Pillow Stuffing 101: Pros & cons of the 4 most common types of filler for decorative pillows

[@ithacacomments4811]

I washed and saved all of my blue surgical masks during COVID19. Once I had a brown paper bag full, I removed all the ties and metal nose wires to save for other uses. I cut the blue material into one inch strips. This made great stuffing for a throw pillow! And... 100+ masks did not end up in the landfill !!!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I love that!

[@carpiioo.806]

This is SUPER helpful, there is oiterally no other video on this platform that explains the different stuffings, their upsides and downsides as concisely and as clearly as you do! i bought a kukomi stuffed toy, and while i loved its fabric, the stuffing felt a little lackluster. Using the info i learned here, I plan on getting either a 75/25 or cluster stuffing! also i love your dog 🥺 so cute!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you!!

[@marscruz5756]

I am so incredibly grateful this is the first video I clicked. This is exactly what I needed: a good run down of the common fillings, price range, and pros and cons. Thank you.

[@mosesjeffreyi-i6741]

thanks nancy, i came by ur channel by random search but i am happy i did it was very informative.

[@theresab8501]

Good info! I'm cleaning couch and the a few of the back cushions are horrible no matter how much I beat and try to fluff. I was thinking of buying polyfill but after seeing video I think I'll get cluster fill. Thanks!

[@natishalovin6821]

Oh my goodness! Tug is always trying to get in the videos. So cute! I love how your verbiage is user friendly and understandable as well as your camera angles are better than most. Easy to the point and so useful! Thank you!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Tug always has to see who I’m talking to, even if it’s a video camera! Thanks for the very kind words - that encouragement is what keeps me going with making these videos 😊

[@maryfetrow9168]

Thanks for this video. I am going to be producing pillows to sell in the near future but unfortunately I have already purchased tons of polyfil. (I purchased over 40 pounds of it on sale thinking I was being smart. And now I learn this is not a great fill.) Oh well, my first generation of pillows will have to use it lol! But again, thanks for the info and your very informative videos on pillow making. Mary

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

If you make great covers with zippers people can change out the inserts if they want to! 😊

[@maryfetrow9168]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare True. I also sew art dolls and animals and do mixed media art so I'll have plenty of ways to use it.

[@carpiioo.806]

Well then I guess they'll be like the first batch of pancakes haha! But atleast now you are equipped with the information from this video to make your next generation even better! Maybe you can use this as a marketing opportunity to market your new pillows as even softer and lovelier than the first generation? :3

[@AKIYIAKELLY]

I just purchased a dog bed for my pup. It needs more fluff to it I am going to try the Cluster Fibers. Bc I used the poly fill in a pillow before it got so Lumpy. Thanks for the info.

[@barbarawelch5979]

Hi Nancy, Thank you so much for sharing all this great information! I just love you site. Questions: 1. How do you feel about down alternative pilows.? 2. Do outside/ covered porch pillows require a different type of filing for mold. Thanks in response for your response. I really appreciate you! You have saved me so time. 😊

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Hi! So "down alternative" is just filling like the polyester cluster fill I show in the video. It just means man made fibers versus actual feathers or down. Regarding outdoor pillows, I tend toward polyester fill. Down holds more moisture and takes longer to dry out in wet or humid conditions. I have found that humidity will cause mold to grow on fabric and on the cover of a pillow insert more so than on the polyester stuffing, so I tend toward solutions dyed acrylic fabrics for the longest life on outdoor pillows an cushions.

[@WhiTor1]

Very helpful. Thank you! I just ordered a pack of cluster with your link.

[@cynergynt]

Hello Nancy, thank you so much for your tutorials, find them invaluable, sound practical advice, not long winded. I live in Australia and can’t say I have seen or heard of cluster fill, will have to have a hunt around. Do you plan on doing a video on the best fabric to use for cushion linings? Once again love your content👏🌸

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you for the supportive compliment! 😊 I hadn’t planned on a video on cushion lining but I’d recommend a lightweight cotton/polyester blend drapery lining. Lining is tightly woven, very smooth, economical, and strong.

