Boppy infant pillows have been ranked year after year as a product moms can’t live without. Here’s a free pattern to sew your own Boppy style pillow and slipcover. And yes, this slipcover will fit a name-brand Boppy!
How to:
1
Begin by printing the free Poppy Pillow Slipcover pattern. (Margins are included, no need to scale.)
2
Cut out the pieces on the black line using craft scissors, then tape together. Pieces A & B will be on top, and C & D will be on the bottom.
3
You have a lot of options when it comes to fabric. You’ll need 2/3 yard for the front and 2/3 yard for the back of either cotton, flannel, or Minky. The fabric needs to be at least 44 inches wide on the bolt; you will need extra fabric if you’re working with a smaller width. Remember to pre-wash and dry your fabric to prevent shrinking.
4
Fold the fabric in half and place the straight edge of the pattern on the fold. Pin in place and cut out. Repeat for the back piece.
5
Layer the two pieces right-sides together and pin. Leave an opening for the 18-inch zipper along the top curve. Sew the pieces together with a 1/4 inch seam. (Never inserted a zipper before? Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it.)
6
Clip and notch the curves to help the fabric lay flat. Be careful not to snip your stitches.
7
Turn right side out and press.
8
Pin the zipper to the top edge of the fabric. You only need to pin through the top half of the zipper tape. Be sure you are only pinning through a single layer of fabric.
9
Switch to your sewing machine’s zipper foot. A zipper foot’s base is narrow like a ski, allowing you to get close to the zipper. Depending on the foot and your machine, you may be able to attach the foot either on the left or right side of the bar. Other machines may require you to switch the needle position to the left or right instead.
10
You may want to remove the machine’s sewing arm.
11
Insert the fabric around the sewing machine. Remember, you are only sewing through one layer of fabric. Stitch very close to the zipper’s teeth.
12
Stop a couple inches away from the zipper pull. With the needle down, open the zipper by pushing the pull past the foot. This is a little awkward, but you’ll manage. Continue sewing down the length of the zipper tape.
13
Turn the slipcover inside out. Line up the free edge of the fabric with the free side of the zipper tape. Pin together, remembering to only pin through one half of the zipper tape.
14
Depending on your zipper foot, you may need to switch it to the opposite side. Sew the zipper in place, again remembering to stop to open the zipper.
15
Finally, I recommend using pinking shears on the seams to give the slipcover a longer life. You could also serge, overlock, or zig-zag over the seams for extra durability.
16
Turn right side out through the zipper opening and press.
17
To learn how to make your own C-shaped pillow form, check out the Poppy Pillow Form tutorial.
Please note that this pillow is intended for infant support and feeding. Baby should never sleep on a pillow.
Made By Marzipan is in no way affiliated with The Boppy Company.
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- Marsha
- Lolita
- Nicki
- Eleonora
- Samantha
Finished?
Show it off!
This is great! I didn’t like the patterns of any of the boppy slipcovers, and now I can make my own!! Thank you!
You’re welcome! As a mom, I’ve bought two of these pillows in the past and loved them. I don’t know why it took me so long to realize, “Hey, I can make this… easily!” Enjoy :)
Thank you for the pattern! Can you use polyester fabric. Thanks
Yes, although it won’t be quite as soft for baby. Also, either use a serger or a narrow zig-zag to account for the stretch.
How can I put the zipper on the back of the pillow instead of the top?
Hi Natalie, I put the zipper on the side because it’s much easier to get the pillow in and out. However, if you want to insert the pillow through the back, you can skip the zipper altogether. Just cut the back pattern in 2 pieces across the widest part on the top half. Then tape another 3 inches of paper to each cut edge. Cut out the two back pieces from fabric. Hem each straight cut edge by double-folding to encase the raw edge. When you get to the step where you sew the back and front pieces together, the two back pieces will overlap a bit where they meet. This will allow you to slide the pillow in, without having a visible opening gap. Hope this helps!
Thank you for the pattern. I had to raise my kids without these pillows and used folded up blankets, but I’ll love making these as baby gifts.
