How to stuff a pillow at home: filling options

It’s easy to create the comfort of your own home or apartment with the help of original decorative elements. The interior looks different with the presence of small figures and homemade decorative pillows. Scattered on chairs, place on shelves, decorate walls. This creates a colorful, stylish room design.

Nowadays things in the handmade category - made with your own hands - are becoming more and more popular. One of the directions is the production of all kinds of pillows.

When starting to do handicrafts, decide on the filler. The choice of material affects the appearance of the product and human health. Having decided for yourself what to stuff the pillow with, start making a beautiful thing.

Fillers for decorative pillows

High-quality internal filling for a pillow must meet the requirements that allow them to be used for their intended purpose:

maintaining shape over a long period of operation;
elasticity of the material;
repel moisture, do not absorb foreign odors;
do not cause allergic reactions;
ease of care.

Common natural fillers are down, wool, feathers, bamboo fiber. Buckwheat husks, hay, straw, and medicinal herbs are used.

The main question is what is the best way to stuff a pillow so that it is comfortable, light, and soft.

Artificial ones include polystyrene foam, foam rubber, and synthetic padding. You can use silicone, which is soft and pleasant to the touch. Its properties do not allow products to turn into a flat object.

The cost of synthetics is much lower than natural materials.

Room style

The strict classic style goes perfectly with geometric elements - circles, rectangles, squares.

Modern. A variety of printed models made from linen or rigid burlap are suitable here.

For high-tech, decorating with metal threads is suitable. Sewing is best done from silk, leather and linen. The model should be chosen with strict shapes.

Pop art allows the use of various figures and materials. These are hearts, animals, letters, etc.

The rustic country style will not tolerate strict products. Knitted and embroidered items are ideal here. Also coloring in checkered patterns or nature patterns.

In safari style, animal prints with fur decorative elements will look harmonious.

Retro - combines prints well on products, especially vintage photographs and paintings.

How to stuff a pillow

For decorative pillows made with your own hands, you can use pieces of cotton or knitwear as filling. In your arsenal you will find an unnecessary sweater or jacket. After cleaning them, cut them into shreds. You can use old tights.

For connoisseurs of natural materials, wool is suitable. The yarn is prepared in small pieces.

Another material for filling will be fur from old clothes. The disadvantage of padding is the accumulation of dust. Use dried herbs, mint leaves, lemon balm, thyme. They will saturate the room with aroma.

Plant ingredients are an almost ideal filling for pillows. Products with them exude a pleasant aroma and delight with a soft rustling sound.

Properties of pillow filling

Daily use of this piece of furniture takes into account the following padding criteria:

ability to pass air well;
rapid restoration of volume and pillow configuration;
be hypoallergenic;
easy to care for, dry quickly.

How to properly stuff a pillow with padding polyester

Artificial filler has advantages: it does not harbor microorganisms. It does not emit any odor. Pillows made with this material will last up to ten years. In order to stuff a product with padding polyester, no special skills are required. The dimensions of the pillowcase and filling are determined. After which the material is smoothed in several layers until the required density is obtained. It is more efficient to make as many layers as possible. This will add strength. The padding polyester pillow is sheathed after stuffing. This way the padding polyester will be evenly distributed over the entire plane, without any bumps.

Sintepon is completely safe - it does not cause an allergic reaction, has no odor, and does not harbor mites.

Case decor

You can decorate pillows with a variety of applications.

You can create an exclusive and interesting thing using decor. The following are considered the simplest elements of jewelry.

Using braid. This is a narrow, thin strip with patterns. It is used both for upholstery of sofas and interior units. The braid can be embroidered using different techniques at home.
Using scallops. A strip with patterns of leaves, geometric shapes and other ornaments is sewn on the front side.
Sewing various mosaics from small pieces of fabric. It is called the patchwork type of sewing.
Decorating with accessories - buttons, beads, bugles. In children's rooms you can find rollers decorated with representatives of the animal world; the figures are attached using Velcro.
Print. The fabric is coated with durable paint that cannot be washed off. Such decorative pillows are well suited for summer terraces and balconies. They don't look boring and don't fade in the sun. They also do not absorb liquid well, so sudden rain is not a problem.

You can make a pillow cover with ribbon embroidery, it will look unique and very beautiful.

