How to Sew a Meditation Cushion

[@trish3580]

Just a quick note to say how grateful I am for your video. Your voice, your instruction, the clear visuals....I went from feeling overwhelmed by the written instructions I have, to feeling like I can do this. I long to sew well but projects always seem daunting....and/or I don't have all the supplies needed. I look forward to making this cushion now as it's been on my "to sew" list for literally years! Thank you so much for your guidance!

[@TheDailySew]

I'm very happy that this video is helpful. I'm confident you won't have any problems making your own meditation cushion. I will say though, it took a lot of stuffing ;-) A Lot. So, you may understuff it like I did and have to open up the seam to add more stuffing later. Just a head's up. Good luck - but, you got this.

[@trish3580]

@@TheDailySew Thanks so much for your confidence. I'm still wavering about the stuffing as I have buckwheat but find it too hard on its own. I've had intense back issues in the past, so that adds to the challenge. All the best!

[@NoxBellatricis]

__just for myself__ Dimensions: Hight (= width of the side): 6 inches /15 cm (+ seam allowance of ~ 1 inch / 2 cm) Circumference (=length of the side): 59 inches / 150 cm Diameter (of the top & bottom): 12 inches / 30 cm (+ seam allowance of ~ 0.5 inches / 1 cm) Markings on the side piece: 6.5 inches / 16 cm 1.5 inches / 4 cm 3 inches / 8 cm ((the cm indications are really rough, but I can't be botherd to mark 3.8 cm etc... So I will try and see how it works with those estimations..))

[@deliaboxy623]

OMG YES BLESS YOUR HEART you saved me with those cm

[@melikeyilmaz7080]

Thank you😇

[@koblizek2302]

Thanks a lot!

[@rebeccamichalski1381]

You have such a beautiful teacher spirit. I'm an experienced sewer and found your tone and instruction in itself meditation.Thank you for sharing, I'm looking forward to this project. Namaste.

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you so much. :-)

[@seniorheadinstructordurkin185]

This is a wonderful video. Thank you!! So straight forward, easy to follow and your presence is wholly delightful and pleasant. Thank you!!

[@jenniferc2592]

Thank you for this tutorial! I had been wanting a meditation cushion for a long time but was hesitant because of the pricing. After seeing this tutorial I just decided to make it myself. Very clear instructions and it was very easy to follow.

[@TheDailySew]

That's great! I thought the price was a little high too - especially since I had everything to make one. Now I want to make a yoga bolster :-)

[@Zayaxa]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I've been meaning to make one of these for years, but I'm more of a visual learner and there were only written instructions last time I checked. Your video is so helpful.

[@TheDailySew]

I'm a visual learner too. Too much concentrating when words are involved ;-). Glad you like the video. Thank you

[@Zayaxa]

@@TheDailySew I'm just waiting on some buckwheat husks to arrive next week so that I can stuff my cushion, and then I'll be done! I finished all of the sewing yesterday. I'm a beginner sewist but it turned out perfectly. Thanks again :)

[@tessaromein5787]

Mary, thank you for this great tutorial! I just made myself a cushion and it looks soooo great! I used left over jersey fabric which I know is wildly inappropriate for this project, so I had to make some adjustments. I sewed the pleats shut from top to bottom to eliminate the stretch, and I used no-stretch interfacing on top and bottom for the same reason. This worked out wonderfully, I have to say. And finally I used up a LOT of the fabric scraps that I have so diligently been cutting while watching TV for the last months 🙂. Granted, mine doesn't look as fabulous as the cushion you made, but hey, my butt won't care about that when I'm sitting in yoga class 😀. Thanks again!

[@TheDailySew]

I love this idea of jersey fabric! Your tweaks are very clever and resourceful and you're going to love that soft fabric. Yay! Thanks for letting me know 😃

[@feli8575]

Thank you for such an amazing tutorial. I am so glad I came across yours. You gave so many helpful details while getting straight to the point. Love this! ❤

[@TheDailySew]

Ah, thank you very much. That's exactly what I aim for-getting to the point while also being thorough.

[@scout72430]

Thank you so much, I just finished making mine! Your video was super easy to follow along!

[@modernlyethnic775]

I subscribed she is very detailed !

[@lucyknight841]

Thank you so much for the tutorial! I’ve only done the bare basics of sewing before and it was great learning how to pleat. Also I think making something yourself puts good energy into stuff so it’s very cool to have made my own meditation pillow!

