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The Many Choices of Stuffing
The Many Faces Of Stuffing. Exploring the Options
With the many choices of stuffing and paddings out there,
there is no reason to settle for anything other than
exactly what feels best to you. This article will define
many of the options on the market today.
DOWN --- Down is an extremely light weight fill, and
very soft to the touch. It is a cluster more than a
regular feather. It doesn’t have much support in a pillow
so it is often mixed with regular feathers. Follow the
link in the bio below to learn specifics about down and
feathers. It comes from either a duck or goose. It is
very luxurious and quite expensive. An ideal choice for
finer, lighter weight fabrics due to its softness. Your
cushion/pillow filler must be constructed with 100% cotton
down proof cambric so the down doesn’t poke through. One
pound of 100% down will fill one 20” square pillow.
FEATHERS --- Feathers are exactly that, feathers. They
are great for more support and are a bit heavier than down.
Often mixed in different recipes with down for just that
right feel for each individual. Whats your favorite mix?
Feather proof 100% Cotton cambric must be used in
constructing the filler. 2 Pounds of straight feathers
will fill one 20” square pillow.
SHREDDED FOAM --- Once very popular and still widely
available. It is less expensive but hasd only specific
applications and some drawbacks. It is lumpy so it must be
used with heavier weight upholstery tweeds and denims and
the like. It tends to clump over time and becomes very
uncomfortable. Shredded foam can be mixed with other
fills, mostly polys for a bit more softness.
STYROFOAM BEADS --- Great for pet beds, bean bags and
some neck pillows. It conforms to the curves in your neck
so it can be very useful here. Readily available in your
local fabric or craft store. It is washable but must be
dried on low or no heat.
KAPOK --- Kapok is used less and less in upholstery
applications these days but remains a staple for stuffing
toys and stuffed animals. It is a vagetable fiber that
will clump and get lumpy after a few years.
LETS LOOK AT SEVERAL POLYESTER BASED FILLS. There are many
on the market but again the trick is finding the one that
is best for your comfort and taste.
BASIC POLY FILL --- this would be your everyday poly fill.
There is nothing special about it and although it is less
expensive than the upscale fills, its drawbacks may
outweigh the price. It will bunch and get stiff in a short
while and can be impossible to bring back to life after a
few years. It is best for applications that are just
decorative. If you use your pillows for comfort like I do,
get something of a higher quality.
SILK FILL --- Silk Fill is a trade name and not really
made of silk. It is 100% polyester. It is a luxurious
fill specially spun to be super lofty and super resilient.
It is this upholsterer’s personal favorite synthetic fill.
Next to down, it’s the very best. If you are sensitive to
down, this is your baby. It holds its resiliency through
time and is very easy to care for. Keep it fluffed and
you’re good to go.
INVISTA COMFOREL™ --- Invista Comforel is also a superior
product when looking for a down alternative. It is
processed and spun in a special way where the fibers are
crimped to resemble the feel of down at a fraction of the
cost. It is well worth the small amount of extra money.
The fillers you end up with will always depend on your
personal preference of feel and how much you use them. If
I can be of further assistance to you, please visit me at
Creative Thread Arts.com. Many of these fills are
available there and I also offer custom products in your
needed sizes and shapes. Also available are custom made
cushion wraps.
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Creative Thread Arts & Upholstery, LLC 5725 East Hoxie Rd. Cedar MI 49621
Phone (231) 929 - 3690
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