawnkurtz9541]

I would never have thought of something like that. I have arthritis and fibromyalgia and often get pain in shoulders and upper back after a day of crocheting. Is the pillow supposed to take strain off of back? The video was interesting and informative. Thank you, Bonnie. Btw, I just finished the Heron Celtic Cable throw in antique white for my granddaughter.

[@KayVCornett]

Hi Dawn the point of a pillow is to raise your work up to a level you are holding your arms at a more relaxed position about a 45 degree bend in your arm (similar to what we were taught in typing class) but also so that when looking at your work you are looking more forward instead of bending your neck and head to look down in your lap. That prolonged stretch of looking down is what typically causes the pain in neck and shoulders. It can also cause the disc between vertabrae to slip out of place because it is not a natural position for the neck to be in for long periods of time. I did a large graphgan years ago and had a disc rupture and slip 75% out of place and need surgery for that very reason (I was typically crocheting for 10-12 hours a day on the blanket). I was told by my orthopedic surgeon to either raise my work up with pillows or on a table in front of me to avoid strain of the neck, upper back and shoulders. The best posture is one where your arms are relaxed at that 45 degree angle and you are basically looking forward with just a slight tilt to your head, with your back straight against the back of your chair for proper spine alignment to avoid slipped or herniated discs or grinding of the edges of the bones.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Thank you for that informative reply! @@KayVCornett

[@dawnkurtz9541]

@@BonnieBayCrochet thank you! I will be trying this. I have already had one slipped lower disc.

[@nataliecolbert5790]

Thank you for the review Bonnie. I appreciate you doing all of this work for us. Definitely a nice to have not a have to have item, but if one is tempted it’s wonderful to have this breakdown of the different options.

[@_maxgray]

I have been looking for an actual review of the Valari pillow compared to similar pillows and everyone else seems to just be shilling. Thank you for taking price into account and providing an honest review!

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

My pleasure! 😊❤️

[@SL-nv6zv]

These look pretty cool! Being on a tight budget I'd probably never buy one, but I may try fashioning some pillows around the house into something similar.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I'm sure it would be fairly easy to make one too! Several folks have indicated that they have done just that!

[@cececurmm9427]

Thank you for showing the difference between those four pillows I think I would take the last one the small blue one.👍🤔

[@allisonbenjamin820]

Thank you for the info , will definitely look into the smaller pillow, just what I need when traveling. 👍🏽🎯🙋🏽

[@heatherf833]

Thank you for this video. I've seen lots of crochet videos hyping gaming pillows and the like as "crochet must-haves" and my first thought was - looks alot like a nursing pillow. As you've shown you can get very similar support for much less. Thanks for doing the research for the rest of us. - Heather from Nova Scotia, Canada

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

My pleasure Heather!

[@dianatheriault2913]

Your reviews was enlightening! I ended up just taking an extra pillow we use for guests and just plopped it on my lap. My chair where I knit most of the time has arms and it kept the pillow snug and didn't get in the way of my accessing my computer. Now, I'll give this a try and if it's not sustainable as a knitting pillow, I might pick up the Valari as it appears to be a stiffer cushion. Thanks!

[@maryannmaxfield6848]

Great idea! I have never tried a pillow while crocheting!

[@debbiestorrs8457]

I ordered the small blue one…I’ll let you know what I think. 😊

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Please do! This will be my travel (in the car or on planes) as long as it will hold up.

[@cakemker3771]

I have never heard of these pillows! Very interesting I might have to give them a try.

[@marialogan8786]

Thank you for the reviews.

[@Mary-si5zh]

Thanks for the pillow info.Might try the last one😊

[@viviannepaul-octave4356]

Good Bonnie I love your idea of pillow quality and the price budged that is within

[@sandraharper7478]

Thanks Bonnie for this review it was very helpful

[@knottheendcrochet]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I actually am developing a bad back from health issues and my love of crocheting large items. :( My doctor told me to either buy a recliner or cushion up my chair. I really like my current craft chair, so I would rather have the pillow. thank you again for the information. :)

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Wishing you all the best with your back. I LOVE my recliner, but try to get up and move too so my back doesn't dictate what I can and can't do (which it is known to do on occation).

[@ShettikkaWoods-jl8iq]

Good morning 🌄🌞 blessings ☕ and crocheting 🧶

[@rebeccaenlow7395]

Thank you

[@eamarshall4543]

The valari clip was made for twisting for easy storage. I just found out from the website. according to them you can actually use it however you want even around your waist 😃

[@wandagordon6453]

I’ve never used any of these pillows for crocheting. They do look very comfortable. God bless! 😀❤️

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

This was a first time for me too!

