How To Make a Buckwheat Zafu Meditation Cushion?

If you just begin practicing meditation, buying many cushions at around $30 each may not a reasonable option.

In fact, knowing how to make a buckwheat zafu meditation cushion at home will save you a little bit of money.

In this article, we will show you step by step on making your own zafu pillow. Moreover, if after all you still want to buy one, we also have a buying guide for you to prepare.

Let’s take a look.

Related:

Best Zafu and Zabuton Set for Your House

Why Are Meditation Pillows Filled With Buckwheat?

Typically, you can make your own zafu with just 2 parts: filling and the cloth into which the filling is stuffed.

There are 2 common types, Kapok type, and Buckwheat type. Buckwheat, or more precisely, buckwheat hulls, are the buckwheat grain’s shell.

They provide a firm basis that fits well to your body’s shape without being too soft. They make you feel like you are sitting on a mound of soft sand that might or might not be too hard for you.

Pros:

Typically, they may be simply opened and refilled. If your zafu is overly firm, you can also remove some hulls.

It fits your body form and creates a solid base.
Buckwheat cushions or pillows will not flatten out and will retain their form and support for a long time.

Cons:

It is likely that it is too firm for you. You can, however, remove some hulls and adjust to your choice.

This is a heavier version of kapok. It is not a big deal if you keep the cushion at home, but it could be an issue when traveling.
At first, the hulls can make a crunching noise.

Make Your Own Zafu Cushion

What You Need

Cloth

Stuffing: Buckwheat hulls (the quantity you buy will depend on the size of the cushion you are going to make. In this tutorial, we used 10 lbs for 2 items)
Sewing machine and also hand stitch skill.

Source: Instructables

Step 1: Prepare the sides

Firstly, cut a 9 x 60” piece of fabric. Choose a short edge and measure 6.5”, and mark the fabric from that edge.

Then, ¾” and 1.5” away from the first, mark another one. These marks will act as pleating guides.

Mark another 3” from the third, then also a ¾” and 1.5” away again. Repeat till you use up all of the cloth.

If you do it right, you will get 14 pleats.

Now it is time to make the pleats. There will be three marks for each pleat; fold at the second mark so that the third sits on top of the first and pin it in place. Check out my images if this does not make sense.

The pleats were pinned in place, then ironed flat and sewed down.

Step 2: Prepare the top and bottom

Draw a circle with a diameter of about 12.5” onto the cloth. Then fold it in half (2 layers thick) and pin the traced circle in place to cut 2 circles of the same size.

Step 3: Assemble and fill the stuffing

Pin the sides to the top/bottom with 4 or so pins (as indicated in the guide). If your fabric has a pattern, make sure the sides you want to see are facing in when doing this. Sew the side to the top, then flip it over and sew the bottom.

When you pin it all together, make sure that the 6.5″ of the side before the pleats overlap the pleat trailing end so that when the cushion was reversed, the pleat-less end would be on the outside.

Flip the pillow inside-out through the opening once you’ve finished sewing it together (don’t forget to leave the overlapping ends open). Then stuff the pillow with your preferred stuffing and hand-stitch the opening shut.

You can watch this video to see how to make a buckwheat zafu meditation cushion clearer: (114) How to sew a zafu | Easy sewing tutorial\

How To Choose A Good Zafu

You can find these pillows in many different shapes and sizes available.

However, No matter you make a buckwheat zafu meditation cushion or buy a new one, you should think about some factors, such as your height, comfort level, flexibility, your sitting position, and also the price.

1 – Consider the height

In fact, whether you choose a meditation cushion, your height will play a big role. The more lift you need, the taller you are. A typical product is about 5–8 inches off the ground, thus it should be suitable for people of almost any height.

Because you will be sitting at a forward angle for the majority of the time, your knees should be able to touch the ground/yoga mat/blanket below.

How to sit on a meditation zafu (Source: Halfmoon USA)

2 – The comfort

If you have ever tried to meditate while sitting on the floor or on a thin yoga mat, you know how painful it is and how it blocks you from going into the zone.

The cushion’s filling and fabric will affect how comfortable it is.

You’ll choose a kapok or cotton zafu if you like a softer texture to your pillow. You’ll want a buckwheat zafu if you prefer a firmer base and a heavier cushion.

3 – The flexibility

Cross-legged sitting requires a certain amount of flexibility.

The zafu will keep the pressure off your knees and ankles while allowing you to maintain a slightly forward position with your knees below your hips.

This is very important for a good spinal pose.

It is also a multi-purpose cushion that you can use for kneeling meditation. Simply turn the cushion on its side to give it a bit more height so you may easily kneel on it for kneeling meditation.

4 – Your meditation position

Consider whatever posture you like for your meditations, given the pillow’s adaptability. If you enjoy sitting and kneeling, it is an ideal choice.

Many meditation cushions and even benches, on the other hand, can allow both sitting and kneeling.

We do not say that a zafu is the only option, but it is cheap, traditional, and a good place to start.

4 – Reliability

We have bought and tested many different types and styles of meditation cushions.

And, while they are not too pricey, we all want something that will last for a long time.

Nobody wants to go back online, do more research, and then order another product just after a few months.

Other things that you should check include if the cushion is well packed, made of strong materials, and stitched carefully.

5 – Price

For most of us, price is an obvious consideration. We know we are not going to spend a lot of money on a single cushion anytime soon, and neither are you.

Having said that, we are willing to pay a premium for quality in whatever we buy.

Quality does not always mean pricey, but it also does not mean that we are looking for the cheapest option.

You have to look for and review products that hit a good mix between price, quality, and comfort.

How To Make A Buckwheat Zafu Meditation Cushion: Frequently Asked Questions

1 – What Are Meditation Cushions Made Of?

Kapok or Buckwheat Hulls are put into most of them. Kapok is a very environmentally friendly product (no pesticides and sustainable).

The solid hulls of buckwheat give firm support. Buckwheat also adds weight to the mix, keeping you from shifting in your seat.

You should for a product that comes with a mat for extra support if your knees and feet are sensitive.

2 – How High Should My Meditation Cushion Be?

The width of the cylindrical band depends on the height of a meditation cushion.

The typical height is 13 cm, which is a good size for most people to accommodate a cross-legged posture.

There are also 5 cm, 9 cm, and 17 cm options.

3 – Are Meditation Cushions Worth It?

A high-quality meditation cushion is a must if you want to form a consistent practice, just as you need a nice bed for a good night’s sleep.

Luckily, skilled meditators designed cushions, mats, and chairs to make long periods of meditation not only manageable but also really comfortable.

4 – Should I Get A Round Or Crescent Meditation Cushion?

Typically, crescent pillows have a lower base than round pillows.

If sitting cross-legged is comfortable for you, this lower cushion is a good choice; otherwise, a little higher (round) cushion is generally better.

5 – Why Do I Need A Meditation Cushion?

It will lift your hips and allows them to slide forward gently, supporting your low back’s natural curve.

The rest of your body will naturally align once your spine is aligned.

Conclusion

Meditation becomes easier when you can get relaxed and in a good position.

Mindfulness and clarity come, and your ease promotes enlightenment that would otherwise be hard to reach.

Choose a meditation cushion that meets your special needs.

Because everyone is different, think about what you want to get out of your meditation sessions and apply it to make a buckwheat zafu meditation cushion for your own.

Further Reading:

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