DIY Yoga Props – 17 Super Simple Ideas For Homemade Yoga Props

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Have you looked up a yoga video and immediately groaned when you see the teacher with blankets, yoga blocks, and a bolster? You click out of the class, disheartened because you finally found the perfect video. I’ve been there, and it’s beyond frustrating.

An essential piece of trauma-informed yoga is making yoga accessible to all, not just those who own yoga props. I’ll outline which props are best for different poses (because a shoebox doesn’t work for everything). I welcome you to join me in this post so you can craft DIY yoga props that work best for you and your practice.

What Are Yoga Props?

Yoga props are items to enhance a yoga practice. Many people think of props as only for beginners, but I disagree. Someone who knows how to effectively use props to suit their needs is a sign of a seasoned student. There are many props out there, but for this post I’ll cover the most common which are:

• Yoga Blocks – blocks that range in thickness to provide lift and stability
• Blankets – thick blankets to cushion, provide support, sense of safety or comfort
• Bolster – A firm, cushioned pillow to provide comfort, lift, and fill gaps between your body and the mat

And…

• Straps – long straps that extend your reach to avoid reaching or over stretching

I’ve saved straps for last because trauma-informed yoga does not include yoga straps in its instruction. These can be triggering for students who’ve experienced certain traumas. You are always welcome to include these in your personal practice.

Some good DIY Yoga props for straps are: Belts, dog leashes, long towels rolled up, long sleeve t-shirts, ties. I invite you to not use anything with too much elasticity (like workout bands) since yoga uses straps usually for static holds.  

Why Add yoga Props To Your Practice?

Yoga props can make a regular yoga practice much more transformative. Poses feel better in your body. You’re able to do poses that otherwise weren’t accessible, you increase the comfort level, and you’re able to focus on what matters; being present and at ease.

The most important piece to remember is that including or excluding props from your yoga practice is always your choice to make. You can still have a transformative yoga practice without props.

How to use yoga props

The potential for yoga props are limitless. Once you’re comfortable using props, you may begin to explore different options or even combine props to enhance your practice even further. Below are simple examples you might use each of these props in your practice.

How to Use Yoga Blocks. You can use these to provide lift in your spine when doing low-to-the-ground poses like low lunge. If you find it hard to reach your hands to the mat when you’re in this pose without rounding your back, a block under each hand can provide enough lift so you have an elongated spine.

This will allow you to breathe easier and be able to hold the pose without constantly fidgeting or holding your breath. (In trauma-informed yoga, you’re welcome to fidget if you are not comfortable with stillness. The block helps prevent fidgeting from being uncomfortable in a pose.)

How to Use a Blanket: If you have low back pain when lying in Savasana, I welcome you to place a rolled-up blanket under your knees. This helps your low back stay flush with the mat. 

You can also use blankets to cultivate safety, add privacy, and increase comfort.

How to Use a Yoga Bolster: Bolsters provide extra comfort and remove empty spaces between you and the floor. If you have sensitive knees, bolsters are perfect for an asana like Hero pose. The traditional version of this pose asks you to kneel, then sit in between your heels.

Adding a bolster here can prevent knee pain commonly associated with this pose (I recommend you never do a pose that causes sharp pain). 

Props You shouldn’t DIY

Before we dive into props you can create on your own, I’d like to recommend a few I don’t recommend you substitute. The main reason for this is safety. You don’t need to buy the most luxurious props in the world, but something that is designed for its purpose will ensure you have a safe practice. You could always borrow a friend’s spare in the meantime and practice together.

• Yoga Mat. Trying to do yoga without a mat feels impossible. Many household surfaces can be slippery and uncomfortable. Yoga mats hold grip, and some even avoid slipping when you’re sweaty. You could probably get away with more restorative or yin yoga classes without a mat, but any transitions between seated and standing, or classes that focus on lots of movement are not ideal. Here are my two favorite yoga mats I highly recommend from my own practice and use regularly:
  • Best Thick Yoga Mat: Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat, Amazon
    • I’ve had the same Gaiam yoga mat for over ten years. While I couldn’t find the exact mat that I bought all that time ago, this is the closest version I could find. I love thick mats, and mine never slips under sweaty palms. Mine has survived multiple overseas moves, and I’ve used this for yoga, pilates, body workouts, and more. This brand and mat truly lasts.
  • Best Thin Yoga Mat: Manduka Pro Lite Yoga Mat, Amazon
    • Manduka is a powerhouse yoga mat company, and for good reason. They’re focused on sustainability and quality. This is my newest mat and it’s perfect and lightweight for travel. It was definitely an adjustment from my cushiony Gaiam, but I love how it challenges my balance more and I feel a stronger sense of connection to the ground (instead of my mat). It’s also longer than any other mat that I’ve owned which I love since I find most yoga mats too short on me (I’m 5’7). The only con I feel I should mention is I slip on it more than my Gaiam. I also have very sweaty palms when doing yoga so it could just be an issue for clammy hands.
• Yoga Wheel. Yoga wheels are circular props that support you in back bends. I do not recommend creating a DIY yoga prop for this because entering or exiting a backbend too quickly can be harmful. It’s best to use a prop that is designed for this purpose instead of accidentally hurting yourself on a faulty prop. The good news is most yoga classes don’t require a yoga wheel, so you won’t run into this prop too often.  

17 DIY Yoga Props  

Below are 17 DIY yoga props to create if you don’t have the traditional version. You can use this list to inspire your own ideas. I welcome you to only use props you know are stable so you can maintain safety in your practice. 

