Meditation Cushion (Zafu)
In today’s sewing tutorial, we’ll show you step by step how to sew a meditation cushion. It’s very, very easy to make, and you can use it for much more than meditation.
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew a round zafu-style floor cushion with pleated sides and a fabric handle. Use it for meditation, seating at a low table, a reading corner, or support while working near the floor.
The cushion raises the seated position for meditation. Its handle sits over the filling opening, concealing the closure and making the finished cushion easy to carry.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Sew and turn a sturdy fabric handle.
- Join the side panels while leaving a filling opening.
- Measure and form pleats around both edges.
- Quarter and match circular panels evenly.
- Turn and fill the cushion.
- Close the opening by machine or by hand.
Fabric and filling
Choose a durable fabric such as canvas for regular floor use. The class advises against lightweight poplin because it may wear out quickly in this application.
Fill with kapok, cotton cushion fill, reused stuffing, natural hulls, or small fabric scraps. Your choice will affect the cushion’s density and feel.
If the outer fabric is thin, the PDF suggests adding interfacing to the circular panels, side panels, and handle.
Make it your own
Add filling gradually until the cushion reaches your preferred firmness. A denser fill creates a firmer seat, while less filling produces a softer result.
Close the opening with an invisible hand stitch or a machine seam. The handle conceals the closure during normal use.
The video class includes a downloadable pattern with the circular panels, side-panel measurements, handle piece, and material guidance.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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