[@TheDailySew]

Oh yes, I like that and I agree. There is a kind of energy in objects made by human hands. I’m glad you had success with your cushion 🥳

[@luann4867]

Thank you so much for this excellent tutorial - it's so easy to follow. As part of the Auntie Sewing Squad of people making facemasks since last March, I have tons of fabric scraps to use and I'm happy to find a good use for them. I will share this video with the other "Aunties" because we all have a lot of fabric scraps and I look forward to any other videos you publish - you're teaching methods are wonderful!

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you. You really have to stuff the cushion tight. And another use for fabric scraps is as stuffing in draft stoppers for old house windows. (I have them in all my windows)

[@yanzi8543]

The design of this pillow is so beautiful

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you. I didn’t make up the design but I also don’t remember where I saw this pleated side cushion.

[@magika23]

Very nice and well done., so far the best video ive seen about how to make a meditation pillow...thank you very much 🙏

[@TheDailySew]

thanks!

[@zhinekelsang3768]

fantastic tutorial- well edited, great voiceover and clear and concise . Thanks!

[@TheDailySew]

Thank You

[@shar6970]

What a great video. The instructions are explained well and the video quality is good. The backing audio is pleasant too. I look forward to making this project!

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you, I hope you enjoy making the cushion. The project goes pretty quick

[@shar6970]

@@TheDailySew just made it this afternoon. Took about 4 hours but i was doing other things whilst i was at it, plus I was cutting out on the floor. Looks great though. Thanks again

[@TheDailySew]

@@shar6970 that's great. I'm glad you like your cushion. Four hours is good, especially when cutting on the floor. I'm slow at sewing but experienced and I think this cushion took me about 4 hours too.

[@yogininamaste]

Excellent video! Very detailed. I feel more confident in starting my new project. Thank you!!

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks. I can't emphasize stuffing the heck out of it though. When you think you stuffed it enough, add some more ;-) This is a good time to have a meditation cushion. Look after yourself.

[@shylajones1400]

Just so you know, the Daily Sew is a genius pun! Also the video was very helpful :D

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks ;-)

[@lucretiahoverter9486]

Fantastic tutorial! The camera work is great, your steps are well explained and comprehensive, and your pro tips are on point! Bonus: you are absolutely cute as a bug! Thank you so much for this excellent tutorial! ❤

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks 😊

[@ghostplayerification]

Thanks teacher. You´re the best ever!!!!

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks :-)

[@karenlorentz5048]

Thank you! Mine came out great! Beyond expectations.

[@TheDailySew]

That's great. Enjoy it (much more comfortable than sitting on the floor)

[@vi9763]

Great tutorial, thank you

[@nancykeeran202]

Very well done. Wonderfully explained. Thank you.

[@melikeyilmaz7080]

My mother and I did great job thanks to you

[@TheDailySew]

:-) Thanks for letting me know

[@fernanda3935]

Que linda!!! E que boa explicacao. Parabens!!!

[@TheDailySew]

obrigada!

[@silvanapova2703]

Thank you👍😍🙏

[@ro21336]

Amei! Gratidão por ensinar!🥰🙌🏻💗👏👏👏

[@ivanmyrc]

Hi ! About how much time does this take to make ? Beautiful video, thanks !

[@TheDailySew]

With measuring and cutting included (because they are) I think 2 to 3 hours. The stuffing of the cushion took the longest. I kept stopping and checking to see how it felt.

[@ivanmyrc]

@@TheDailySew thank you for your kind response. Cheers from the south of France !

[@melissar.786]

Great tutorial! Approx. how much kapok would you recommend ordering to stuff 1-2 of these meditation pillows?

[@TheDailySew]

I think it takes around 4 to 5 pounds of Kapok stuffing for each cushion. I only know this from research, not from experience. I did find some tips on stuffing your cushion with Kapok here: endlessknotcushions.com/zafu_stuff_yourself.htm One tip is to do it outside because it makes a mess. If you can't do it outside wear an apron ;-) Thanks for watching.

[@lucinaordazrios1600]

Great! I'll try it. THANKS

[@emmaelftorp750]

Thank you for a great tutorial! This will probably be one of the next projects. Would you be able to tell me what is the name and brand of that beautiful canvas you used? Thank you! 🙏

[@TheDailySew]

I'm glad you like the video and hope you enjoy making a cushion for yourself. I got the canvas at Ikea, years ago. I'm not sure they still make it :-( But you do have very good taste ;-)

[@raafjansen8488]

I made one today, it looks great. Thanks for the video!

[@TheDailySew]

Yay!! I'm so glad you had success! Thanks for watching

[@pattilang5091]

If i want to use Buckwheat hulls can i just fill the finished pillow with them? or do i need another ''cover'' for the hulls?

