Using Polyester Fibre for Cushion Fillings

a soft centre to cushions

Polyester fibre is man-made, stable and very strong. It has many uses in today's world.

When crude oil is refined a lot of different hydorcarbons are made. For example gas ethane can be coverted to ethylene, this in turn is polymerised to form polyester.

Types of Polyester Fibre

Polyester has 4 types:

• Filament - This is where the fibre is in one long length. This is used to make smooth looking fabrics.
• Staple - This is where the fibres are cut short and in set lengths so it is easier to mix with other fibres.
• Tow - This is where the fibres are also in one length but are more loosely bound together.
• Fibrefill - This form is has a large volume and is bulky.

The two types that are used regularly are filament and staple.

The fibre that is used in cushion filling is fibrefill as it is bulky and with that it is soft as well. Although over time it tends to go a little flat so you will need to plump up your cushions to make sure they look full this will introduce air in between the fibres and make them fill out.

It is a synthetic version of down and feathers, with qualities such as being warm, washable and naturally stain resistant. One of the main advantages of this over down and feathers is that it is non allergenic so is used widely and is suitable for nearly everyone. Many pillows and bedding is now available with this fibre in place of feathers due to it versatility.

This is sold in bags and its main use is as toy filling. Some shopping outlets such as craft or sewing shops would have this in stock.

If you wanted to make your own cushion pads then this type of filling would be ideal as it is adaptable to a variety of shapes and sizes. From the smallest cushion to relatively large ones depending on their use. It is excellent if you need it to be pliable and to use when bending.

This filling is also available when buying pre made cushion pads.

These fibres can be woven to make a fabric such as wadding that is used in quilting and sometimes as a filling for cushions as well. A cushion pad could be made with a wadding cover and polyester fibre inside for extra softness.

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