How to make it a slipcover one not a zippered one
Hi Cassy, if you want it to be a slipcover, you would keep one piece as shown. For the back piece, cut the pattern halfway along the center of the top. Add 4 inches to the cut edge of the top half and 1 inch to the cut edge of the bottom half. Fold under the cut edge of the bottom half twice (1/2 inch each time) to make a hem and stitch. Do the same with the cut edge of the top half. Now take the original front piece you made from my pattern. Lay the bottom half of the back piece on top, matching up the sides and bottom. Then lay the top half over it, making sure you match up sides and bottom. Pin the hemmed pieces together where they overlap, remove from the original piece, and stitch where they overlap (within the 1/2 inch seam line). Continue as shown in the tutorial.
Hi Kelly, these measurements were based on fabric that is the standard 44-46 inches off the bolt. The pattern is for half the pillow, and is about 15 tall by 20 wide… so unfolded, you would need fabric that is 15 tall by 40 wide. 2/3 yd should equal 24 x 44 inches. Perhaps the fabric you bought was only 36 inches off the bolt? So sorry for the inconvenience!
Can I use a 14″ zipper instead?
where is the link to the pattern?
Click on the red text that says free “Poppy Pillow Slipcover pattern” in the supplies list :)
I just made the Poppy Slipcover for my daughter in law and did the zipper. Thank you for your guidance. OMG I can’t believe I did it. I could not down load the pattern but already had the pillow form to trace around the fabric. Anyway it is done and I am happy. Thank you.
Hi,
Does the slip cover and pillow use the same pattern? They look the same.
Hi, Vanessa. The dimensions are slightly different, the pillow form is smaller than the pillow cover :)
Is the 1/4 seam inside the pattern lines or outside?
Thanks
The seam allowance is included in the pattern.
I’m not sure if I messed up in the cutting or sewing, but my slipcover turned out a bit tight in the middle. It was quite difficult to close the zipper actually. But otherwise, the pattern was great and I made it in about an hour. In my case, I felt it was a mistake to sew the whole pillow, then do the zipper. I found it easier to sew the straight part first (baste), put in the zipper, then sew the rest. But that’s just me.
I also had a problem with tightness in the middle and difficulty in closing the zipper. But I will get some more fabric and fix it. I am happy to be able to give a custom made cover as a baby gift. Thank you for the tutorial!
I made this Boppy cover for a friend and it turned out great! Thanks for the pattern!
Love the new site
Pгetty! Thiis has bеen aan іncгedibly wonderful post.
Thanks for providing this info.
Thank you for this great pattern, im from Philippines and its so hard to look for a good quality pillow for my boy. But tru ur shared pattern i can now do my better quality pillow in a cheap way. Thank you so much GOD Bless.
The other patterns I found were very complicated. This one seems easy. Can’t wait to get it made for my first grandchild…Thanks so much.
I love the pattern for the covers! Maybe them for a friend who is having her first baby. Did 4 of them in a day. Your instructions are great, and I loved that you showed and told how to do the zipper. I love them, and hope she does too. Great idea for a baby gift.
Thank you so much for these tutorials! With my first child I just used a normal pillow to feed and had such sore shoulders. With my second one on the way, I will be feeding in comfort! =)
Thank you for this! Quick question though…..do you have a pattern to make a slipcover for the new Boppy 2 Sided Nursing Pillow? They are not available, and I really want a whaley one for my new little man. I assume I can modify the existing pattern, but thought I would ask first! Thank you!!
I’ve never heard of the 2 Sided Nursing Pillow. I’ll have to look into it… no, I don’t currently have a pattern for it.
Thank you I just made this for my daughter tonight. Money has been very tight so to make this for her was a real treat. I made it in a zebra print which is her theme with a hot pink flannel side. She requested I put in a cell phone pocket for her which I did with a flap with a velcro fastener so it wouldn’t slip out. Having the cover pattern was awesome so she can remove it and wash it… I have one estactic daughter who’s now bragging all over her Facebook page about it. Thanks again from one happy and pround Grandmother.
This comment made my day :) So glad you’re enjoying the free pattern, and I love your idea for the cell phone pocket!
Thanks for these Patterns. I Bought a U shaped pillow 20 Years ago for my Grandson,and then did the trace thing to make a cover on PAPER. Very interesting guessing Proportions then. Then when My last grandson was born 4 years ago a bought a Boppy and a cover. Quite Pricy ! Now I will make both with your Patterns alot easier and make two or three covers to always have a clean one available for my FIRST Gr Grandson in Nov. Thanks for all the Great ideas.
