Give Your Old Bolster Pillow a Stylish Upgrade

Do you have an old bolster pillow lying around that has seen better days? Or perhaps you found one at a thrift store, but the fabric just doesn’t suit your taste? No problem: with a little sewing skill and the right tools, you can easily transform a worn-out bolster into a fresh, stylish piece. Perfect for the bedroom, caravan, patio chairs, or as a charming accent in your living room.

From Old to New: Getting Started
Begin by carefully taking the bolster apart. A seam ripper or small pair of scissors works best—try to avoid damaging the zipper or fabric.

Once dismantled, you should have:

• two round end pieces
• one long fabric strip
• the (blind) zipper
• the piping that ran along the edges
  
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These pieces serve as your template for the new cover. Place the old fabric onto your new fabric, trace, and cut with seam allowances included. Finish the edges with a zigzag stitch or an overlock stitch to prevent fraying.

Adding Flair with Piping and Fresh Fabric
For the piping, cut two strips of fabric about 7 cm wide and as long as the original piping. Fold each strip in half, stitch 1 cm from the fold, and then gently fray the raw edges with scissors. This creates a playful effect and adds a professional touch to your new bolster.

The Blindstitch Zipper Foot (#35)For the zipper, the Bernina Blindstitch Zipper Foot (#35) is a game changer. This foot guides the zipper coils so you can sew extremely close to the edge. The result? A beautifully hidden closure that disappears seamlessly into the seam.

This foot is ideal for:

• garments such as skirts, dresses, and trousers
• home décor projects like cushions or curtains
• accessories including pouches or bags
  

Compared to a standard zipper foot, the blindstitch zipper foot offers much greater precision and a cleaner finish.

Tackling Sturdy Fabrics with the Non-Stick Zipper Foot (#54)If you’re working with bouclé or other heavy fabrics, the Non-Stick Zipper Foot (#54) is a must. The special sole glides smoothly over textured or sticky surfaces, while the built-in guide ensures perfectly aligned seams. Sewing even tough fabrics becomes effortless.

The Finished Piece
Once everything is stitched together, turn the bolster right side out, trim away stray threads, and stuff it with the original filling or polyester fiberfill. And just like that, your tired old bolster pillow has been given a brand-new life—fresh, stylish, and perfectly matched to your home.