Stuffing A Pillow Cover The Right Way
You might think that explaining how to fill a pillow cover is superfluous. After all, how difficult could it be? Isn't it simply as simple as zipping open the cover and stuffing the insert inside? The fact is that many individuals ruin their new pillow coverings by mishandling them when attempting to load them with pillow inserts. Too much pressure at the zipper ends can cause the stitching to snap and break, causing the cover to pull apart, no matter how neatly made your pillow covers are. This is especially common with pillows made of lightweight materials like silk or with concealed zippers that are difficult to strengthen at the zipper ends. Take a look at the image below to see what I mean. Here's an example of a pillow insert cover that has ripped apart at the zipper end due to too much tension on the stitching while being stuffed.
Now let's look at the ideal approach to fill your covers so that the zipper ends don't get too stressed.
The first thing to look for is a cushion insert that fits your cover properly. If you purchased your covers and inserts from Pillow Décor together, we've already ensured that the insert will fit your cover perfectly. If you're going to use your old inserts in new pillow covers, you'll want to be sure they're not damaged.
A polyfill insert shouldn't be more than one inch bigger than the cushion cover as a general rule. The insert should preferably be no larger than the cover. Depending on the 'loft' or volume of the feather/down insert, you may be able to utilize inserts that are as much as two or three inches larger than the cover.
It's time to carefully fill your cover once you've made sure your insert isn't too big for your cover.
- Unzip your pillow cover and place it on a flat surface in front of you.
- Fold your pillow insert in half carefully while compressing it enough to grip it in the middle and keep the two sides together.
- With one hand holding the insert firmly in place, open the pillow cover with the other and carefully draw the cover over one end of the insert.
- Continue to push the cover over the insert, squeezing it together, until all four corners of the insert are within the cover. Make sure you don't let go of the insert before it's completely within the cover. If you have to release the insert, do so gently to prevent damaging it.
- Now it's time to zip up your cover. This should be done slowly and carefully to ensure that there are no loose threads or insert fabric obstructing the zipper.
- Gently shut the zipper by guiding the zipper fastener down the length of the zipper. If the zipper starts to stick or jam, do not push it open. If this happens, carefully reverse the zipper while inspecting it for any obstructions. After that, try shutting it once more.
That's the only thing there is to it. You may have noticed that we used the phrase 'gently' many hundred times in the preceding instructions. At the very least, while stuffing your blankets, be careful with them. They will appreciate it.