Wedge Pillows Are Great For Your Back, Here's How To DIY One

If you've been waking up with a sore back or struggling to find a comfortable sleep position, a wedge pillow might help you transition to dreamland just a little easier. These specially designed pillows elevate your upper body, promoting better spine alignment, thereby reducing pressure on your back. As a bonus, they're also great for improving sleep apnea, acid reflux, and overall comfort. 

While there are definitely things to consider when picking pillows for your bed, why not take on a fun and thrifty DIY project? Making a wedge cushion allows you to customize it to your exact needs and preferences. You can adjust its height and angle to find the most comfortable position for your back, hips, or pregnant belly. You could even add in some personal touches. Choosing your own fabric means you can match it with your decor.

Creating a DIY wedge pillow involves a few steps, but don't worry — we've got you covered. Whether you're an experienced crafter or a beginner, this project is totally doable. You'll need some foam, fabric, and basic sewing tools to get started. Gather your fabric, a cutting blade or serrated knife, a measuring tape, scissors, a sewing machine (or needle and thread for hand-sewing), and some high-density foam or polyester filling. Interestingly, a study published by the National Library of Medicine found that no particular pillow or filling can guarantee a good night's sleep, so it comes down to a matter of personal preference as to which type of insert you choose.

The envelope cover method is ideal for this project as you can remove and wash the cover without a zip. In the first step, measure and cut the foam with a serrated or electric knife. The standard size of a wedge pillow is between 20 and 25 inches wide, 20 and 25 inches long, and 6 and 12 inches high. Place some paper over the foam wedge, and trace its outline before using it to cut the fabric with some extra inches for seams. You'll need two triangular pieces for the sides and two rectangular pieces for the top and bottom. 

Now sew the triangular pieces to the rectangular pieces, and form the shape of the wedge. Leave one side open to insert the foam. If you're using a zipper, attach it to the open side. Finally, insert the foam into the fabric cover and fold or zip the open side closed. Ensure all seams are secure and the fabric is tight around the foam.

One of the best parts of making your own wedge pillow is the ability to customize it to your preference. If you have a specific back condition, adjust the height and angle of the pillow to best support your needs (but make sure to consult your doctor or physical therapist if you have specific health requirements). Everyone's always looking for simple ways to make your bed feel more luxurious, and one of them is to choose a high-quality, breathable fabric for your hand-crafted cushion for a bespoke finish. 

Additionally, you can create extra features for your wedge pillow to increase its functionality. Add a pocket on the side of the pillow to provide a convenient place to store your TV remote, nighttime creams, phone, or other bedside essentials. Hello Sewing posted a beautiful, detailed, instructional video on how to do this. Their comprehensive clip also shows you how to attach a zip and sew in an interlining so that the cover lasts a long time.  Another practical add-on is a handy neck roll pillow that can attach to the wedge, as shown in a YouTube tutorial posted by Sewing Times. And bonus: There are three spots where you can button the headrest depending on the angle most comfortable for your neck.

Making a DIY wedge cushion gives you the tools to take care of your back in a practical way. Plus, if you have any leftover fabric, consider re-covering an old throw pillow to refresh your couch with a new look.