[@cynergynt]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Thanks for the recommendation

[@lg6134]

Hi! Thanks for the video. Are all of the filling types washer and dryer safe? If so, what are the dryer settings? My pillow tags don’t say.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

When it comes to pillows I don’t actually recommend washing any of the inserts. That’s why I make removable covers. That way I just wash or dry clean the cover and the fill retains its original condition.

[@luyun352]

I need to wash my neck pillow. Most resources on neck pillow cleaning are for micro beads and memory foam filling. And mine is fiber filled. Do you have any suggestions on how i can clean my neck pillow?

[@VitriolicVermillion]

Hi, Nancy! (And hi, Ted! He's helping you make the video, huh?) Thank you so much for sharing what you've learned! People underrate the importance of hobby and arts/crafts knowledge, but it seems to me like the economics of owning furniture, pillows, cushions, shelves, tables -- all kinds of stuff that makes a home (or car, van, sleeping bag) comfy -- can no longer maintain the unsustainable state where everything is disposable, where, when it tears or breaks, you just get a new cheaply made piece of trash. That economic condition relies on our government being able to manipulate global trade and corporations being able to suppress wages in the global south, abuse laborers, and be extremely destructive to the environment and climate. The longer every item in our consumer economy stays disposable, the more brutal emiseration we have to (unwittingly, usually! most folks are good people!) collectively inflict upon our distant neighbors. It requires more drastic use of force and more commitment of resources over time to keep doing it, and as it becomes slightly less profitable for those responsible, they pass the costs onto us, and then some. As they stagnate wages and push inflation at the same time, they shamelessly double-dip. It can't and won't last. In short, those cheap goods won't last forever, and we're getting less goods for our dollar than we used to, so learning to make things for ourselves and our neighbors will become more and more necessary. Fortunately, it's fun, fulfilling, and sometimes much easier than we think, and making the choice to start doing it right now means we take power away from those who maintain the unnatural, inhumane economic conditions, and thus we loosen their hold upon the global south a little. Specialization within a community of limited size is a good thing, so that we have experts we can consult, but it can't be absolute. We will all need some basic craft knowledge, in my estimation. It'll be a nice opportunity to engage with our local communities in order to share ideas and knowledge, and if we rework the shape of our cities and towns to facilitate this, so many more people can be included in being a part of society. You're not some old lady in the suburbs (or wherever you may be) with a quaint, cute little unimportant hobby, Nancy. You're an experienced woman practicing valuable life skills and sharing your knowledge. In a just world, people won't forget that. In this current world, we live in the rat-race, doing our grind, and our values get twisted; we don't have the time and energy to be creative or productive for ourselves and our communities, because we're always busy enriching some boss. In a just world, there will be a place for all of us. That is a world I look forward to seeing one day, because in the current world, if we can't live according to the demands of bosses, our place ends up being in the street, with nothing. I'm homeless, myself, and poverty has made me learn to fix many things on my car, and some basic, but growing, crafts knowledge, out of pure necessity. If I don't get to see it the more just world that I believe is coming, I hope I can at least nudge us in the right direction while I'm here. Thanks again, Nancy. Keep up the good work!

[@galaxytrio]

Very helpful. Please consider reviewing plush siliconized fills, like Silky Poly-Fil if and when you have some experience with them.

[@lilimom2]

Thank you so much for this. We purchased an expensive Sofa set and we hate it. The back cushions appear to have the polyfil as it is lumpy and hard to shape. I plan to redo them with the clusterfill. Now on the make the seat cushions more comfortable too!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

We bought a sectional a few years ago and the seat cushions were so soft you sat right through them! I replaced all the cushion foam - it was worth it!

[@lisamoore1765]

I have been researching which foam to get ours is too soft too! Can you recommend a foam for this?​@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare

[@Tommy_ZM]

Here is the hierarchy of down: 1) Eiderdown. It’s a rare species of duck that is extremely expensive. The best in the world. 2) White Goose down (Typically Polish, European, or Canadian) 3) Duck down, which is 99% of the time lower quality than goose. Power fill is important. It measures how many cubic inches you can get for 1 ounce. The higher the power fill, the higher quality the down. The best Polish white goose down tops out at 1000 power fill. Eiderdown actually tops out at 700+ but it’s so efficient it’s actually better than 1000 goose down. Stay away from feathers. This applies to everything, especially pillows. There are a bunch of 100% down options. I have a $2500 pillow made by St. Genève

[@NJgrandma]

Thank you! Very informative!

