#zafu

Since I apparently enjoy sitting on the floor sometimes, I decided to make some zafu cushions so I can do so more comfortably.

I couldn't find sewing instructions for exactly what I wanted, so I had to cobble things together. Here's how my first draft turned out:

I took inspiration from Amma Therapie's construction:

These round zafus are 13.5 inches in diameter, and 4.5" tall. They come in two parts: a removable outside cover, and a cushion insert. The cushion holds about 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) of buckwheat hulls.

The outer cover has an invisible zip going about halfway around the seam joining the circular top (or bottom) panel to the side panel.

The inner pillow has a small zipper to allow for refilling with buckwheat hulls (which they also sell--and I greatly appreciate that they list the amounts needed for each cushion).

I made my cushions 13.5" diameter and about 5.5" tall. I used cotton canvas in a rust-orange colour, and khaki/olive cotton webbing for a strap. I wanted my cushion to be pumpkiny, so I included side pleats.

I didn't have lengths of invisible zipper so I used conventional zipper tape and this tutorial for a semi-concealed upholstery zipper. I placed my zipper in the seam between the bottom and side panels, which was more difficult than doing it on non-curved seams (especially curved seams with pleats)! This was my first time using this zipper method, and while it works, it's not the prettiest.

After sewing the outer cushion cover, I made the inner cushion (it's easier to sew something smaller vs larger). Mostly I just increased the seam allowance by about 1/8".

I interfaced all the fabric for the inner, to give it more strength and make it less likely to leak dust and small particles. To the top panel, I fused some batting, then quilted it in a diamond pattern for good measure:

I also used a semi-concealed ziper in the side panel so I could refill the cushion as needed. But in retrospect, a shorter zipper would be better.

I stuffed my cushion with a combination of buckwheat hulls and aspen pet bedding leftover from making tailor's hams. I used about 50/50 mix, and the cushion weighs about 7 lbs. I'm going to try it with this amount of filling, then see about adding more.

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