How To Make A Chemo Port Pillow

Making a chemo port pillow is the perfect project for a fabric scraps bin that needs some attention.

I mean, that last thing you need is for the bin to take on a life of its own. That could wreak havoc on any crafting space.

And what better way is there to use those scraps on World Cancer Day than to bring comfort to someone going through chemo?

I can’t think of a single one.

For the advanced sewers out there, you’ll take one look at the chemo port pillow and be able to crank it out without a tutorial.

It’s as simple as a 7″ x 4″  rectangle with two pieces of sew-on hook-and-loop tape and polyester fill.

You can whip a bunch of these out in no time.

When you’re done, please consider contacting one of the small, local hospitals in your area to find out where you can deliver them.

For those of you who are new to sewing or just new to this concept, I have created a straightforward tutorial on how to create a chemo port pillow (no pattern needed!).

I am hoping that you will create to donate along with me.

Let’s Sew A Chemo Port Pillow

The materials and tools you need to make a chemo port pillow are simple:

– 100% Cotton fabric.

You can use any type of 100% cotton fabric – quilting cotton or flannel typically works well.

This project is a great fabric scrap buster so dig into your bin and take a trip down memory lane!

While some people choose to use fleece for these pillows because it’s soft to the touch and has nice give, I’m not a fan.

The port pillow does need to have a little bit of stiffness to it so that it provide the proper support.

Cotton has a tighter weave and therefore provides the right amount of give and support. ‘

Plus, I just like that it’s a natural material instead of a synthetic – but that’s just my personal preference.

– Sew-on hook-and-loop tape

It is important that you purchase the sew-on hook-and-loop tape* NOT the adhesive-backed tape.

– Polyester fiber fill.

If you’re only making a single pillow, you’ll need just a little more than a good handful.

Here is a small bag of polyester fill* to consider if you’re just getting started with these port pillow.

– Rotary cutter and mat or scissors.

You’ll use this to cut the fabric and the hook and look tape.

If you don’t have a rotary cutter and mat yet, I highly recommend them. It not only helps speed up the process but also prevents fatigue and soreness in your hands.

– Sewing machine

While a sewing machine should go without saying, if you like to hand sew, this small pillow could be done with a needle and thread, but it’s not the most efficient choice.

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Steps For Making A Port-A-Cath Pillow

Step 1: Cut materials to size.

Cut 2 pieces of fabric into rectangles that measure 7″ x 4″ and two pieces of hook and loop tape that measure 3.5″.

POST UPDATE: The original post used only a single piece of hook and loop tape. But after feedback from recipients and readers, I updated the design to include two pieces instead to keep the pillow from turning when attached to the seat belt.

Step 2: Secure the hook and loop tape.

To make your life easy and ensure that your hook and loop tape placement is exactly where you want it, sandwich the tape in between the two pieces of fabric and clip.

Each piece should be placed approximately placed 1.5″ away from the top and bottom edges.

It’s also important to note that you should not be sewing through both pieces of tape when you sew the edge.

You want to make sure that the tape lines up with the outside edge but doesn’t reach the other edge so when you turn it right sides out, the tape isn’t caught in the seam.

The video tutorial at the bottom of the post walks you through the placement if you need a visual.

Step 3: Sew the fabric pieces together & turn.

Use a 3/8″ seam allowance around the rectangle and remember to leave an opening (a.k.a. hole) measuring about 2″ on one of the short edges of the fabric.

Not only do you need this to turn the pillow right side out, but you’ll also use this to stuff the pillow.

Step 4: Stuff the chemo port pillow.

Take the polyester fiberfill and start stuffing the pillow to give it shape.

Be careful not to over stuff because you still need to sew the open edge shut.

Once you stuffed the pillow, use either a ladder stitch or top stitch with your machine to close the hole.

I opted to top stitch the port pillow since the sewing machine was already warmed up.

Admire Your Port Pillow Handiwork

When you’ve finished the project, take a step back and admire your handiwork.

Another thing of note: While the purpose of Create To Donate site is to offer tutorials for items you can make to donate, the chemo port pillow is also called a seat belt pillow in some cases and can be used by anyone who finds their seat belt uncomfortable.

Print-Friendly Port Pillow Pattern

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