[@taleahescarpita2803]

So glad I came across this video! I’m looking to design my own maternity C shaped pillows and, depending on how well it goes, make some for my prego friends and to sell. I really like the idea of a cluster fill because I absolutely hate when my pillows get all lumpy with fiber fill. But I would like the pillows to remain having a good shape and texture like the 75/25 feather down pillows. Do you think I could achieve a nice firm-ish pillow with cluster fill alone?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Hi! Yes, I do think you can achieve a good shape with tightly packed cluster fill. Another option that could be really good is a super soft foam (foam comes not only in many thicknesses but also in many densities) that’s wrapped in a nice layer of Dacron batting. Neither will get lumpy but I think the foam option might be lighter weight. Good luck with your project and congrats on the new baby!

[@lasandrajackson1474]

Nancy, thank you so much for your informative videos. Would you consider making a video on how to make a bed comforter (how to measure for, construct, what type of batting to use, how to achieve loftiness). Thank you

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I would consider it! Might be down the road a bit but I’ll add it to my list :)

[@sorina3545]

Which one of these stuffing materials would you recommend for outdoor pillows? I have two sofas with Sunbrella cushions and would like to add washable pillows that feel soft, clean and fresh ( like cotton). I don't mind having to wash the pillows. Also I noticed that a lot of the outer shell fabric disintegrates. Any suggestions what would make a skin friendly outdoor pillow? Thanks

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I'm afraid skin-friendly and outdoor rated are different things! The very best fabric for outdoor use is solution dyed acrylic. Sunbrella does offer this fabric, but they also have outdoor rated polyester fabric, which doesn't hold up as well. Anything not specifically outdoor rated will fade, mold, and rot pretty quickly. The best outdoor product is reticulated foam, but after that, I'd go with a polyester clusterfill. Nothing is designed to dry quickly except products that you might normally see on boats! Best to bring in your pillows and cushions if it's going to rain.

[@katherinramayo001]

Hello Nancy, thank you so much for your explanation. Now, my question is where can I buy the feathers and down?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I don’t know! 😬 It’s so incredibly messy to try and work with loose feathers that I always purchase pillow inserts that are already stuffed!

[@reeciti]

Hi ~ Thanks for another great tutorial. I've been looking for 75/25 feather/down pillow finserts in various sizes, but without success. Could you let your subscribers know where you get them? Thanks again and all the best!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

If you are a trade (wholesale) account they are available from Rowley Company or American Down & Feather. If you're a retail customer try Grand + Humble :) Glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@reeciti]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Thank very much!

[@cmbergersct3492]

Nancy, I recently found your channel and subscribed. The tips you have provided for pillow making are so valuable! Thank you very much and I feel fortunate to have found your channel. I am making a lot of large pillows but I cannot find cluster Phil on the market anywhere. And I was wondering if you would share some sources. I would need quite a bit because I'm going to make about 20 large couch pillows so I want to buy it in bulk. Can't find it! I called a long time home deck supply store in San Francisco but the person I spoke wasn't aware of cluster fill. When I find it online it's sold out. I think there is a production issue with certain kinds of polyester this year.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Welcome! Try here :) www.rowleycompany.com/rtex-polyester-cluster-fill-10-lb-bags

[@carlruss7003]

This video is amazing! Slightly off topic but I’m wondering if you could help, I’m getting a sofa made and they have 100% fibre filled, 75/25 feather, 50/50 feather, 95/5 down and varying percentages of feather/ down wrapped foam. I love the look of fluffy “overfilled” 100% feather sofa seats but I’ve seen how they look after sitting on them and that’s a no go! (I’m sure you know, but but just incase, Search “restoration hardware cloud sofa after sitting”) People say high percentage down pillows spring back easier and don’t compress as much as feather, but is it still a lost cause for sofa seats due to the weight of sitting? Should I go for foam wrapped?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@carlruss7003 I really wish I could advise you on this but I’m just not well versed enough on upholstery cushions to weigh in on such a big investment and item of such personal preference. . I’d recommend talking to a few different salespeople there to get their advice. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help!

