Because they provide comfort, support, and style to our living spaces, pillows are an indispensable part of our everyday lives. Selecting the appropriate fabric is important for any type of pillow, whether they are decorative pillows that liven up your sofa, weatherproof outdoor pillows, or pillows for sleeping that support your head at night.
Because every type of pillow has different requirements, choosing the right fabric is essential to their comfort and longevity. Stylish and long-lasting fabrics are needed for decorative pillows. Conversely, outdoor pillows require materials that are both weather-resistant and aesthetically pleasing. The fabric used for sleeping pillows needs to be supple, permeable, and kind to the skin.
Making the right decision for your pillows can be aided by your understanding of the qualities of different fabrics. You can choose the ideal fabric for sleeping, outdoor, and decorative pillows by following this guide, which will take you step-by-step through the selection process.
Type of Pillow | Recommended Fabric |
Decorative | Velvet, silk, jacquard |
Outdoor | Polyester, acrylic, outdoor canvas |
Sleeping | Cotton, linen, bamboo |
General rules for choosing fabric for a pillowcase
You should be very clear about the intended use of the pillowcase when selecting the fabric. When creating a bedding accessory, use natural materials that have the ability to rapidly absorb and release moisture through "breathing." For sofas and other decorative pillows, any abrasion-resistant fabric will do.
Additionally, keep the following things in mind when selecting a material:
A sturdy intermediate pillowcase is necessary for filling with feathers and down. If not, he will prick his face and leave the department. However, synthetic fiber—such as foam rubber, holofiber, and synthetic padding—can be incorporated into a thin, pliable fabric that doesn’t build up static electricity.
It is preferable to sew a pillow out of cotton, linen, or bamboo if you have asthma or allergies. These materials effectively insulate the filler and are hypoallergenic in and of themselves.
When choosing fabric for decorative pillows, keep in mind both your personal style and the decor of the room. For instance, items made of velor and jacquard accentuate the opulent atmosphere. Additionally, satin, silk, and cambric pillows look good in a sophisticated and romantic bedroom.
It’s important to keep the purpose of the pillow in mind when selecting fabric: outdoor pillows need to be made of weather-resistant materials like acrylic or olefin; for decorative pillows, aesthetically pleasing but durable fabrics like velvet or jacquard work well; and for sleeping pillows, comfort is paramount, with breathable and soft materials like cotton or bamboo working well.
What fabrics are suitable for a pillowcase?
Even in good health, a poorly chosen pillowcase and filler can ruin a good night’s sleep. Additionally, using such products on a regular basis will cause issues with the skin, neck, and nervous system. As a result, we shall discuss the materials that are typically used to sew sleeping pillows below.
Tick
The most common material used for feather pillows is tick. It is a plain weave or twill fabric with exceptional durability. It can be synthetic or natural, composed of fibers like hemp, linen, and cotton. frequently has an impregnation that repels water.
Tick offers the following benefits:
- high density – 140-160 g / m²;
- hygienic and hypoallergenic;
- holds the filler shape perfectly;
- "breathes";
- serves for decades.
But over time, this kind of material gathers moisture. As a result, it is recommended that pillows made of it be sun-dried on occasion.
Satin
Twisted cotton threads are double woven to create satin. It appears sophisticated, like silk, despite being far less expensive, because of its thinness, lightness, and smoothness.
Satin offers the following benefits:
- hypoallergenic;
- pleasant to the touch and comfortable for the skin;
- quickly wicks away moisture;
- "breathes";
- withstands washing up to 95 ° C;
- does not wrinkle.
The material is perfect for pillowcases, decorative items, and pillows with down and synthetic fillings. However, you ought to select a different option for the pen. Satin is also extremely electrified.
Flax
Among the most resilient and long-lasting textiles, enabling superior air circulation. does not grow bacteria, fungi, or dust mites. For children’s cushions, senior products, and allergy sufferers, linen is a great material.
The fabric feels rough to the touch for some people. On the other hand, there are more delicate cotton and linen items available.
Bamboo
Bamboo comes from plants and is a natural material. It feels good to the touch and is thin and smooth. effectively eliminates moisture and possesses strong antibacterial qualities. ideal for those with delicate skin types.
Bamboo has a higher level of durability than satin and cotton. Even after several washings, nests made of this material remain wrinkle- and stretch-free.
