Determining the right amount of pillow stuffing is crucial for creating comfortable, supportive pillows that maintain their shape. Whether you’re making new pillows from scratch, restuffing old ones, or creating custom decorative cushions, this guide will help you calculate the perfect amount of filling.
Standard Pillow Sizes and Stuffing Requirements
Bed Pillows
| Pillow Size | Dimensions | Polyester Fiberfill | Down/Feather | Memory Foam Chunks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20″ × 26″ | 16-20 oz (1-1.25 lbs) | 20-25 oz | 2-3 lbs |
| Queen | 20″ × 30″ | 20-24 oz (1.25-1.5 lbs) | 25-30 oz | 3-4 lbs |
| King | 20″ × 36″ | 24-32 oz (1.5-2 lbs) | 30-36 oz | 4-5 lbs |
| Euro | 26″ × 26″ | 24-32 oz (1.5-2 lbs) | 30-36 oz | 4-5 lbs |
Decorative Pillows
| Pillow Size | Dimensions | Polyester Fiberfill | Down/Feather |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Throw | 12″ × 12″ | 6-8 oz | 8-10 oz |
| Medium Throw | 16″ × 16″ | 10-12 oz | 12-16 oz |
| Large Throw | 18″ × 18″ | 12-16 oz | 16-20 oz |
| Lumbar | 14″ × 22″ | 12-16 oz | 16-20 oz |
| Bolster | 7″ × 20″ | 10-14 oz | 14-18 oz |
Calculating Stuffing for Custom Sizes
For custom-sized pillows, you can use this general formula:
- Calculate the volume: Length × Width × Depth (desired loft)
- Convert to ounces:
- For medium firmness polyester fiberfill: 1 cubic foot ≈ 12-16 oz
- For down/feather: 1 cubic foot ≈ 16-20 oz
- For memory foam chunks: 1 cubic foot ≈ 32-40 oz
Example: For a custom 24″ × 24″ × 4″ pillow with medium firmness using polyester fiberfill:
- Volume: 24″ × 24″ × 4″ = 2,304 cubic inches = 1.33 cubic feet
- Stuffing needed: 1.33 × 14 oz = approximately 18.6 oz (1.16 lbs)
Adjusting for Firmness
| Desired Firmness | Adjustment Factor |
|---|---|
| Soft | Use 80-90% of standard amount |
| Medium | Use 100% of standard amount |
| Firm | Use 110-120% of standard amount |
| Extra Firm | Use 120-130% of standard amount |
Different Types of Stuffing
Polyester Fiberfill
- Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight, washable, hypoallergenic
- Cons: Compresses over time, less breathable
- Best for: Everyday pillows, children’s pillows, budget projects
Down/Feather
- Pros: Luxurious feel, excellent insulation, long-lasting
- Cons: More expensive, requires special care, potential allergen
- Best for: Luxury bedding, high-end decorative pillows
Memory Foam
- Pros: Supportive, conforms to shape, durable
- Cons: Heavier, can retain heat, more expensive
- Best for: Support pillows, orthopedic applications
Wool
- Pros: Natural, breathable, temperature regulating
- Cons: More expensive, can felt if washed improperly
- Weight: Similar to down requirements but slightly heavier
Cotton
- Pros: Natural, breathable, ideal for hot climates
- Cons: Tends to clump, heaviest option
- Weight: Use 25-30% more than polyester fiberfill
Tips for Perfect Pillow Stuffing
- Always buy extra: It’s better to have too much than too little
- Overstuff slightly: New pillows will compress 10-15% within the first few weeks
- Distribute evenly: Work stuffing into corners and edges for even loft
- Consider mixing materials: Combine memory foam and fiberfill for balanced support and softness
- Account for fabric thickness: Thicker upholstery fabrics may require more stuffing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Understuffing: Results in flat, unsupportive pillows
- Overstuffing: Creates excessive tension on seams, risking tears
- Uneven distribution: Causes lumpy, uncomfortable pillows
- Wrong material for purpose: Using soft filling for support pillows or firm filling for decorative cushions
Conclusion
The right amount of pillow stuffing depends on pillow size, desired firmness, and filling material. Use the guidelines above as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to adjust based on your personal preferences. Remember that most pillows will compress somewhat over time, so starting with a slightly overfilled pillow often leads to better long-term results.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pillow Stuffing Amounts
How much stuffing do I need for an 18×18 pillow?