[@kayroth8750]

Thanks for the review Bonnie. I bought a Valari pillow and as soon as I opened it I thought I could make this myself. What a waste of money. I should have researched other pillows. But I will keep it but lesson learned.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I think these pillows are beautiful and useful, but as you said, just a bit pricy. Sometimes it’s ok to treat ourselves, but yes. These would be fairly easy to make if we have the time.

[@patriciascruggs7101]

Thank you so much for sharing your review. My daughter has a boppy pillow she doesn’t use anymore so I think I may have to bring it home with me. Thanks again!!❤

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Great! Yes, I see no problem at all in repurposing these items we already have!

[@pjmalick]

Hi Bonnie! Thanks for the review of the pillows. I’ve been wondering if they were worth the money and what to get if I decided to buy one. You’ve answered my questions! Love all your beautiful designs and enjoy your channel very much. Blessings, Pam ✝️❤️😊

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Thank you Pam for your kind support of my channel!

[@cjtaylor9178]

Thank you for this review

[@maryleevilardi3666]

I really like that last one.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Me too! I’m keeping it with my travel gear from now on!

[@susanderson]

Those looked so cozy! I have 3 different styles of pregnancy and nursing pillows in my house already because I have a 2 year old and a 4 month old currently 😅, but I never thought to use them for when I’m crocheting!! What a great idea, thank you Bonnie! God Bless! -Susanna

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

My pleasure! Seeing my daughter use these for holding the baby helped me to decide. So wish these were around when I was in that wonderful season of life!

[@kellymiller615]

I didn't realize these had become so popular. When my youngest was born 23 years ago, these shaped pillows were called Boppy pillows and used for nursing, sitting an older baby up, etc. Wish I'd kept ours!!

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I wished we had those when I was in that season of life!

[@gaylescovel7308]

Oh yes i enjoyed this review!❣ Now im wondering if one could be crocheted, 😁

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I'm sure they can be! I did a price comparison when at a local Joanne's store and found it comparable to purchasing one of the cheaper ones outright.

[@donnamessick6329]

Good morning. Thank you for the review. I’ve been seeing the first one promoted for crafting, but can’t seem to justify the cost. May try one of the less expensive ones as my shoulders are really starting to bother me when crocheting for long periods of time. Thanks again for the review.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

My pleasure! I find it helps to stand up and move around periodically when working on projects.

[@shielasmith9583]

Good morning thank you for the review I have seen those recently Mega advertised I was curious and I'm thankful that you did the review the review looks to me like you're most happiest with the second and last one I have been using a Boppy Pillow for a while on and off although I think the one that I have is quite a bit stuffed seems very firm you're not squishy like I see the second one that you had that works well for reading and such that I do as well we'll definitely consider some other options options thank you again for the review

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

My pleasure Shiela!

[@fionastube2011]

So helpful! I’ve been debating this purchase and now I have some good info. Thanks from a new subscriber.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Welcome to my channel Fiona! So glad you are here!

[@marysharp6366]

I usually use a regular cushion which I find adequate. I have used cushions for years.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

That's great Mary! I've done the same for years as well.

[@bryzcrochet]

I use my daughters old nursing pillow, lol.

[@missyrogers1759]

Bonnie thank you for your review... I've often wondered how these would work. I usually have 3 dogs on my lap and use them 😂 One question - do you find the fabric of the pillow sticking or catching on the yarn or your project? Thank you for your informative review! ❤

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Ha ha! Maybe you need a dog pillow too! No, I haven't found any issues with any of these snagging the yarn.

[@barbaraclark43]

lol

[@ceciliaperez3503]

Thanks for sharing I had never thought of using a pillow when crocheting , excellent idea. Looks comfortable I will give it a try 🥰

[@preciousbeautyj1043]

Great review. All the babies in the family had those Boppy pillows, I still have one or two that I’m planning on using. Funny that I saw your video at almost 4:00am bcuz only Monday afternoon I got one out of storage. Now they’re popular and pricey.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Yes, and I find it interesting that "gaming" pillows, which are basically the same as nursing pillows (although the commercials argue that point - don't believe them), are very expensive, yet you can get a nursing pillow very cheaply. Go figure! This is all marketing magic.