Wool
Wool fibers are good at retaining heat in fabric. As a result, it helps those who have neck conditions, especially osteochondrosis.
Wool, however, has a number of drawbacks:
- can prick the face;
- prone to shrinkage after washing;
- strongly electrified.
It is preferable to use this type of fabric for outdoor or decorative pillows. It will make the place feel comfortable.
Silk
Only aristocrats have used silk pillows for sleeping since ancient times. Additionally, this fabric is the priciest right now. Silk is incredibly light, thin, and shiny like pearl. Owing to its amazing smoothness, it doesn’t damage hair or leave creases on a sleeping person’s skin. It is thought that natural fibers are hypoallergenic.
Silk, however, cannot be mixed with fillers such as wool, down, or feathers. Delicate fabric is also hard to take care of.
Batiste
What material works well in a bedroom instead of silk? Batiste is regarded as a competitive contender. This fabric is light-colored, translucent, and nearly "airy." It is constructed with synthetic or cotton threads. Sleeping on a cambric pillow is not cold in the winter, nor is it hot in the summer. During sleep, the skin "breathes," stays dry, and does not become irritated.
The drawbacks of cambric are identical to those of silk: it requires a lot of maintenance and looks bad when filled with feathers.
Twill
Twill is a fabric with a delicate and soft twill weave. Although it is less dense, it resembles satin. Typically, the material is made up of a combination of synthetic and natural fibers, like cotton and polyester or wool and acrylic.
Twill pillows have an elastic, voluminous appearance and hold their shape well. The product’s composition determines how comfortable it is to sleep on.
Percale
Regarded as one of the top materials for sheets. Silky and velvety to the touch, yet strong and resistant to abrasion. In other words, percale combines the benefits of teak and satin in one material. Fit even for pillows filled with feathers.
Jacquard
Jacquard is a classy, refined material with a glossy sheen and patterned pattern. It is typically used as the fabric for pillows that are decorative. Jacquard is incredibly strong; it doesn’t deteriorate or wear out over time. But because of the relief surface, sleeping on it is not particularly comfortable.
What fabrics are suitable for decorative pillows?
The same materials used to sew a bedding accessory can also be used to sew a decorative pillow. However, it is preferable to choose those choices that will highlight the proprietors’ distinct style:
A cozy, homey feeling is created by pillows made of flock, chenille, velveteen, velor, and other fluffy materials. These goods can also be embellished with appliques, buttons, and ribbons.
In the winter, fur pillows strewn across the sofa look cozy and welcoming. They do, however, require routine vacuuming.
A pillow constructed from remnants of vintage clothing (fleece, knit dresses and blouses, jeans) looks unique. You can create a product that is unique to any store by experimenting with colors, sizes, and shapes.
How to sew a pillow at home?
Online resources offer comprehensive guides for sewing both decorative and sleeping pillows. Generally speaking, there are three steps in the needlework process: measuring, preparing the pattern, and creating the pillowcase.
How much fabric do you need for a pillow?
Selecting the final product’s dimensions is necessary before figuring out the fabric for a pillow.
Currently, the requirements are:
- 60 × 60 cm;
- 50 × 70 cm.
You will need fabric that is 150–170 cm wide and 65 cm long for them. The selection of pillowcases for these products is therefore simple.
How to make a pillowcase?
Once the measurements are known, you must cut out a rectangle with 1.5–2 cm seam allowances along the fabric’s transverse line. After folding the workpiece in half, iron it. An overlock should be used to overcast open cuts in a circle. After that, fold the product so that the front is inside out and sew the seams. Remember to leave a hole on one of the pillowcase’s sides.
Finally, all that’s left to do is stuff the pillow with filler and machine-sew it together. You can add decorative elements to it if you’d like.
It’s important to keep the intended use of the pillow in mind when choosing fabric for pillows. Decorative pillows that are intended to improve a space’s aesthetic appeal benefit from materials that have a plush appearance and feel, such as velvet, silk, or brocade.
Weather resistance and durability are essential for outdoor pillows. The best fabrics are those that can resist exposure to the weather while retaining their color and texture over time, such as outdoor polyester or acrylic.
Breathability and comfort are critical for sleeping pillows. Natural materials that promote softness and proper air circulation—such as cotton, linen, or bamboo—are great options for improving sleep quality.