How To Make A Lumbar Pillow. Best 2-Step Guide

It only takes two steps to master how to make a lumbar pillow. Gone are the days when you have to spend a lot to have multiple pillows supporting different body regions. Learning how to sew a lumbar pillow will even provide a more customized support for yourself.

Roll pillows are not the only pillow that you can make to target specific body areas. With a lumbar pillow, you can maintain a straight posture and avoid body pain and pressure while sleeping or sitting. And since you’re making it, you can choose certain materials for optimal support. 

How To Make A Lumbar Pillow

 

Comprehensive Guide For Making A Lumbar Pillow

 

Step #1. Preparation

Lumbar support is essential to reduce the risk of lower back pain. You can use a lumbar pillow to help you achieve this, but you must design it correctly. Since you’re making the lumbar pillow yourself, you’re free to cut a piece of fabric according to the size that will fit you best.

It’s also a good idea to select a durable fabric to withstand daily wear and tear. You can then plan how big you want your lumbar pillow to target your lower back region comfortably. Make sure that it has the appropriate size for supporting you. 

Cut two fabric pieces according to your desired length, but allocate half an inch of seam allowance. Lay them on top of each other, so their backsides are facing outward, and pin their top and bottom sides. Pinning from the edges will make seam stitching more comfortable. 

 

Step #2. Sewing and stuffing

Finally, you can sew the longest sides of the pillow, which are the top and bottom. However, don’t forget to leave an opening so you can stuff it later on. A useful tip is to leave half an inch of space on each end. 

After you’ve secured the stitches, you can turn the pillow liner right side out. Then, fold the unfinished edges before pinning them in place to make sewing easier. Afterward, select a stuffing that will provide you your desired firmness and thickness for a lumbar pillow.

Stuff the liner so that there are no spaces inside and check its firmness as you go. You can then sew the opening shut, and you’re done. Make sure to check the quality of your stitches to ensure the longevity of your lumbar pillow. 

 

Types Of Lumbar Pillows

The lumbar pillow that comes to mind immediately comes in the form of rolls. These cylindrical pillows fit perfectly under the lower back or neck to straighten the spine. However, there are also rectangular and triangular lumbar pillows. The example above is the most straightforward shape to make, which is rectangular, and it also fits under the back well. 

On the other hand, triangular lumbar pillows are often made of memory foam and have a good size for providing lower back support. You’ll also find lumbar belts that are more secured since you wrap them above the hip. They make excellent considerations for those that move around a lot during sleep. 

 

How To Use A Lumbar Pillow

Remember that we must maintain a neutral spine while sleeping to avoid back pain. We have to keep our ears, shoulders, and hip aligned, and adding a lumbar pillow on your lower back ensures that you have no posture deviations. For every sleeping position, there are areas in the body that encourages poor posture. 

The main benefit of lumbar pillows is they fill the gap between the mattress and the back. This maintains a neutral spine that lessens the stress on the back and other body regions. So how should you use a lumbar pillow to achieve this benefit?

 

Back sleeping 

Doctors recommend sleeping on the back compared to other positions because it’s the closest to naturally following our spine. However, the curves on our spines create unsupported areas that can lead to back pain. Therefore, it’s crucial to fill the gap between the bed and the lower back with a lumbar pillow and elevate the legs slightly with another pillow. 

 

Side sleeping

Side sleeping is a more comfortable position for pregnant women and those with acid reflux. However, this position can still benefit from a lumbar pillow because there will be a gap in the area above the hip and bed. Place a pillow in this area to reduce back pain and use a pillow between the legs to help straighten the spine. 

 

Stomach sleeping 

Stomach sleeping is the least favored sleeping position because it flexes the lower back. Most supportive pillows have no use when you sleep on your stomach. Instead, use a flat pillow for your face and lower abdomen to make the spine more neutral. 

 

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing lower back pain, you must provide support in this region. Learn how to make a lumbar pillow so that you can customize it accordingly. Start by designing a liner based on your desired length and cut two fabric pieces based on the pillow’s dimensions.

Pin them in place and sew the longest sides of the pillow. Allocate an unfinished part for turning the pillow and stuffing it. Finally, stuff the lumbar pillow liner to achieve your desired firmness and stitch the opening shut. 

There are also other shapes of lumbar pillows besides the rectangular one cited in this guide. You can choose the more fitting for your body type and needs. Furthermore, select quality materials for the pillow liner and fill to help the lumbar pillow become more supportive and last longer.