Batting

• Pillow batting is polyester stuffing that comes in boxes or bags. It is inexpensive and makes a light, fluffy pillow. The biggest drawback to "poly fill" is that it tends to get matted and lumpy.
  
  

Foam Stuffing

• Crumbled foam is harder to find than polyester batting but makes a firmer pillow. Foam can be purchased in bags at some fabric stores.
  
  

Microbeads

• Microbead pillows have gained popularity in recent years. Microbeads can be purchased in bags at many fabric stores. Microbeads make a soft, squishy pillow and give the pillow a unique texture, especially when used with stretchy fabrics.
  
  

Buckwheat Hulls

• Buckwheat can be purchased by the pound at many health-food stores. Buckwheat pillows are firm and flexible at the same time. Many spa-like pillows are filled with buckwheat hulls.
  
  

Recycled Materials

• Pillow stuffing can be made using scraps of fabric, yarn, or old clothing. For best results, cut the fabric into small pieces. A pillow made with recycled stuffing will be less fluffy than one stuffed with other materials.
  
  

Down, Feathers

• Goose down or a combination of down and feathers is popular for store-bought pillows. Down makes a very soft, fluffy pillow. Down is difficult and expensive to purchase for homemade pillows but you can find down pillows at yard sales or thrift stores and recycle the stuffing.