This is my first attempt at doing a tutorial and I must thank MellieKQuilter for actually doing a pillow and helping me correct a few things. These directions are flexible so do a little fudging if you need to.


Finished size - 10”x11”
Finished pillow 10”x10”

Pillow Insert

Cut a 10” side strip x44”(wof)
Cut that in half to make (2) 10x22 rectangles.
This makes 2 pillow inserts.
Fold in half and sew up each side and across the end leaving about 4” open for turning.
Turn the pillow and stuff well with polyfil stuffing. Sew the opening closed.

Pillow Cover.

Start with a strip of fabric 10 1/2”x (WOF) ”
Cut (2) 3 ½” x 10 ½” strips off of the end. These will be your straps.
You need a piece 10 ½” x 37” to make your bag
Turn the edge of the short end (10”) under ¼” and then under ½-1”. Stitch along folded edge to hem. Do this to each end. See diagram “Hemming Ends”.

Lay your strip with the RS (right side) facing up. See diagram “Folding Fabric”
Take your end on the right and fold it over approximately 10 ½” and pin in place. Take the end on the left and bring it over top of the first folded end up about 10 ½”. Each hemmed end should be approximate 1 - 1 ½” from folded edge. Sew along each side with a ¼” seam.

Turn your pillow cover right side out.

Lay your pillow right side out like in the diagram for adding the straps.
We need to box the corners of the bottom of your cover. The bottom should be the left side of your bag with a flap (pocket) on top. Pick up your cover and flip that top pocket back inside out. This will reveal a folded edge. Spread that corner out so the seam goes to the middle. Smooth it out nicely and draw a line approximately ¾” down from the center point. Pin it to hold in place and then stitch across that line. Do the same to the other side. Turn back right side out and you will have your boxed corners. See diagram.

Straps:
Fold each strap in half the long way and stitch a ¼” seam across one end and down the long side. Turn right side out. Top stitch ¼” around the outside edge. See diagram.

Cut a 4” length of Velcro. Sew one piece to each strap starting at the closed in end. Join the two straps by overlapping the Velcro. Now take the two raw ends, folding the edges under 2 times and sew to the edge of the top of the bag through all layers.

Insert your pillow and you are done. Donate your pillow to your Local Cancer Group or make it a gift for a friend that has just had surgery.

how is the pillow used for mastectomy?

It is carried like a purse and supports your arm away from your side.

Ohhh, so it it used to tuck under your arm to give you some padding? I have never heard of these before. You did a good job for your first tute! :)

That is a great tute, I make the small pillow to go under the arm while sleeping, this keeps you comfortable.

Cookie

I had a double with reconstruction in 2008, this would have been a nice help during those first few months. So nice of you to post.:)

the tutorial looks great! :)

These are really nice. I had to wear a binder after mine, a little rough on the arm pits. A lady from a group at the hospital, brought a little pouch type bag for you drain tubes and a 4"x6" satin like pillow for your under arm. These were both a blessing and felt good too.

I had one after my surgery and it was a godsend.

Thanks so much! I'm sharing this idea with my guild.

How I had one after my surgery and it was nice! Made it a bit more comfy than letting your arm hang over that area.

Thanks for the tute! My church has decided to make these and donate them locally.

Thanks for the great tute & idea.

What fabrics are more suited for this?

Thank you so much. I am sharing this with our sewing club and they thought it was a great idea. I am sure many women will be so glad to get one.
Thanks again,
Mary

Good info. I'll be watching for more info on this.

This would have been great after my mastectomy. My Under arm was really tender.

My mom had a Mastectomy 3 yrs. ago. She has healed up but it's still tender under her arm. Are these pillows for women that has healed up too or does it just benefit right after surgery during the healing process? :roll:

I believe this pillow would still bring some comfort to your mom. It would be a great gift for her. From what others have told me, anyone who has had any kind of chest surgergy could use these pillows during their recovery.

our quilt group at the senior center makes pillows for open heart surgey pillows. will show this to them. thanks.

great idea. I will do these for mastectomy patients. My sis sent me a bag for dainage tubes. but couldn't use it in the shower cuz it was solid cotton. so I will do the nylon mesh and make these also.
Marla

Be careful with velcro as it can be picky and irritate the skin. make sure the velcro has soft material around it and won't come in contact with the skin.

This sure would have been a godsend 41 years ago when I had surgery.

I am really glad you posted!

Thank you for sharing this with us. Very useful. I will make these for our local hospital. Great idea. I've seen it before and appreciate you sharing it here.

Do you think a 14" pillow would be too big? Our church already has a stash of 14" pillow forms that we were going to use for something else and it never happened. Thought maybe we could utilize them instead of buying more.
What do you think?

I used a regular bed pillow when I had my Mastectomy. So 14" would be fine

Love this idea, I need to make some for ACS to put in their gift shop

THANKS for the tute...needed right now for a friend.

Some people dosnt know just how much these little pillows mean to us who has been through this ordeal.they are like gold to us and they really work. Thank You for the tut. Barb

Hi

I have just made 2 of these pillows and your instructions are terrific. These can certainly be made in a short time frame. I'm not sure about using the polyfill stuffing or using quilt batting, not the warm and natural, but the other kind that is thicker. Is there much of difference between the polyfill and the batting? I have some pieces of batting that would fit well. And can the polyfil be washed if necessary? I'm making a pair of these for a friend who is have both breasts removed, and one for myself (only having a lumpectomy). Thanks for the instructions. Marge

I have a question - probably clear as mud but you know how it is some days! In process of making one for my mom who is scheduled for surgery Dec. 11. I understand about folding the fabric in 10-1/2inches on each side and having a 1-1/2 inch space on each end. but when it says to sew the sides ???? are we talking the sides that are folded in or do we sew the top and bottom. thanks!