How to Make Roll Control Bolsters

Roll control bolsters are used to prevent people from rolling out of bed. The design of a roll control bolster is rather simple: it is a long bolster cushion that is secured to the bed with straps. When measuring the size of the bolster that you'll need, place a pillow on the bed and begin the measurements from that point down the side of the bed. The bolster only needs to stretch from the person's shoulder to his knees.

Things You'll Need

• Foam pillow filling
• Tape measure
• Pen
• Utility knife
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread
• Nylon straps
• Slide release buckle

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Instructions

• 1

  Mark the dimensions of the bolster onto the foam pillow filling.

  Mark the dimensions of the bolster onto the foam pillow filling. Shape the bolster so that it's triangular (two flat sides and an angled side. Cut the foam to shape using a utility knife.

• 2

  Measure the exact dimensions of the foam on all sides.

  Measure the exact dimensions of the foam on all sides, including the ends. Transfer those measurements onto your fabric. Add an extra ½ inch to the edges of the five panels (three sides and two ends) to ensure there's enough room for a seam. Cut out the panels.

• 3

  Stitch the joining seams together.

  Lay the side panels out side by side with the underside of the fabric facing upwards. Stitch the joining seams together, leaving the two ends unsewn to form a single, long panel.

• 4

  Attach the triangular end panels to the side panels. Sew each edge of the end panel to its corresponding edge of the side panels. When the end panels are installed, the bolster cover will look like a triangular tube with a slotted opening.

• 5

  Cut the nylon straps.

  Measure the distance across the top of the bed, adding an extra inch to your measurement. Cut two nylon straps to this size. Cut a third strap to this length plus the width of the mattress. Measure from the outside of the bolster and around the underside of the mattress. Cut a nylon strap to this length, adding an extra 6 inches.

• 6

  Cut two triangular pieces of fabric the same length as the bolster. One will be attached to the bolster cover and the other to the ends of the straps.

• 7

  Sew the longest strap to one of the triangular pieces from the base to the top point. Weave the opposite end of the strap through the insert side of the slide release buckle (the extra 6 inches will allow you to tighten the straps later). Attach the triangle to the bolster cover's outside edge.

• 8

  Sew the shortest straps to both ends of the bolster cover's other open edge. The remaining strap is sewn to the center of that edge. Sew the corners of other fabric triangle to the ends of the shortest straps. Lay the longer strap under the triangle and sew it to the fabric so the end of the strap extends from the triangle's point. Attach the other side of the buckle to this strap.

• 9

  Turn the cover right side out. Insert the foam filling into the cover. Fold the open edges of the cover under and stitch them together. Lay the bolster upright and stitch the straps to the inside corner of the bolster to prevent it rolling when installed.

• 10

  Place the bolster on the very edge of the bed just below the pillow. Lay the three strap harness across the mattress. Wrap the single strap under the bed. Join both sides of the buckle together and tighten the straps until they become taut. Cover the straps on the mattress with a blanket.