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How to Make a Weighted Pillow: A Definitive Guide

How to make a Weighted Blanket Definitive Guide

Weighted objects have gained immense popularity in the past. This saga began with our good old weighted blankets and has now reached a new height with weighted pillows. Weighted pillows provide great comfort to those who aren’t a huge fan of sleeping under a weighted blanket but wish to enjoy deep pressure stimulation during the night. Here’s a brief guide on how to make a weighted pillow of your own cost-effectively;

How to Make a Weighted Pillow: A Definitive Guide

Making a Weighted Pillow: 3 Popular Filling Options

Poly Pellets

If you’ve had the privilege of playing with beanie babies in the past, then you’ll surely understand what we’re referring to. Poly pellets are level 5 safe plastic pellets that can be the most cost-effective filling for a weighted pillow. These pellets do leave a rustling sound when they move around but if you add a little bit of cotton to the mix, your weighted pillow won’t make any noise. It’s better to purchase these in bulk from your nearest store or Amazon if you plan on making multiple weighted pillows. These pellets are non-toxic and can be submitted in water too whenever you plan on washing your weighted pillow.

Organic Materia

Some folks also tend to use organic materials such as; wheat, barley, rice grains, and legumes as fillers for their weighted pillows. There’s a long list of cons associated with these pillow fillers. First and foremost, this won’t be very durable as these items absorb moisture which will increase their size over time and affect the feel of the weighted pillow additionally. Another disadvantage is that these items can grow mold and fungus inside the weighted pillow which can create a harsh situation for the person that’s using the pillow. So, I advise against using this while filling your weighted pillow if you want to keep it for long.

Smooth Pebbles & Cotton Mix

Riverstones and small pebbles are easily accessible to anyone. The key here is to find the pebbles that are small and have a size that compliments each other. That’s because filling the pillow with 70% small rocks and 30% big rocks will lead to an uneven distribution of weight. When making a weighted pillow, make sure that the pebbles aren’t sharp to avoid injury. Additionally, using pebbles with a mix of cotton inside the pillow will provide a padding effect to the user. Don’t forget that a pillow with this filling might not be the best option for someone with extreme sensory sensitivities because of its texture.

3 Step Guide on Making a Weighted Pillow

Picking & Customizing the Casing

First and foremost, when making a weighted pillow, it’s necessary to sew a casing. Take a tour of your nearest fabric store to find a fabric that isn’t too abrasive or harsh on your skin. The fabric should also be super breathable. Additionally, you can choose loud patterns or something in a calm, dusk gradient.

Time To Sew Your Casing

Once you’ve picked the fabric, decide the size of your weighted pillow and snip it down accordingly. You’re going to have to leave at cut two fabric pieces that also have half an inch of allowance for the seam. Use pins to secure the endings of both pieces before you start sewing the ends as it ensures a much cleaner appearance. Once you’re done sewing the ends shut just turn the pillow right-side-out. Now, push out the corners of the casing to make stuffing easier. 

Time To Stuff Your Weighted Pillow

Stuffing your pillow is a crucial step in the weighted pillow making process because now you’ll decide how heavy you want your weighted pillow to be. The more filling you add, the heavier it becomes. It should be 10% of your body weight. Once you’re done stuffing it with the filling you picked earlier, just sew it shut with a blind stitch. Adding a backstitch on both ends ensures that the filling won’t pop out in the middle of the night while you’re snuggling with your weighted pillow. That’s it, that’s all it takes to make a comfortable weighted pillow on your own.

9 Reasons Why You Should Make a Weighted Pillow of Your Own

  • Sleeping with a weighted pillow can lead to an abundant release of feel-good hormones in your body. If you’re stressed from excessive work, anxious about something big in the future, your body’s probably full of cortisol at this particular moment. Cortisol is a stress hormone and you might be feeling extra agitated and over the edge because of a noticeable increase in it. Sleeping while your body and mind are under duress can be very unfavorable. What you need, is a decent fix of dopamine and serotonin which can be made possible thanks to the weighted pillow you’re just about to make. Not all people tend to place it under their heads. Some also tend to use it as a cuddle buddy during the night as it replicates the feeling of a satisfying embrace.
  • It’s common for toddlers and young ones in other age groups to lean on their parents 24/7. As much as you’d want to hold on tight to your little one, it’s entirely impossible to be physically connected to them the entire day. Perhaps you’re a working mom who also has to take care of the house chores. In that case, a weighted pillow can provide comfort to your child. Studies have shown that lying with a weighted object proves to be very therapeutic for kids. In addition to this, some child therapists also have weighted blankets or pillows lying around their offices as it provides kids with a sense of security. Not only does it add comfort to your kid’s life, but it also acts as something big they can latch onto whenever they crave physical connection.
  • Some parents use weighted pillows as lap pads. These weighted lap pads, as the name indicates can be placed on a kid’s lap while he’s feeling extra agitated or can’t focus properly on a task at hand. A weighted pillow can stimulate their tactile system. Through deep pressure stimulation, if a weighted pillow is used as a lap pad, it can make a kid feel more grounded. It amplifies their ability to concentrate on what they’re doing and focus on the task at hand. The sensory input a lap pad adds might not be something you knew your kid needed, but you might notice the benefits very soon. 
  • Weighted pillows can show remarkable abilities during your everyday yoga sessions. A large number of asanas can be made easy thanks to a weighted pillow as it can weigh your feet down. Similar is the case for Pilates.
  • It’s a great tool for those kids with extra sensory needs, these are the kids that can’t simply sit down in one place. A weighted pillow when used as a lap pad can gently hold them down so they can redirect their entire energy to one thing only. Children often struggle with anxiety while doing something out of the ordinary. For instance; taking a long car ride with a familiar object like a weighted pillow can calm their nerves.
  • Leaning onto a weighted pillow can provide your back with a significant amount of support if you have backache. 
  • An autistic child will find great comfort while holding onto a weighted pillow as it gives them a feeling of familiarity. For instance; when they’re in a public setting, it’s easy for them to get overwhelmed by flashing lights or changing sounds as they’re more sensitive to these sensory changes. Holding onto a weighted pillow can release anxiety and calm them down a bit while they’re overwhelmed.
  • People who find themselves to be getting a little too hot while sleeping under a weighted blanket can find a weighted pillow to be a great alternative. 
  • Weighted pillows can save you or someone you know from getting injured badly if they tend to roll over the side while sleeping. Just place it next to you before you doze off and it’ll keep you farther away from the edge of your bed.

How to Make a Weighted Pillow: Final Words

Last but not least, weighted pillows add a cozy touch to your house décor. For instance; you can opt for various shapes when it comes to your kids. These weighted pillows can be made in various geometric shapes according to your kid’s liking. Additionally, you can make bigger weighted pillows and place them on your couch. This way they can keep you company while you’re enjoying your favorite prime time show or movie with your family. 

Mike Horton (head of Weighted Living)

by Mike Horton

Mike is one of the lead editors at Weighted Living and the author of this article. He's become fascinated with weighted products (a bit too much we think) and loves to see all the different ways they can improve our loves. He's written quite a few weighted product guides as well.

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