Choosing a Pillow Insert

Making your own decorative throw pillows is a perfect way to add a splash of color, introduce a decorating theme or just add drama to your home’s interior design. A pillows gets its shape from a pre-formed pillow insert or loose fillings. Loose fillings may be stuffed directly into the pillow covering or encased in a separate liner for easy removal. Throw pillow inserts are available in any fabric or craft shop in a variety of shapes, sizes and filler ready to cover with any fabric you choose. One of the secrets to how to make designer quality throw pillows is the shape and density of the filling of the pillow insert. But most importantly, the pillow form must fit perfectly inside the pillow covers just stitched together. Pillow inserts are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes including the following fill choices: down, feather down, polyester, down alternative, feather & down, cotton, or foam.

Down Pillow Insert

The most expensive pillow insert is the down pillow insert. A fluffy down pillow provides comfort like no other pillow can. Down clusters are made up of light, fluffy filaments that expand and intertwine to form air pockets. These clusters trap air to create nature's most effective insulator. The filler is made from feathers and down of geese and ducks. An equal blend of white goose down and feathers ensures optimal loft and provides a luxurious comfort while matching the shape of your throw pillow. A down pillow insert highlights the quality of silk pillow covers, needlework decorative pillows, and other rich fabric covers. Not all inserts are alike, a down pillow insert is crafted in a variety of percentages of feathers to down so you must check the pillow form for adequate fill; remember that the pillow form must fit perfectly inside the pillow covers.

Down Alternative Pillow

If you are allergic or down–sensitive, there are a wide variety of synthetic pillow inserts to choose from. Down alternative pillow forms are also less expensive, can retain their shape, and are easy to maintain. They are flame retardant, non-allergenic and washable. In hypoallergenic options, polyester pillows also are available in three different densities: soft, medium and firm. Make your throw pillows instantly more plush and inviting with a cozy down-alternative gusseted pillow. Gusseted pillows maintain their height around the edge, unlike standard pillows, which have loft centers, but flatten at the edges. Gusseted pillows can be used as a backdrop to accent pillows or used directly as a grouping of decorative pillows. With a down pillow insert or down-alternative pillow insert, you can give fresh new life to your old throw pillows. They are available in every shape and size under the sun, so it is easy to replace your old inserts.

Outdoor Pillows

There are also outdoor pillows made especially to withstand the elements. The company, Weather Soft, provides pillow inserts with a water repellent shell that keeps the inner 100% polyester fiberfill from becoming saturated in wet weather. The Weather Soft™ outdoor pillow provides durable comfort for patio and deck furnishings, boating, camping and RV accessories. You have the freedom to decorate your outdoor space using any fabric style you prefer, including marine and outdoor fabrics, because the laminated shell of the pillow insert protects the fiberfill from moisture.