[@TheDailySew]

At first I thought, yes, make a liner for the hulls then put the cover over the liner but then I thought that getting the cover over the liner would be very difficult. The liner is basically the cushion and the hole in the cover isn't that wide. So, no, don't sew a separate liner for the hulls. However, to avoid any powdery, hull "crumbs" from leaking through overtime, maybe fuse the cover fabric with soft interfacing or underline it with muslin (Underlining is sewing two pieces of fabric as if it's one - an outer cover top and a muslin top are pinned/basted together and treated as one cover piece when sewing the cushion. And hull debris may not even be a thing - I've never worked with Buckwheat hulls before. After stuffing the cover with your hulls stitch up the opening with small stitches to avoid any spillage ;-) Hope this helps and thanks for watching.

[@pattilang5091]

@@TheDailySew Yes.....maybe i can try to fuse the fabric with interfacing or use muslin ......Thank you...i didnt think of that....my daughter introduced me to these pillows but she wants the buckwheat hulls...your tutorial is great...thank you again.....

[@cynthianielson8881]

Patti Lang how many pounds of buckwheat hulls did you use?

[@NatalyaCherry]

@@cynthianielson8881 I ordered 2 kg (4.4 lbs), as most of what I've read said a regular size zafu takes 4-5 lbs, and I plan to make it the size of this video. I'm glad Patti started this thread!

[@cynthianielson8881]

Natalya Cherry Thanks

[@gabrielaginglass7212]

Amazing explanation!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@TheDailySew]

thank you

[@silverpromidi]

loved this :) thank you new subscriber What I do with a knot at the end like you had was to take the needle in through the cushion in this case and come up somewhere nearby then pull gently so the knot comes through, then I pull a little on the thread to give me enough when I cut the thread that it will bury itself back in the cushion. I do this also when I am crocheting Amigurumi toys. Hope that made sense. I will go raid my materials and see if I have anything suitable to make one for myself. A question though, if I make these as pet beds, would a strong/reasonably cotton fabric be suitable? I usually save all my scraps of yarn, cotton, stuffing and material and make pet beds for our local shelter when I have a full bag of scraps.

[@TheDailySew]

Yes, bury your thread ends into the pillow. Great idea! Don't know why I didn't think of that but that is the perfect way to end the hand sewing here. And, this would be a great way to make a pet bed. You don't need to make it so tall of course, or even pleat the side piece. I think a sturdy cotton is ideal for pet bedding. It's strong enough and it's washable. My dog's cotton bed (made with cotton scraps) is just falling apart now after 4+ years of nightly use. That's so great you make beds for the rescue shelter with your scraps. I'm inspired, thanks!

[@mambojambostudio]

Thank you so much!!!! You're the best

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks! I'll definitely take that ;-)

[@sandrinou1329]

Some people filled with buckwheat pods. But it's a little expensive, it's the same price if we buy a cushion. So maybe I will do this cushion filled with fabric scraps. Thanks for your tutorial.

[@TheDailySew]

From experience 😉 if using fabric scraps you want to stuff the cushion more than you think. The fabric packs down a bit after a few times of sitting on it. I’ve seen people also use Kapok stuffing in their cushions. I think someone in the comments here mentioned how much Kapok a cushion needs. I don’t know the price. I hope you enjoy making your cushion.

[@sandrinou1329]

@@TheDailySew Thank you very much for your answer. Yes effectively, the cushion became thin with stuff fabric when we sit on it. The cushion i bigger with fabric stuff. Yes Kapok is also a solution. I don't know If it's the same result than fabric, maybe it comes down. I will see in the futur if I replace by Kapok. Thanks have a nice day :)

[@MsLarrythegreat]

As this is supposed to be a firmer pillow, could one use wood shavings (like the kind for pet use) as filling? PS. thank you for a great tutorial!

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks. It is supposed to be a firm cushion. I'm not sure about wood shavings but if it doesn't cost too much it would certainly be easy enough to try and unstuff it if it doesn't work. I bet, like the buckwheat hulls, the shavings would breakdown over time and need to be replaced or at least have more added to the cushion.

[@saradittrichstudio]

Hi, how did you calculate the 59 inches? When I calculate the circumference of a 13in pillow I only get ~41", and it did not look like you had 18 inches of overlap. I'm thinking of making a 15inch circle pillow so I'm trying to figure out the length. Thanks!

[@saradittrichstudio]

Ooo I just remembered the pleats haha, do u have a way to calculate it tho for different size circle?