[@carlruss7003]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare no worries at all thank you for replying!!

[@doctorsoandso]

how do YOU estimate how much fill your pillows will need?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

If I’m using fiberfill sold in bags I estimate based off of the package information. It usually says how much you need for a pillow or stuffed toy. But to be honest if I need loose fill I usually use clusterfill, and I buy that in really big bags that lasts me for years. If I need to charge for clusterfill I usually do it by weight. (The majority of what I use is premade feather/down pillow inserts.)

[@cindyb4874]

Thank you! Very helpful. I'm wondering which is most cost effective: make your own insert or ready made? Is it worth making & stuffing your own pillow do you think? This may be a dumb question.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

There are no dumb questions :) I have found that I prefer to buy inserts because they are time saving and the stuffing is enclosed if I want to take off the cover to clean it. So unless you want loose stuffing everywhere if the cover needs to be cleaned or repaired, you have to buy filler and fabric to make a complete insert, and take the time to make the insert cover and stuff it…it’s not much of a money saver.

[@marshiahobson3727]

Does the fiberfill clump because crafters don’t follow the instructions on the package and pull the fill apart to fluff it before stuffing the pillow? (Sorry I don’t have any fiberfill on hand to give the exact terminology.)

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

No, it clumps just because of the nature of it. Even if you pull fiberfill apart to stuff something it will still clump. That's why cluster fill was invented ;)

[@janettewillingham1590]

How do I know when I have the right amount of stuffing in an insert? Like is there a measurement to go by? Mine always tend to be a little flat.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@janettewillingham1590 unfortunately there is no measurement or specific way I do it. I can tell you it always takes way more filler than you think it will! I just keep stuffing and pushing it into the corners and the body of the pillow until it just gets too hard to add anymore.

[@josemorales3434]

thank you for your help!!

[@xXypher_editz]

How about cotton filling is it better

[@dolores4015]

Whic filler would you recommend for a costume design? I want a design on my dress to stand out with cotton sewed inside the design but I don’t want the shape to go away.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Clothing is not my forte unfortunately but there are Facebook groups that are all about that type of sewing and will have lots of free advice for you!

[@starbean2196]

Thanks for such an informative video. I wonder if you can give me some advice. I'm making some small cushions for my grandaughter - 4 letters for her name, but I have no idea how much filling I will need. The filling I'm buying is sold here in the UK, in 200g bags. Each cushion is approximately 15" square. Any advice would be welcome. Thank you.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I’m sorry I can’t be of help :( I usually buy pillow inserts and don’t do many crafts. I buy clusterfill in bulk and use it only occasionally for odd shaped pillows. I will suggest looking somewhere on the package - it usually says how much it will fill, for example it might say it will make 4 16” pillows.

[@starbean2196]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Thanks, that is very useful to know. I'll check out the packages.

[@laustaak]

How do i get the fiberfill that is stuck together back

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@laustaak You can try to pull it apart but it never goes back to how it was when new. Best to replace it.

[@mooncrow3450]

Very good information here ... reaching out here on another option that I cannot find info on. I grew up using 100% cotton batting to stuff easy-chair pillows and back rests. For the purpose of using it for back support, they are wonderful ... yes they become dense and even lumpy, but they form perfectly to the user's back. You can still "fluff them a bit and reform shape as needed. Usually the pillow or backrest has been "tacked" with buttons to keep the firmness and for less movement of the stuffing. I'm looking for directions on how to make this type of backrest by hand ... pattern, directions, etc. Any info or direction is most appreciated.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I’m afraid I don’t have much info on this. I do know there is 100% cotton batting out there used for quilts and thermal insulated shades, but as far as button tacked back rests I’ve never had a request to make anything like that. Sorry I can’t be of more help!

[@mooncrow3450]

Thank you! @@ASquarePillowIsntSquare

[@CookieManCookies]

Nice video.. I was really hoping you'd go over washing stuffing.. as I can't find that anywhere it seems..