DIY Yoga Blocks (Ideas #1-6)

These are the most common yoga props you may find in a yoga class. I provide the most options here so you can experiment with whichever one best suits you. 

Purpose #1: If you want rest your hands on blocks for balance.

Common poses: Warrior three, half moon, pyramid, half lift. 

What you need: You’ll want a household item that is sturdy and won’t easily crumble under the weight of your hands. You also need to use two at a time, so it’s important to find something you have two identical versions of, or is wide enough for this stability.

DIY Yoga Blocks:

• Chair
• Set of weights like dumbbells. I recommend using dumbbells that are made in one solid piece, like neoprene). I found other versions can be too wobbly and heavy.)
• DVD/Book Sets. Do you have the entire collection of the Office (like I do) or book set of Harry Potter? The size and dimensions are perfect for most standing block uses. If you’re using this, I recommend taping around the set so the dvds or books don’t splatter to the floor. 
• Square decorative wooden boxes. If you have any sturdy boxes or containers, these work well for providing support in balances (just make sure there are no sharp pieces of wood.) 
• Books. This is my least favorite prop since they’re not very stable. I recommend using books if you’re confident in poses and only need a small amount of stability. You can also wrap elastic bands around them to make sure they don’t fly open during your practice.

Purpose #2: Providing lift or support for your back body

Common Poses: Supported Bridge, Supported Fish

What you need: The same items from the last section won’t benefit you for this one. You need something softer, but that is also firm. 

• Firm couch pillows. You could also use a bolster here if you own one. If you don’t have one, you can use firm pillows. I don’t recommend pillows you use for bed because they flatten too easily. Many decorative pillows provide firmness and are small enough to easily move around. 

DIY Yoga Blankets (Ideas #7-8)

Have you noticed many yoga teachers use a specific type of blanket? These thick blankets provide more lift compared to your traditional kind. Usually, teachers use Mexican blankets which are perfect if you have a wool allergy, but they can also use other versions of thick blankets.

Purpose #1: Comfort

Common poses: Savasana, seated poses, any pose to create more safety

What you need: This is a simple swap for those yoga blankets you see yoga teachers using. All you need is any blanket you own.

Purpose #2: Lift

Common poses: When seated to lengthen your spine, rolled under ankles or knees in Savasana.

What you need: The reason yoga teachers have thick blankets is to provide enough lift for certain poses. Most household blankets are too thin or silky to be effective.

DIY Yoga Blankets:

• Fleece or wool blankets that are a few inches thick when folded. You could also experiment by replacing blankets with couch cushions for more lift in poses.
• Sweater or cardigan. I love adding a cardigan instead of a blanket in certain classes because it allows for free range of motion. I also welcome you to use this option if you are doing yoga while traveling to safe room in your suitcase.

DIY Yoga Bolster (Ideas #9-14)

This is the most difficult prop to find a DIY option for, but don’t worry. I offer plenty of options that are just as comforting as the real thing.

Purpose #1: Comfort or lift

Common poses: Supported Bridge, Fish, Savasana, Restorative Yoga Poses

What you need: You’ll need something much larger than a block and thicker than a blanket. The best option is something that is firm yet comfortable to rest on. 

DIY Yoga Bolster:

• Combination of pillows and blankets. The length of a bolster is about the length of your tailbone to your shoulders. If you fold your yoga mat in half longways, you can find the width of a traditional yoga bolster. I welcome you to use this measurement to combine multiple pillows and wrap them in a blanket. 
• Rolled up sleeping bag. Depending on the thickness of your sleeping bag when it’s rolled up, this can be a great option. You can unfold it and adjust it to your desired height and even wrap a blanket around it for more comfort.
• Body pillow. These are definitely longer than a traditional bolster, but you can fold it in half and tie it with a belt, strap, or whatever else you choose to use. 
• Foam roller wrapped in a thick blanket. If you want a more cylindrical bolster shape, this is a perfect choice. The more blankets you wrap, the softer and thicker this will be, so it’s a perfect choice if you like to customize your bolster.
• Pillow case and blankets. It’s best if you have a pillowcase that zips closed, but any pillow case could work. I welcome you to place blankets in the case to provide firm support.

Purpose #2: Inversions

Common poses: legs up the wall, any time you want your hips higher than your heart

DIY Yoga Bolster

• Sofa cushion. Cushions are the most firm option, but are also the largest and are usually square (most bolsters have a rectangular shape). This makes it difficult to use for certain uses, but is perfect if you’re doing gentle inversions. 

Other DIY yoga props to Explore (ideas #15-17)

Here are a few more DIY yoga prop ideas to explore or to inspire your own prop ideas.

• Walls. Walls are your perfect companion for certain poses like legs up the wall, balances, or other poses you wish to have nearby support.
• Tennis ball. This is great for gentle massages on your feet, upper back or anywhere else you choose. Some yoga classes may ask for a massage ball, and this is a perfect swap. 
• Washcloth. If your practice calls for an eye pillow, a folded washcloth is an option. You could even run this under warm water if you want a little more weight and heat. 

Overview

As you can see, there are tons of ways to craft DIY yoga props. Whether you’re trying to save money, prevent clutter in your house, want to give yoga with props a try, or only need a prop for one class, there’s an option for everyone. I welcome you to experiment and get creative because you never know what props you’ll create on your own. 

I personally didn’t invest in lots of props until eight years after I started practicing yoga (I only owned one mat and one yoga block). This shows that props aren’t everything and don’t make an entire yoga class. I wish you the best on your yoga journey, and take good care.