[@preciousbeautyj1043]

@@BonnieBayCrochet exactly and ppl are falling for it.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I do think the expensive pillow is nice, but I just don't like the way they put the other options down so crudely. The other options are every bit excellent too.@@preciousbeautyj1043

[@JesusJoy77805]

Hi Bonnie. Never knew there was a craft pillow. 15 years ago, I purchased squishy pillows(small) from Brookstone. At the time, it was only $10. The content has a beaded material, but you can't wash them. I cover with pillow covers to keep clean. Really like them and carry them everywhere. The last one would probably be the one I would try. Thank you for the review. It was very helpful. Blessings🙏🏼🤗

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I LOVE the texture of those beaded pillows you mentioned. My mother-in-law uses one all the time.

[@PoshCrochetPatterns]

Hi Miss Bonnie thank you for making this video. I just finally got a chance to get home and actually get on here. 😊

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

My pleasure!

[@ericamassey1112]

Thanks for your review, but I just don't get the hype. 🤷‍♀️ I'd much rather spend money on yarn, and just keep throwing a rolled up blanket across my lap. LOL 🤣 I love you, Bonnie! 💖

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I get that Erica! I'm totally with you on all the "hype", which is why I made this video. I hope I am saving a lot of folks money so that they can enjoy their craft even more with glorious yarn!!

[@christalrosbach1243]

That’s a great idea!

[@julieharmon7569]

Where I can find the last one ? Thanks

[@joanietritschler9862]

I like the last pillow price is good where is it available? I have vertigo that affects my neck .

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

The links are in the video description, but I'll repost for you here Joanie: Small Blue Pillow: amzn.to/42FqvzT

[@joanietritschler9862]

Thank you very much Bonnie

[@therealnancysteele]

I bought one from Hobbii a couple of years ago for use after rotator cuff surgery. I liked it but since I'm healed up I find it to be more trouble than it's worth because it takes up so much room. They have to have a dedicated storage spot. If that makes sense. Thanks for the review. Maybe I just need to try a smaller one.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I understand that! I just leave mine in my reading chair where I use it every day. I personally don't mind the "clutter" if it is a useful item, and mine surely is!

[@Bethany.Loveday]

Oh no! I’ve given my breastfeeding pillow away! That would have been a great idea to use it as a craft pillow!!

[@GrandmaLM]

Would be nice to use on a couch because of no arms like a chair. Would be nice to use for holding a book to read or an iPad etc

[@bettytordoff8920]

Yarn purchase over lap pillow. 😊 I think one would just get annoyingly in the way. Not too mention one more thing that would eventually become a pet bed. 😂 Thanks for the reviews though.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Ha ha! So true! I am enjoying mine more for reading so it is a good fixture in my living room.

[@sharbear1968]

Good morning. I love your videos. Your voice is so soothing. That may come across weird, but some channels I just cannot watch because the voice is off putting. I tried a regular pillow recently since there was so much hype but it’s a bit cumbersome getting up and down constantly due to our pets. They seem to get riled up as soon as I crochet. I didn’t see a real benefit. I will say I’m working on a blanket that’s becoming too much weight turning constantly. I’m considering whipping out my laptop cushion to rest the completed part of the blanket on. Has anyone had experience doing this?

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Not yet, but I do like the lighter weight pillow for that reason.

[@LouGreen-vd4ov]

Are these hard to make? I can’t sleep laying down, I have to sleep setting up, and my head doddles over

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I thought about that too! When looking at the materials though, (stuffing, yarn or fabric for cover, zipper, thread, etc.) the cost adds up quickly to about what the cheaper ones cost. Of course if you already have the materials and are skilled using your sewing machine, this could be a worth project.

[@warronchavers2209]

Hi, Bonnie Bray Crochet. I find the waist pillows very helpfull in my crochet, also for support for my laptop, books,etc. Would i pay anything over fifty dollars for one? No 😮, call me cheap but i managed without one many times.😊, thanks for your time.😊😊.

[@warronchavers2209]

Bay not Bray, I apologize Bonnie.😊

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

I understand that Warron! Money doesn't grow on trees here either and we also try to be budget minded, yet wise with our purchases.

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Don't you just love autocorrect? @@warronchavers2209

[@katherinefilz]

Bonnie oh my goodness! I love that you have done this video. What a great idea. Next big purchase for myself is one of these pillows. 🧶💜

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

So glad this was helpful to you Katherine!

[@annetsb7517]

Nearly $100 for a pillow kinda boggles my mind. 🫨

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

Me too! Hence the video.

[@terrymatuozzi1504]

Thank you for the review. 😊