How to Make a Mastectomy Pillow (Breast Cancer Heart Cuddle® Pillow Sewing Tutorial & Pattern)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as part of our mission of Making The World A Softer Place™, we'd love to share this special sewing project that’s near and dear to our hearts.

Cuddle® Ambassador Teresa Coates has made several breast cancer heart-shaped pillows out of Cuddle® minky plush fabric for friends and close family members, and all have noted how soft and comforting they felt on their skin.

The signature heart shape of the pillow is intentional; while it is a nod to the love and support provided by family and friends through breast cancer treatment and recovery, the heart shape also fits nicely under the arm to limit irritation at the surgery site (It is helpful with seatbelts, too).

These pillows make thoughtful gifts for anyone going through breast cancer treatment, and many hospitals accept donations of homemade mastectomy pillows for their patients (please double check with your local hospital and follow their guidelines).

Ready to start sewing? Here Teresa lists her tips for sewing a mastectomy pillow.

Fabrics and notions you’ll need to make a mastectomy pillow

These products can be substituted for whatever you have on hand, but here is what Teresa recommends for her mastectomy pillow tutorial:

• ½ yard Cuddle®
• ½ yard quilting cotton (optional)
• Mastectomy pillow pattern
• Coordinating polyester thread (Mettler recommended)
• 90/14 Stretch needle (Schmetz recommended)
• Flowerhead pins (Clover recommended)
• Wonder Tape (optional)
• 45 mm rotary cutter (Olfa recommended)
• Polyester fiber-fill (Fairfield Royal Silk recommended)
• ¾” hook and loop tape (optional)
• Stiletto (ByAnnie Stiletto & Pressing Tool recommended)

Tips for sewing a mastectomy pillow

• Don’t worry about finishing the seams or raw edges; they won’t fray
• Trim curves on cotton, but you don’t need to for the Cuddle® pillow cover
• Use an extra soft polyester fill such as Fairfield’s Royal Silk for extra comfort
• Make a separate cotton pillow form and washable Cuddle® cover

Video: How to sew a mastectomy pillow

Check out this tutorial, taught by Cuddle® Ambassador Teresa Coates, that walks you through, step by step, on how to sew a Cuddle® mastectomy pillow. 

Free downloadable mastectomy pillow sewing pattern

Click the "Download Now!" button below to download and print Teresa's free mastectomy pillow sewing pattern. 

If you have any questions about Cuddle® minky plush fabrics or any of our Cuddle® Kits, feel free to contact our friendly, no-pressure customer service team at 866-624-5252.

Ready to start creating with Cuddle® minky fabric? Use our store locator to find a selection of Cuddle® minky fabric online or near you.