Learning how to make a feather pillow insert is easier than you might think. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to sew a simple featherproof pillow insert and fill it with down and feathers from thrifted pillows. I made an oversized body pillow for our primary bedroom as part of my Spring ’24 One Room Challenge, where I was creating a cozy English coastal look on a budget. If you love a layered bed but want to keep things practical and affordable, this easy DIY is for you!
For our primary bedroom, I wanted the look of a bed layered with decorative pillows without adding a lot of work to my daily bed-making routine. Since we use this bedroom every day, I decided to make one oversized decorative body pillow to hide our two sets of sleeping pillows. It gives the bed that finished, layered look while keeping things simple.
Why I Prefer Down and Feather Pillow Inserts
I prefer down and feather inserts for decorative pillows because they feel luxurious, are easy to shape, and hold up well over time without getting lumpy like some synthetic inserts can.
Although many feather inserts are labeled dry-clean only, I’ve always washed mine at home in the washing machine on a delicate cycle. Ducks get wet, after all! That said, always check the care instructions for your particular insert, since construction and fabric can vary.
The most important part is making sure the insert dries completely. Feather-filled pillows take a long time to dry, so I sometimes finish drying mine outdoors when the weather cooperates. Don’t be alarmed if the feathers have a strong smell while they’re wet; in my experience, that smell disappears once the insert is thoroughly dry.
How to Save Money on Down and Feather Pillow Inserts
A new insert for an oversized 20 x 52-inch body pillow can be surprisingly expensive, so I decided to reuse feathers from two euro shams I already owned. It was a budget-friendly way to get the size and fullness I wanted without buying a pricey new insert.
Thrift stores are another great place to look for down and feather pillow inserts. I often find them for just $1–$4, compared with $20 or more for some new inserts. Give a pillow a squeeze to get a feel for the filling, and check the label or unzip the cover if possible to see whether it contains down and feathers.
Once you get your thrifted pillows home, you can remove the inserts from their covers and clean them according to their care instructions before reusing the filling. You can discard, repurpose, or donate the old covers, depending on their condition.
How to Make a Down and Feather Body Pillow Insert
Making your own down and feather body pillow insert is easier than you might think. You only need basic sewing skills to sew four straight seams, and you can save money by reusing feathers from old pillows or thrift-store finds.
For this project, you’ll need tightly woven pillow ticking, a sewing machine, pins, scissors, and down and feathers for stuffing. I used two old euro-sham inserts to fill my oversized body pillow.
Purchase Featherproof Pillow Ticking
True pillow ticking fabric is featherproof. Its tight weave keeps feathers from poking through the cover. It comes in white and off-white and has a shiny finish. The word “ticking” is also sometimes used to describe a decorative striped fabric which is NOT featherproof. True ticking works beautifully. For my 20 x 52 inch body pillow I purchased 2 yards of fabric. I really only needed 1 1/2 yards but it is sold online in 1 yard increments. Not a problem as I can use it in the future. I purchased true pillow ticking at OnLineFabricStore.com for $5.85/yard.
Cut the Fabric to Size
Cut two pieces of ticking fabric one inch wider and longer than the size you need. For my 20 x 52 inch pillow, I cut my pieces to be 21 x 54 ( I wanted an extra 2 inches at the top just to make sure I had enough fabric to tuck under and sew after I stuffed it).
Pin the Fabric Pieces Together
Match and pin the sides and one end of your two pieces of ticking, right sides together. The right side is shinier.
Sew the Seams
Sew the two sides and one end with a 1/2 inch seam allowance.
Turn the Pillow Insert Right Side Out
Flip to the right side. It should look like a pillowcase at this point.
Fill the Insert With Feathers
Stuff your cover with feathers to the desired fullness. As I mentioned I used the feathers from two euro shams that I already had. It took about 1 1/2 euro shams to fill my body pillow. This step is a little messy so I suggest doing it outside on a non-windy day.
Prepare the Open End
Turn the ends of the open end to the inside and pin.
Sew the Pillow Insert Closed
Sew closed by machine or hand stitch.
Add a Decorative Pillow Cover
Once you have your insert made, use a purchased decorative pillow cover of your choice or you might choose to make that too! For my application, I’m using a linen body pillow cover in sage green. It’s from the Casaluna line at Target and sells for just $15 – a fabulous price for linen! Looking for a pillow cover to finish your bed? Visit my Etsy shop to explore my collection of thoughtfully designed, handmade pillow covers, including classic stripes in a variety of colors to complement your decor.
Enjoy Your DIY Feather Pillow Insert
I hope you are inspired to hit the thrift stores for down/feather pillow inserts!
More From Our Primary Bedroom Makeover
If you’d like to read more about our English Coastal Style bedroom makeover, you can find more here:
- Week 1 – Design Plans
- Week 2 – Shiplap Walls
- Week 3 – DIY Down Feather Pillow
- Week 4 – Bedroom Reveal, Sources & Budget
If you’d like to check out the design plans of the other One Room Challenge participants, you can find them at the One Room Challenge Blog.
Debra
Discover more from The Home Spun Styling Co.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.