Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
When making a stuffed toy, you already have an idea of what you would like the finished texture or feel to be. Different stuffing will produce varied results when pressure is applied. First step: be prepared. Before you dive in to your project, stop and consider how you want the item to look when it’s completed, as well as how firm you want it to be. Answering these questions will help you decide which type of filling to buy, and how much you will ultimately use. The greatest concern for some people regarding synthetic toy stuffing is its composition which is entirely petroleum-based, otherwise plastic. Another consideration to make before stuffing toys is the age of the intended user. All toys should be generally safe regardless of the user.
If you are recycle mad like me, then find something soft and squisy and get to it! It is good fun if you want to keep the toy yourself and experiment with different materials. You don’t have to use just one material, I make little bags to weigh down my toys with uncooked rice and add cotton stuffing round the edges.
Your choice, however, depends on certain factors that we shall discuss shortly in this toy stuffing guide. Read on to find out more about the various types of stuffing and how to choose the right one for your toys. How to Choose Toy Stuffing and What You Should Consider Stuffed pillows are usually hand-sewn closed. Thread your needle with coordinating thread, and keeping your stitches as small as possible, slip stitch the opening closed. The tiny stitches help insure no stuffing will poke out of the hand-sewn seam. In the steps below, we are using a simple square knife-edge pillow to illustrate the basic stuffing technique. Since not all projects are square, you want to make sure you’ve properly sewn and trimmed any curves or corners on your project. To learn more, read our tutorials on how to sew corners and curves. For unusually shaped objects, spend extra time in smaller areas first to ensure the shape is taking form, then work your way out towards the opening. Feather pillows are a popular choice for inexpensive throw pillows, decorative pillows, and sleeping pillows. Keep in mind that feather pillows require regular fluffing while you’re using them because they retain your imprints and can flatten out. 3. Memory foam pillow stuffing A key to successful stuffing is what you use to get into those hard to reach corners, curves and crevices. We have a list of recommended tools below. Some are official stuffing tools, while others are “off label” as they say. In general, you need a tool that won’t pierce the fabric as you gently push the filling into place. Official stuffing tools
Another bit of upcycling. I strongly recommend washing the pillow before cutting it open if you want the stuffing clean. Artificial fibres are preferable to feathers, unless you’re making a cushion. Have you found petroleum-free fiber fills that you like? I’d love to hear about other options in the comments!
Cushion Fillings
Before choosing a pillow filling, there are a few things you should take into account. These include the price, support level, maintenance, and whether or not the pillow is hypoallergenic. 1. Down pillow stuffing Sweet Dreams is a 100% cotton stuffing made of soft dreamy layers of fluffy natural cotton. A crafters dream for stuffing, pot holders, pillows, padding, upholstery, bumper pads and trapunto. If you’d like to make a standing or sitting doll or animal, with things like floppy arms, you will also need to incorporate heavy toy stuffing in the right places. 3. What Finished Results Do You Anticipate?
You’ll find that some are soft while others appear stiff. Some will stand on their own, and others are just wobbly. Some are soft and huggable, while others are thin and floppy. It is all in the choice of stuffing. When you’re stuffing, you need to pay attention to the outside as you go. It’s from the outside that you can really see any lumps or indents forming. Keep in mind, sometimes the solution is to add a bit more filling to the immediate area. Other times, you might need to remove some filling and “work it” some more to remove a stubborn clump. Take the time now, because you won’t be able to fix it later. The best thing about cotton stuffed toys is, like polyfill fiber, it can be thrown in a washing machine and dryer without ruining it.
Carding a filling product makes it more light and fluffy as it goes through a carding machine and introduces air. It is possible to buy uncarded toy stuffing and this is more dense and works well if you want a very firm and weighty toy. What are the toy specific types of filling I can buy in the shops? Polyester and Acrylics From this worked filling, take a portion equal to the area where you want to begin stuffing. Begin stuffing in one of the corners farthest from the seam opening. As we mentioned above, it’s best to work your way out. JOANN offers foam and fiber for your home decor and craft projects. From pillow forms and bedding to foam, fiberfill and batting, we have got everything you need. You can use them to make cloud ceilings, plush toys, cushions, pillows and more. You can learn more about them in our fabric glossary. Wool is a good material for pillow filler. It’s highly durable and can work well in both the summer and winter since it’s highly breathable. On the flip side, most of this toy stuffing is manufactured from recycled plastic. This is a commendable step towards lowering the harmful impact of the plastic, had it ended up in the ocean or landfill.
Great Deal 
New Comment