Goose-down comforters are known for their fluffiness and cozy, soft nature, but they can deteriorate over time. Sometimes the comforter gradually loses its feathers from everyday use or small tears in the fabric. At other times, it just deflates, or the filling compacts and clumps. What can you do to keep your comforter in top shape? Can you re-stuff a comforter to restore its original fluffiness?
If your goose down-comforter loses all or some of its down fill, you can re-stuff it using a pillow stuffed with the same material. You’ll also need a pair of scissors and a needle and thread (or a sewing machine).
Re-stuffing a comforter is a cost-effective and easy option, particularly if you’re familiar with using a needle and some thread! All you need to do is get some down fill to use. Let’s look at the different types of comforter fillings and some tips on how to refill your comforter.
What Is Comforter Filler?
Different materials such as Goose down, breathable wool, soft cotton, and superior artificial fibers can be used to fill comforters. 100% silk is also another special material that can be used to fill comforters.
To choose the perfect filler for your comforter, you’ll have to consider a few factors, including your usual body temperature, the suitable room temperature for a good night’s sleep, the time of year, and your preference regarding the weight of the comforter. Here are some of the options to consider:
Down Filling
Down-filled comforters come with a whole lot of benefits. Down is a natural product from duck or geese that feels just like wool when it comes to warmth. However, it’s even fluffier and lighter than wool.
Down-filled comforters are also recommended if you’re allergic to wool. Down comforters can be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They are perfect for winter, and lighter versions can also be used during warmer seasons.
Wool Filling
Wool comforters are a great option for winter. Wool from sheep is known for its warmth and, at the same time, its ability to prevent overheating.
Wool-filled comforters look and feel fluffier and heavier than other comforters, making them a much-valued possession during cold winter nights.
Cotton Filling
Cotton is a popular plant fiber that has survived centuries of cultivation and utility. It is beloved for its high rate of absorbency. It is also hypoallergenic, breathable, easily washable, and resilient.
Cotton is normally used for making lightweight comforters that are not as fluffy and thick as those made with other fillers such as polyester. The lightness and softness make cotton-filled comforters perfect for summer.
How to Re-stuff a Comforter
Re-stuffing a comforter is quite an easy process if you follow the steps below. You need a pair of scissors, a needle and thread, and a pillow with the same filling.
Step 1: Open Up Your Pillow
Carefully make a slit along the seam of your pillow. The slit should measure 6 inches. Push the filling away from the cut to ensure it doesn’t fall out before you’re ready to use it.
Step 2: Open Up Your Comforter
Measure out 6 inches along a seam on the bottom of the comforter. Make a 6-inch opening along the seam using a seam ripper or scissors.
Draw out the straight stitch (you can easily sew it back up later), and pull the stitching apart carefully. You can now separate the bottom and top layers of your comforter.
Step 3: Re-Stuff the Comforter
Fill your hands with down (or whichever filling you’re using) from the pillow, and then put them in the comforter through the 6-inch opening. Press the filling further into the comforter using something like a broom handle or the end of a baseball bat.
Keep repeating the process until the down comforter becomes fluffy again.
Step 4: Re-Stitch the Comforter
Now that your comforter is fluffy again, you can use the needle and thread to re-stitch the opening you made earlier. If available, a sewing machine can also be used for this step.
Make sure your thread has the same color as the thread used in other parts of the seam. You can store away the remaining filling from the pillow in a plastic bag or discard it in a trash bag.