How to Make a Microbead Pillow

Squishy, comfy microbead pillows have become very popular alternatives to traditional pillows. Because the microbead fill molds to the shape of what's resting upon it, small neck pillows, travel pillows, and aromatherapy bags are especially well suited. If you can stitch a straight line with a sewing machine, you can easily make your own and tailor the shape, style, and color to your personal needs and home décor.

Things You'll Need

• Microbead pillow
• Easel paper (or any large size paper)
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Fabric for pillow exterior
• Fabric for pillow lining
• Sewing machine
• Sew-on snaps (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   CHOOSE MICROBEADS
   Microbeads are tiny spheres of polystyrene (typically) that are used as pillow fill. They squish nicely under pressure, but pop back to their original shape when the pressure is released. Most microbeads have diameters of about 0.1 to 0.3 inches. They are often made from recycled materials, making them a great way to "green" your décor. You can purchase the beads from most fabric and craft stores. Since microbeads are not washable, it's often a good idea to create an interior pillow lining from a plain piece of material, which can then be inserted into a decorative cover.

2. DETERMINE THE SIZE AND SHAPE
   The simplest microbead pillows are fabricated from two pieces of fabric stitched along the edges and filled with microbeads. Just about any shape will work well. Small rectangles make great travel pillows, while a long, skinny shape is good for a neck pillow. For children's rooms, fun shapes such as animals, flowers, or sports also work well (see Warnings below for suggested age ranges). Because the microbeads are very small, much narrower regions can be filled (e.g., the tentacles on an octopus) than are easily achieved with traditional fiber fill.

3. CREATE THE PATTERNS
   Sketch an outline of the shape of the finished pillow on a large sheet of art paper (easel paper works great). If you're not comfortable drawing freehand, you can create an image on a computer and then print it out in your desired finished size. If you need multiple sheets of paper, tape them together securely. Using a pencil, carefully sketch a cutting line outside the pillow outline 0.5 inches. Use a ruler to make sure that the distance between the pillow outline and the cutting line is uniform. Carefully cut along the cutting line to form your pattern.

   For the interior lining, you'll need a second, slightly smaller pattern. To create, trace the cutout of the pillow pattern onto another sheet of art paper. Sketch a cutting line 0.25 inches inside the traced line. Use a ruler to make sure that the distance between the traced line and the cutting line is uniform. Carefully cut along the interior cutting line to form a pattern for the lining.

4. 

   PURCHASE FABRICS
   Almost any fabric can be used as a pillow cover. For extra stretch, choose a nylon-spandex blend (similar to swimsuit fabric). For an aromatherapy pillow, cotton blends work well. You'll need enough fabric to cut two copies of the pillow pattern from Step 3. For best results, bring your pattern to the fabric store to make sure that you purchase a sufficient quantity. You'll also need some plain, stretchy fabric for the interior lining - purchase enough to cut two copies of the pillow pattern.

5. CUT, STITCH, AND FILL THE LINING
   Working first with the lining fabric, pin the two pieces together, right sides facing. Using a straight stitch, sew along the perimeter, 0.5 inch from the cut edge. Leave a 2-3 inch opening for filling. Clip away the excess fabric at the corners making sure not to cut through the stitching and turn right side out.

   Make a paper funnel from an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of cardstock and insert into the opening in the lining. Cut off a small corner of the bag containing the microbeads and carefully fill the lining by pouring the beads into the funnel. Any amount of microbeads can be used, depending on how firm or squishy you want the final product. Pin together the opening in the lining, folding under the cut edges, and machine stitch along the outside as close to the fold as you can.

6. SEW THE PILLOW FABRIC
   With the right sides of the pillow fabric facing one another, pin on the pillow pattern and carefully cut along the cutting line. Sew together the pillow fabric in a similar fashion to the lining - right sides together, straight stitch 0.5 inch from the cut edge. Leave part of the seam open (about 6 inches, preferably along a straight edge of the pillow) to insert the filled lining. Clip the corners and turn right side out. Turn under the seam allowances along the opening and machine stitch down.

7. CONSTRUCT THE PILLOW
   Insert the filled lining into the sewn pillow fabric. If some areas of the pillow are narrow, you may have to work the beads around a bit. Machine stitch closed the opening. (If you prefer the cover to be easily removed, sew snaps on instead.)

Tips & Warnings

• To make sure that the lining fabric and the exterior pillow fabric work well together, hold them together against a white pillow form in the fabric store before having the fabric cut.

• Do not squeeze the bag of microbeads as you fill the lining - the beads are extremely light and will fly everywhere. Instead shake the bag gently and pour.

• Because the beads are so small, they are generally not recommended for use by children under 5. Check the bag for the manufaturer's suggestions.

Resources

• Poly-fil Micro Beads