Free Tutorial! Recovery Pillow, Accessibility Series, Week 1

📌Recovering from surgery is never easy, but this "best friend" pillow makes it much more comfortable! Whether it’s for a C-section, mastectomy, hernia, or laparoscopic surgery, this DIY Recovery Pillow with a built-in ice pack pocket is a game-changer for pain management and mobility. Hi, I'm Vanessa! Today we are starting a special series on Accessibility Sewing. I’m sharing the exact pattern and measurements for the recovery pillow I used during my own gallbladder surgery. It’s designed with three layers of fabric to protect your skin from ice burns and provides the perfect "splinting" pressure for when you need to cough or sneeze post-op. Just a quick reminder before we dive in: I am a sewist, not a medical professional. I’m sharing what worked for my own recovery and the tools I found helpful, but please consult with your doctor or surgical team for specific medical advice. What You’ll Learn: ✂️ The Triple-Layer Hack: Why 3 layers of fabric are essential for safety when using ice packs. ✂️ The Pocket Design: How to create a 6"x10" pouch that holds standard gel packs securely. ✂️ Gift Ideas: What to include in a "Recovery Kit" (chapstick, fuzzy socks, and this pillow!). ✂️ Adaptive Uses: Using these pillows to prevent pressure sores or help with breastfeeding comfort. Materials Needed: 📌 3 Rectangles of Cotton Fabric (17" x 8") 📌 Poly-fill or Cotton Stuffing 📌 Disappearing Ink or Chalk 📌 Optional: Decorative Tags/Labels Ice Packs Mentioned: https://amzn.to/45rFTCs Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to Accessibility Sewing 0:55 The Importance of a Recovery Pillow 2:11: Fabric Selection & Safety (Ice Burn Protection) 2:47 Measuring & Cutting the 3-Layer System 4:40 Sewing the Finished Edge Pocket 5:04 Adding Professional Tags & Labels 5:57 Assembling the Pillow "Sandwich" 9:02 Stuffing & Closing the Pillow 11:05 Best Ice Packs & Comfort Gift Ideas 13:04 Coming Soon: Hip Replacement & Breastfeeding Hacks 14:10 Outro #sewing #adaptivesewing #recoverypillow #surgeryrecovery #diygifts #sewingtutorial #ellieandmac #postopcare #accessibility #ellieandmacpatterns