Making a weighted pillow involves creating a comfortable, evenly filled pillow with materials like plastic poly pellets, glass beads, or rice to add weight. By sewing a pillow case from fabric, dividing it into grids, and evenly distributing the fill material into each grid before sealing the pillow, you ensure that the weight is evenly dispersed. This DIY project requires basic sewing skills and allows you to customize the weight and feel according to your preferences.
Understanding Weighted Pillows
Weighted pillows, similar to weighted blankets, offer a form of pressure therapy that can have a calming effect, potentially improving sleep and reducing anxiety. Before diving into the process of making one, it’s important to decide on the weight and size that’s right for you. Typically, the weight of the pillow should be around 5-10% of the user’s body weight. Additionally, the size should be convenient for its intended use, whether that is as a bed pillow or a smaller cushion for traveling.
Gathering the Materials
Once you have decided on the size and weight, you’ll need to gather the following materials:
– Fabric: Choose a durable, comfortable fabric like cotton or Minky for the pillow cover.
– Filler material: Poly pellets, micro-glass beads, or dried grains like rice or barley can be used.
– Thread: A strong thread that matches or complements your fabric.
– Sewing needle or sewing machine: Depending on your sewing method of choice.
Our Top 5 Pillow Picks
Updated September 2026MFWW Cervical Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Best for neck pain. A dual-height ergonomic contour cradles your head and supports the neck, for back and side sleepers.
- Contour memory foam
- Dual-height design
- Cool breathable cover
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Standard, 2-Pack
Best value pair. Shredded foam you can adjust to your loft, with a cool-gel feel and no solid-block heat. Two pillows in one box.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Standard 2-pack
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best for the whole household. The same adjustable cooling foam in queen size, four to a set, so every bed in the house gets an upgrade.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Queen set of 4
Utopia Bedding Hotel Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best hotel-style set. Plush, cooling pillows made to suit side, back and stomach sleepers alike. A safe pick for guest rooms.
- Queen set of 4
- Cooling
- All sleep positions
- Hotel style
Zalmureta Goose Feather & Down Pillows, Queen, Set of 2
Best luxury pick. A three-chamber goose feather and down fill wrapped in a 100% cotton shell, for that five-star-hotel feel at home.
- Goose feather & down
- 3-chamber design
- 100% cotton shell
- Queen 2-pack
Steps to Make a Weighted Pillow
Step 1: Cut the Fabric
Cut two pieces of fabric to your desired pillow size, adding an extra inch on all sides for seam allowances. For a more finished look, you might opt for a patterned fabric on one side and a solid color on the other.
Step 2: Create the Grid
On the inside (wrong side) of one fabric piece, draw a grid pattern where your rows and columns are evenly spaced. The number of grids will depend on how many compartments you want for the filler. Remember, more grids result in better weight distribution.
Step 3: Sew the Pillow Edges
Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together and sew around the edges, leaving a gap for turning and filling the pillow later. Clip the corners to reduce bulk, then turn the pillow right side out.
Step 4: Sew the Vertical Grid Lines
Sew along the vertical grid lines you drew earlier, starting from one edge and stopping at the last horizontal line. This creates the columns into which your weighted material will be filled.
Step 5: Fill the First Column
Pour your chosen weighted filler into the first column using a funnel. The amount of filler for each grid pocket will depend on your total desired pillow weight divided by the number of grid pockets.
Step 6: Secure the First Row
Sew across the pillow horizontally, along the first row line, sealing the weighted filler into the first column.
Step 7: Repeat the Filling and Sewing
Continue this process—filling a column, then sewing it off—until all grids are filled with the weighted material. Ensure that the weight is evenly distributed among the grids to avoid a lumpy pillow.
Step 8: Close the Pillow
Stitch up the opening of the pillow, either by hand for a hidden stitch or with a sewing machine for efficiency.
Adding a Removable Cover
For ease of cleaning, consider making a separate removable and washable pillow cover that fits over your weighted pillow. This can be done by sewing a basic pillowcase or cover with a zipper or Velcro closure.
Choosing the Right Weighted Material
The choice of filling material impacts the feel and the heaviness of the pillow. Plastic poly pellets are budget-friendly and easy to work with, but glass beads are denser and usually less bulky, providing a smoother finish. Natural fillers like rice are an eco-friendly option but keep in mind they might not be washable.
Customizing Your Weighted Pillow
Weighted pillows can be tailored to individual needs. For instance, adding a few drops of essential oil to the filler material can provide aromatherapy benefits, or using specific fabrics like satin or bamboo can cater to texture sensitivities.
Maintenance and Care
Weighted pillows, especially those filled with natural materials, should be kept dry to prevent mold and spoilage. For weighted pillows with beads or pellets, it’s important to read the care instructions, as some may be washable, while others may require spot cleaning or hand washing only.
Finishing Thoughts
Creating a weighted pillow can be a rewarding DIY project that enhances comfort and relaxation. By selecting quality materials and taking time to ensure even distribution of weight, you can craft a personalized pillow that suits your specific needs. Taking care of your homemade weighted pillow will extend its life and ensure that it remains a cherished accessory for restful sleep or moments of relaxation.