The best materials for stuffing pillows

Natural fillers include duck, goose down, and feathers. They are able to regulate heat. The products are weightless. The downside is that the pillow becomes heavier over time. It is also recommended to take them to dry cleaning a couple of times a year.

Buckwheat husk

A pillow with buckwheat husks will generally become an assistant for you - an orthopedist.

Has a calming effect on the body. Can be used as a head and neck massage. This filler perfectly holds the shape of the product. The husk is well breathable.

Sheep, camel wool

Back pillows stuffed with camel or sheep wool provide incredible warmth and a high level of comfort.

The pillows are light and have a healing effect for joints.

Bamboo fiber

Products with such padding retain their shape well, do not cause an allergic reaction, and last for many years.

Due to its environmental friendliness and thermoregulation, it is becoming a popular material.

Sintepon

Sintepon is one of the most affordable artificial fillers.

The softness, hardness, and height of the pillow depend on its density.

Holofiber

The material retains heat well, and products made from it are soft, comfortable, and comfortable.

Antibacterial fibers, machine washable.

Comforel

Easy care - wash with a washing machine.

Heat-treated polyester threads. They look like balls half a centimeter in diameter. The material does not get knocked down and retains the configuration of the product.

Latex

A good latex pillow will improve blood circulation to the brain, restore uniform breathing and relieve spasms, help you gain strength during sleep, and relax your muscles.

Has an orthopedic effect, long service life.

What forms are there?

The shapes of soft products vary from hearts to champagne bottles. A standard copy is a square or rectangle, with sides 50x50, 70x20 or 45x45.

Variety of sofa decorative pillows

Children's bedrooms are often decorated with different figures - letters, animals, pencils, geometric shapes.

Original decorative pillows for a children's room

In exclusive interiors, unusual soft objects are sometimes found - “travel bag” or “fried eggs”.

Original pillows with fried eggs, sandwich pillows and coffee beans

Sofa decor is divided by design.

Sectional surface.
The pendant is made of several surfaces connected by an insert. The sectional design allows you to adjust the filling of the pillow sections depending on your individual characteristics
Eastern motives.
Decorated with folds and gathers on the covers. Oriental style sofa cushions
Quilted.
The model is quilted around the perimeter, maintaining symmetry. This work looks expensive and stylish. Decorative quilted pillow in patchwork style
"Cushion" pillows. Use as an armrest or under the back.
Decorative cushions on the sofa bed

Types of orthopedic pillows

Pillows aren't just for sleeping. They are used for various purposes:

for sitting - specially made for a car, a work chair, it relieves the load on the spine and lower back;

An orthopedic chair cushion is a great way to relieve tension on your spine and help your posture stay correct.

under the head – an orthopedic pillow improves blood circulation and ensures comfortable sleep;

The main function of an orthopedic pillow is the natural position of the head and neck during rest.

for legs – prevention of varicose veins, against foot fatigue;

This is a product that allows you to adjust your body position while resting on a bed or other surface.

orthopedic pillow for children – promotes the correct formation of posture and the cervical spine;

Children's orthopedic pillows are a necessary thing for this category of users, guaranteeing healthy sleep in the correct position.

with gel – has a refreshing effect on the head during hot periods, good climate – control;

Gel sleep pillow is an excellent choice for those who care about their health.

for pregnant women – support the lumbar region, relieve back pain;

A pregnancy pillow is a necessary thing, especially in the last stages of pregnancy.

on the road, for long trips - such pillows are placed under various parts of the body. They are available in the form of a boomerang, roller, and horseshoe.

Indispensable on the road and does not take up much space, comfortable and cozy.

Modern material allows it to react to the human body, taking its shape. Orthopedic pillows with memory effect adapt to the structural features of the body. They come in soft, medium, and hard structures. Made from polyurethane and latex. Necessary for the treatment of the back and neck.

Second phase

Make sure the drawings are correct and follow these steps.