For an 18×18-inch decorative or throw pillow:
- Polyester Fiberfill: 12-16 ounces for medium firmness, 16-20 ounces for firm
- Down/Feather Mix: 16-20 ounces
- Memory Foam Chunks: 20-24 ounces
- Natural Cotton: 18-22 ounces
The final amount depends on your desired firmness level and the pillow’s intended use. For decorative pillows that need to hold their shape well, lean toward the higher end of these ranges.
How much stuffing should I use for a 16×16 pillow?
A 16×16-inch pillow typically requires:
- Polyester Fiberfill: 10-12 ounces for medium firmness, 12-14 ounces for firm
- Down/Feather Mix: 12-16 ounces
- Memory Foam Chunks: 16-20 ounces
- Natural Cotton: 14-18 ounces
Remember that pillow fabric thickness will affect how full your pillow appears. Thicker upholstery fabrics may require up to 15% more filling than thin cotton cases.
What’s the right amount of stuffing for a 20×20 pillow?
For a 20×20-inch pillow:
- Polyester Fiberfill: 16-20 ounces for medium firmness, 20-24 ounces for firm
- Down/Feather Mix: 20-25 ounces
- Memory Foam Chunks: 25-30 ounces
- Natural Cotton: 22-28 ounces
This larger size creates a substantial accent pillow. If using it for back support (like on a sofa or bed), aim for the higher end of these ranges for better ergonomic support.
How much polyfill do I need for a 12×12 pillow?
A small 12×12-inch pillow requires:
- Polyester Fiberfill (Polyfill): 6-8 ounces for medium firmness, 8-10 ounces for firm
- Down/Feather Mix: 8-10 ounces
- Memory Foam Chunks: 10-12 ounces
- Natural Cotton: 9-11 ounces
Small pillows are often used for decorative purposes, in children’s rooms, or as accent pillows. They require proportionally less stuffing but should still be filled adequately to maintain their shape.
How can I tell if I’ve used the right amount of stuffing?
A properly stuffed pillow should:
- Hold its shape when placed on a surface
- Spring back slowly when compressed (too fast means it’s overstuffed; not at all means it’s understuffed)
- Have a consistent feel throughout with no lumpy areas
- Fill out the corners without excessive stretching of the fabric
- Feel comfortable according to your preferences
Do different sewing techniques affect how much stuffing I need?
Yes! Consider these factors:
- Box-edge pillows (with gussets) require more stuffing than knife-edge pillows (with pinched corners) of the same dimensions
- Tufted pillows require slightly less filling as the tufting compresses the material
- Quilted pillows need consistent filling to maintain an even appearance
Will my newly stuffed pillow change over time?
Most pillow fillings will compress somewhat with use:
- Polyester Fiberfill: Compresses 10-15% in the first few weeks
- Down/Feather: Settles by about 5-10% but can be fluffed back up
- Memory Foam: Minimal compression, but may soften slightly
- Natural Cotton: Can compress up to 20% with regular use
For best results, overstuff your pillow slightly (by 10-15%) to account for this natural settling.
How can I calculate stuffing for unusual pillow shapes?
For non-standard shapes, calculate the approximate volume:
- For round pillows: π × radius² × thickness
- For bolster pillows: π × radius² × length
- For triangular pillows: (½ × base × height × thickness)
Then convert to ounces using these approximations per cubic foot:
- Polyester Fiberfill: 12-16 oz
- Down/Feather: 16-20 oz
- Memory Foam: 32-40 oz
- Natural Cotton: 20-24 oz
Is there a difference between stuffing for outdoor vs. indoor pillows?
Outdoor pillows typically require the following:
- 10-15% more stuffing than indoor equivalents for better durability
- Weather-resistant fillings like polyester fiberfill or specialized outdoor foam
- Denser filling to withstand compression from exposure to elements
- More consistent overstuffing to maintain shape through seasonal changes
This is a really helpful and informative guide – great for anyone looking to create the perfect pillows!