[@TheDailySew]

@@saradittrichstudio Great question. Since your circle has a larger circumference it's going to have more pleats so it isn't as simple as taking your circumference (47") and adding 18" to it (for the pleats and overlap). I think this will work: Your circumference is 6" more than the one in the video. The pleats are marked every 3" so you would have 2 more pleats than a 13" circumference pillow. Each pleat is 1.5". Take your circumference 47", add 18" for the original amount of pleats and overlap, add 3" for the two additional pleats (1.5 each). 47 + 18 + 3 = 68" You'll have to cut your side in two pieces to get that length so don't forget to add some seam allowance to each piece for joining them together :-) Also, you could make the side piece a bit longer just in case and cut off any extra OR add a bit to it if you do need a few more inches. Hope this helps

[@saradittrichstudio]

@@TheDailySew Awesome, thank you so much for the explanation!!

[@lenkafialka1]

Thank you...it is perfect. Done

[@TheDailySew]

Love to hear this. Thank you

[@mariaellers8026]

Thank you very much, this is a nice easy video to follow

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you, Just what I was aiming for.

[@anapauladelimasilvadelimas3974]

Maravilhoso o seu trabalho, gostei muito. Parabéns.👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@TheDailySew]

Obrigada

[@mariadiazoliva3546]

I would like to add a zipper , to open it and wash the cushion. Could you help me do this. Thanks a lot!

[@TheDailySew]

I've been thinking about this. It seems to me the best place for a zipper would be in the seam that connects the side to the bottom circle. You would do a centered zipper. Before you attach the top/second circle, sew the bottom circle but not all the way around. Leave 12" or however long your zipper opening will be unsewn. Then sew the seam of that opening with a basting stitch. Press that seam open so the seam allowances are flat. On the wrong side, lay the zipped-up zipper face down on the basted opening, centering the zipper teeth on the seam. Using a zipper foot or by hand, sew the zipper down through the seam allowance and pillow. Sew down the sides of the zipper and across the top and bottom. Remove the basting stitches. Close the zipper and sew up the pillow as if the zipper wasn't there. When you go to close the side panel shut you could use more permanent stitches since you will be using the zipper to replace the inner stuffing if needed. I think this will work but I haven't tried it myself.

[@mariadiazoliva3546]

@@TheDailySew Thank you so much. Your explanation was very clear and easy to follow. Thanks a lot!!

[@mariadiazoliva3546]

My meditation cushion is ready, zipper included! thanks again!

[@TheDailySew]

@@mariadiazoliva3546 Oh, that's great! I'm so happy that worked. I love a good collaboration :-)

[@dipr4169]

The traditional meditation cushion does not have the opening sewn closed, as the double-breasted side fabric covers it.

[@macorinadeloscobos9820]

Love it! New suscriber

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you :-) (But really, do stuff your cushion more than I stuffed mine in the video)

[@angelinafederle2220]

can we sew by hand? double stitch

[@TheDailySew]

Yes. I would use a small running stitch - maybe a backstitch, but I think a running stitch with short stitches would be strong enough. If you have a thick fabric you may want to use a topstitch thread (It's a little thicker than all-purpose thread) but only if you already have some (no need to get it just for this). I have a video showing those stitches: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHKcpmd8Z5yfbpI

[@caltho6295]

thank you for your video :)

[@AngelaGreco]

What if you don't want the pleats?

[@TheDailySew]

Angela Greco if you don’t want the pleats cut the side panel as long as the top & bottom is around plus about 4”. The extra inches allow you to turn under the raw edge of the end that overlaps and allows for the overlap. To get the length I’m sure there’s geometry involved but I would take a tape measure and just measure around the circle. If you don’t have a fabric tape measure cut a piece of yarn or string so it goes around the edge and then cut the side panel to match PLUS your 4 or so inches. Hope this helps.

[@AngelaGreco]

@@TheDailySew Thanks so much!

[@melifever]

About how much time should we allot for this project? (Intermediate level seamstress)

[@Travelerbacha]

I wish my house 🏡 is near yours . I can sew from you 🙂🙈

[@TheDailySew]

Maybe one day ;-)

[@i_su_hart_su_hart_i]

U drew on the pretty face❔❔❔ Not on the wrong side❔❔❔

[@TheDailySew]

Yes, because I planned to cut on the line I drew. If there are any marks still on the face of the fabric they would be in the seam allowance and not be seen. However, it is always a good idea to draw on the wrong side just in case you marked in the wrong place or have to cut it differently than you first thought. So you're correct; mark on the wrong side of your fabric - it's a good habit to have.