Thank you so much love it <3
I’m making this, but instead of using a zipper, I’m going to use velcro.
:D
I have a little 6 month old who absolutely loves to sit by herself and play. The problem is that she tips over and then is afraid to sit by herself for a while. Other Boppy type pillows just don’t support her the way she needed.
I just whipped one out using your pattern. I added 5 tabs on top to hold infant rings and toys. I even did the zipper for my first time-thank you very much!!!!
Its just perfect!!!!
She LOVES it! and I do to as it helps with her want/need for safe independent play.
Thank you for taking the time to make such a helpful and useful video and pattern.
I made two of these for my twin baby girls. They are 31/2 months old and just learning to sit up. It really makes me feel better knowing that they are safe and won’t tip over. I had a couple pillows that we’re hand-me-downs from my sister and law so the patterns were very out dated.
Thank for this!
Marsha, David, Kara and Maggie
(Ps. I will post pictures in the photo section)
Thanks a lot for this. I have a four months boy, I made my pillow from my old baby blanket so i recycled my olds.i also use an old pillows wools. Thanks again espacily the pattern is very usefull.
This is my pillows link http://m.imgur.com/wnHd6sd
The video is very good in step by step instructions including a zipper tutorial. However, it takes 1 1/3 yards to complete ONE POPPY pillow, and the video stated in the materials list that it only takes 2/3 yard material for the ONE POPPY pillow. This was confusing to me because I wanted to make two pillows and I only got enough material for one. I hope this helps future Poppy pillow makers.
Thanks for this! Do you remember where you got this fabric? It is SO cute!
It’s from Joann :)
Hi. I’m writing from Nigeria(W. Africa). I love this, it’s sooo cute. Problem is, i cant print the pdf over here, not so advanced technology over here. Pls can u give me measurements and direction to build the pattern?. I be grateful if can send me an email. I’m due in a matter of wks. Thanks
I am so grateful to have come across this!! I have been wanting to get my daughter one, who is due in 3 months, but they are sooo pricey! The covers are almost as much as the pillows~it’s crazy! And since I’ll be keeping the baby for them, who also happens to be my very first grandchild 😍 I want one for myself as well. Looks like I’ve found my answer~Thanks you so so much!!
As soon as I finish the kazillion bibs and burb rags I’m making, these Poppy Pillows are definitely next on my list!
Thank you again~you are a blessing!
Made the pillow and cover for my daughter. They turned out fantastic. I’ve recommended this site and pattern to other sewing friends.
I wanna pillow and cover what is the difference in measurments between the two I do not see my aunt is helping me and I’m using a Velcro closer for cover not ready for Zippers yet lol
thank you dear for the free pattern.
I made the boppy pillow and cut out two patterns for two pillow covers, but after sewing the first pattern together it was way to big for the pillow. The pictures show the cover fits nicely on the pillow, help i must have done something wrong, but cut from the pattern you graciously shared, Thank you in advance, and thank you for helping all of us novice sewers.
“Fit to page” is selected when I go to print it. Should I unclick it or leave it?
Hi:
Just wondering if you have made one for an adult. Would love to make travel pillows.
Tiai
I made one of these covers for my great granddaughter who was born in June 2016 and I used Hello Kitty flannel and was so glad I found your pattern and instructions because I could not have afforded the special print even if I could have found it (which I couldn’t)! My granddaughter was SO happy and it fits perfect!! I am now having to make another one for my other granddaughter who is expecting a son in a couple of weeks and since I made one for my first granddaughter I “have” to make one for this granddaughter’s soon to be born son. I am so grateful for your pattern. Thank you!
Will these covers fit an actual boppy Polly? My daughter received a bobby Polly but no covers. I need to find a pattern that actually will fit the boppy pillow. She is out of state so I can’t trace her pillow and can’t find anyone with a boppy pillow or cover😬 Help
I’m so glad I found your blog. My kids and grandkids are pretty much grown out of this size, but I’m getting a puppy and want something for him to cuddle into so he won’t feel so lonely. I’g going to make him one and, God willing, I will have more grand and great grand babies coming along to sew for. Thanks so much