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

It really doesn’t wash well - that’s probably why you can’t find much about it. I always make pillow inserts from lightweight lining and pillow covers with zippers. That way I can wash or dry clean the covers and the stuffing stays in good shape :)

[@cakeliciious]

Hi! I have a blanket that was washed and dried & now the stuffing Is clumped in the middle. What are your thoughts on using stuffing to repair it?

[@E_LithaBeth]

This is what I hoped to find here too! Bed pillows get so lumpy from washing. I have even tried taking the clean stuffing out and carding it like you do with wool. It worked but next washing it was back to being lumpy.

[@E_LithaBeth]

Even the cluster fill doesn't wash well? Thanks for your video on this subject.@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@E_LithaBeth It washes better than fiberfill but I try not to wash the inserts . They just stay looking their best that way

[@xXypher_editz]

Pls suggest for sofa backrest pillow as in india i m not finding cluster fill fibre..any other alternative 😊

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@xXypher_editz Other than wrapped soft foam I’m not sure!

[@xXypher_editz]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare microfibre filling or cotton ..which one is better for sofa backrest cushion

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@xXypher_editz I’ve never used cotton but I think clusterfill would be lighter and less likely to clump

[@xXypher_editz]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare thank you so much for your prompt repliea.

[@lisamcgehee7639]

I purchased several feather pillow inserts (100% duck feathers) and am wondering whether wrapping them with batting before covering would reduce being able to feel the feathers?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

So, yes, batting would reduce the ability to feel the feathers but it will also change the look and feel of the pillow. For example if you “karate chop” the top of the pillow it may not hold the “v” shape as well. Using an upholstery weight fabric instead of a lightweight fabric would probably be your best solution.

[@jennyh646]

Hi, this is a great video! I am interested in faux down inserts and they are hard to find without paying significantly more than feather down blends. I have severe allergies so the faux down is important to have that weight and feel of down without the allergies. There is a company in GA that makes them, but I've not found anyone else who sells a high quality faux down. Do you have any suggestions? I'm in Raleigh.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Rowley Company sells them but I don’t know how their prices compare. They’re nice though!

[@jennyh646]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Thank you for the videos you do. I have found some of the best tips for sewing pillows and drapery from you. Happy New year!

[@rebeccapowell3391]

Which cotton you say is the best one to buy for making my pillows to sell please.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I prefer clusterfill

[@marshiahobson3727]

Great information. TFS

[@gloriaescalera-o6i]

Thank you so much for the information.

[@aquaqt853]

Thank you!

[@pahvang]

Can you tell me what brand is good for cluster fill and where can I purchase them online?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I've just added a link in the description section of this video to a good one that's available from Amazon :)

[@mr.c.2888]

this was useful.

[@danistastny1918]

I agree!

[@rebeccapowell3391]

What bulk you get from Amazon the name and bulk please.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I haven’t bought it on Amazon. I get it from Rowley Co

[@AM-qw9cv]

My neck hurts with the down or any other pillow. May be its the thickness of the pillow? Would you recommend me a pillow so I don't get neck aches.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I wish I could answer that for you! I’d recommend talking to your doctor or perhaps a chiropractor? Hope you find a solution :)

[@meowzic]

Is it possible to get a 100% down pillow? I wonder what that would be like compared to the others..

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Hmmm I’ve never actually seen a 100% down form. Best I’ve seen is 90/10. But I bet you could have one custom made :) It would a be very very light pillow!

[@AshekaAnnya]

Is fiber fil good to wash?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Cluster fill is more washable than fiberfill - gets less matted

[@elsonrix1]

After how long would you replace all the filling?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Never, unless for some reason you feel like you need to.

[@tiffanyf6965]

Is there a link to the down filling?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I actually don't buy down filling in bulk because it's just too messy. I always buy the inserts already filled in whatever size I need and whatever ratio is desired by the client.

[@lifestyle-uncensored]

Thank you so much!

[@mypackedlyfe]

😹😹 I love the channel name!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

You’re the only one to appreciate it so far! 😊

[@hastensavoir7782]

How about Ball Fiber?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I’m not familiar with the term “ball fiber”. Is there another name for what you are referring to?

[@Andy-wr7rm]

There are no upsides to filling a pillow with polyester

[@kayleong1814]

Cute dog😂