Cut according to the markings.
We cut the fabric into squares with a seam allowance of 52 by 52 cm on each side.
Pin the sides securely so they don't move.
Sew the parts on a machine, retreating two centimeters. Grind only three sides, one side is intended for putting on a napkin.
We first overcast one edge on one side of each piece of fabric; a zipper will be sewn onto this part
We sew the 2 halves together from the wrong side with a basting stitch, and iron the seam from the wrong side
The allowances need to be ironed, bending them in one direction.
Sew the zipper on the wrong side
Fill the napper, sew or fasten it. To fasten it, you need to sew on a zipper or buttons. If you just stitch on a typewriter, then you need to embroider when cleaning.
Carefully rip apart the basting stitch
We sew the pillow from the remaining 3 edges, sew the halves together and overcast

How to properly care for your pillow

Any type of pillow needs periodic airing, washing, and drying. Depending on the filler, it is recommended to wash them according to the following rules.

Latex - manual method in warm water using a minimal amount of liquid. Limit temperature 40 °C. Rinse with cold water. To spin, place it in a towel, squeezing out the moisture. Drying is best done in the fresh air. This material does not like frequent washing, do it when it gets dirty.

Latex pillows need to be aired frequently.

Memoryform - synthetic filler cannot be washed frequently. For care you need to use a sponge moistened with soapy liquid.

Do not use chemicals containing bleach.

Hollow fiber is easy to maintain and can be machine washed at 30°C. Thanks to its structure, it does not absorb water. After spinning, fluff up the pillow. Dry the product unfolded on the balcony.

The best care for a pillow is fluffing and airing.

Artificial down - fluff your pillows daily, take them out into the fresh air, they will last for decades. You can machine wash it, then smooth out the structure of the product with your hands.

During the operation of artificial down pillows, the product should be aired a couple of times a year.

Natural feathers can be dry cleaned or used in automatic washing by setting a specific program. Drying is carried out further away from heat sources and radiators. Give this product to specialists once every six months.

Down and feather pillows can and should be washed. And every year. In the washing machine on delicate wash.

Caring for decorative pillows also involves washing the cover. It can be made of cotton, which does not require special skills. The optimal washing temperature will be 40 °C. For colored pillowcases, a gentle regime is set. For synthetic fabrics, machine wash with a drum load of up to 80% is suitable. This way the product will not lose its softness and original appearance.

If the pillowcase is made from natural materials, use hand washing.

To extend the life of your accessory, follow some simple rules: use products that do not contain chlorine.

Sewing principle

When making pillows for interior decoration, a removable cover should be provided. It can be decorative in itself, or made from a durable bedspread. In the second case, it is supposed to use decorative pillowcases with a zipper. This will not only keep the products impeccably clean, but also quickly change the character and style of the room.

“Look to the root!” — the great thought writer Kozma Prutkov once advised. When thinking about decorating your home with decorative pillows, you should remember that the appearance of the products, the clarity of their lines and shapes, as well as the well-being of household members depends entirely on the quality and performance characteristics of their filler.

Soft seats for chairs

When the choice of decorative pillows for the sofa is over, the question arises of choosing linings for chairs and armchairs. Especially if there is a dining table in the living room.

Soft seat cushions on chairs add special charm and decor and are very convenient to use.

Small chair pads. You can easily sew them yourself. To do this, follow the instructions below.

Prepare the necessary materials - scissors, foam rubber, nylon threads, buttons or zippers, Velcro. A monochromatic color scheme is suitable for chairs.
Measure the parameters of the chair, cut out the foam rubber according to the shape and cover it with fabric.
Draw a pattern on paper. It contains several details. One blank with a one-piece strip, and the second - without it.
Next, transfer the drawing to the canvas, cut it out and sew around the perimeter with a sewing machine, except for one side, which will include foam rubber. Sew a zipper or buttonholes to the left side.
We sew Velcro onto the part that will be attached to the chair.
Insert the “inside” and secure it to the chair.

Decor of chair products

Often the chair is opposite the sofa or to the side, but this does not mean that it should be identical to the sofa. On the contrary, even a chair can be decorated with an original model with patterns, for example an owl or a family photo print.

If you need to sew it yourself, then follow the following algorithm of actions.

Prepare - fabric, lace or embroidered ribbons, zipper or buttons.
Draw a sketch, cut it out.
Secure the sides with pins so that they do not move.
Sew three sides.
Sew a zipper or buttonholes into the last side. It is better to use a zipper, so the filler will be closed more securely.
Pack the interior space tightly with filler. Close the zipper, now you're done.
Decorate with decor.