Relaxing Tub Pillow

What woman - or guy - doesn't enjoy relaxing in a nice, hot tub? Although the warm water and bubbles feel great a tub isn't exactly the most comfortable place to lie down. It will be, though, when you make a tub pillow. The waterproof pillow makes your tub so comfortable that you won't ever want to get out.

Of course, the fabric you choose should be waterproof. You can purchase outdoor cushion-type fabric, but it can be very costly. Other choices include an old, plastic tablecloth, a shower curtain, or even a piece of thick plastic. It will take about a half-yard to make the pillow.

Although you can make the pillow any size you want, a good size is 15"x15". There are different ways to make the pillow, depending on the type of tub you have. One way is to make a pillow that is actually two parts. One part hangs in the tub and the other, outside of the tub. This is great for a tub without a surrounding wall.

To make the two-part pillow, cut four of the 15x15" pieces. For one set, stack them so that their right sides are together. Sew nearly all the way around the square, but leave an opening for turning and stuffing. Turn the arrangement right-side-out and stuff it with foam. A single piece of foam is more appropriate than chipped foam; the foam piece should not be too thick. After the pillow is stuffed, sew the opening shut.

For the second part of the pillow, stack the two pieces so that their right sides are facing, and sew around three sides. Slide a thick piece of cardboard into it and sew the opening shut. Sew this pillow onto the other pillow. To use this tub pillow, place the cardboard pillow on the outside and the foam pillow inside the tub. The seam between the two should rest on top of the tub.

For a tub that has surrounding walls, use suction cups to secure it. To do this, cut two of the 15x15" squares. Remove the hooks which are wrapped around the nubs of the suction cups. On the backside of one cloth piece, cut two small holes, a few inches away from one edge. Space the holes so that they are near the sides of the material.

On the right side of the material, push the nub of one suction cup through the hole. On the backside, take a few stitches with a needle and thread, wrap it around the nub several times, then take a few stitches to finish. Do this to both suction cups.

Stack the two pieces of material so that their right sides are facing. Sew around the square and leave an opening. Turn the pillow right-side-out, stuff it, and sew the opening shut. To use this pillow, just stick the suction cups to the tub.

It's relaxing to lie back in a hot tub and, with the tub pillow, you'll find bath time even more rewarding. It only takes a few minutes to make the pillow but you'll enjoy it for many years.