Buckwheat hull pillows are superior to fiber and foam pillows in a myriad of ways. Buckwheat hulls allow for air flow (which regulates temperature) and encourage good spinal alignment. They are also ideal for people with allergies and don’t attract dust mites like other materials. So, when my 3-year-old decided he needed a pillow, I knew he needed a buckwheat pillow.
Making a buckwheat hull pillow is really easy. Since buckwheat hulls aren’t readily available in most local stores, I ordered a bag online that will make 3-4 travel/toddler pillows. I used 8 cups of hulls for this pillow. (Millet hulls can be used as well, but they make a rustling sound and have a grassy smell for the first couple weeks)
Materials
- Buckwheat hulls
- 8.5″ x 25″ pillow fabric
- 8″ (or longer) zipper
- 9.5″ x 31″ pillowcase fabric
- Thread
Step 1: Sew Zipper
Sew the zipper to the short ends of the pillow fabric, following the directions on the zipper package. (The cardboard wrapping on the zipper will explain the best way to sew that particular style of zipper. I used a standard zipper, but you could use an invisible zipper instead.)
Step 2: Finish Sewing Pillow
Turn the pillow inside out (so the right sides are touching) and sew along the long sides. Be sure the zipper is unzipped a little so that you’ll be able to turn it inside out once the seams are done.
My zipper didn’t reach the corner so I whipstiched the end to seal the hole.
Step 3: Fill Pillow with Hulls
This was my son’s favorite part He loved scooping and dumping the hulls into the pillow. In fact, he hovered rather impatiently for the 10-15 minutes it took me to sew the pillow. We used 8 cups, but the pillow definitely could have held more.
Step 4: Start Pillowcase
For the pillowcase we picked out firetruck fabric I had on hand from making his quilt. Fold the short ends in (wrong side to wrong side), first 1/2″ and then 2″. Secure with pins.
Sew along the folded edge of the short sides (about 1 3/4″ from the outer edge).
Step 5: Finish Pillowcase
Next, fold the right sides together and pin along the long sides. Sew these last 2 seams and you’re done!
I know you posted this a long time ago, but can you remember if your little guy seemed comfortable on the pillow? I’m thinking of making one for my toddler out of millet hulls. He already sleeps on a toddler sized pillow (filled with regular fiber fill).
I had read there may be a transition time, since it is a different texture. We didn’t find that to be the case. I think his excitement over the fire truck pillowcase may have influenced his attitude Hope your little guy finds it comfy, too!