Buckwheat is a filler commonly used in pillow crafts.
Buckwheat is a biodegradable, natural product which you can use as a substitute for rice or beans as a filler for pillow crafts. Buckwheat filling typically comes as the hard outer shell of the buckwheat kernel, which is called the hull, or the inner seed, which is called the groat. Buckwheat filling is readily available at major retailers, health food stores and online vendors. Buckwheat pillow craft patterns can easily be modified to create standard, neck and eye pillows as well as hand warmers.
Characteristics of Buckwheat
Buckwheat pillow craft designs can be adjusted to make standard, neck and eye pillows.
Buckwheat hulls are ideal for pillow crafts because they are lightweight, virtually dust-free and durable. Buckwheat crafts cannot be washed in water, but you can place them in the sun a few hours each month to keep them fresh. Pillows filled with buckwheat hulls or groat form to the shape of the sleeper's neck and head to provide support. Buckwheat pillow crafts containing buckwheat groat hold heat and may be microwaved for approximately one minute for extra thermal comfort. Buckwheat hulls are flammable and should never be heated.
Herbal Pillow with Buckwheat
Buckwheat-filled pillows of all sizes are simple to make. Once you decide the size of the pillow, select a cotton fabric and cut it into two equal pieces slightly larger than the desired size of the pillow. Place the two patterned sides together and sew three sides closed. Turn the fabric inside-out and fill the pillow with two parts buckwheat and one part dried herbs of your choice. Sew the remaining open side closed and enjoy.
Buckwheat Neck Pillows
On heavy paper, draw the size of the desired neck pillow in a C-shape. For toddlers, a 10 1/2-by-15-inch pattern works well. The size and width can be adjusted for larger children and adults. Cut out two equal pieces using the C-shaped pattern and place the fabric with the patterned sides together. Sew around the C-shaped edges and leave a hole large enough through which the fabric can be turned right-side out. Turn the material right-side out, fill the pillow with buckwheat and sew the remaining opening shut. Consider using fleece for ultimate comfort.
Buckwheat Eye Pillows
To create a 4-by-10-inch eye pillow, select an 8-by-10-inch piece of lightweight fabric. Fold the fabric in half along the longer side with the patterned sides facing each other. Sew one of the short and one of the long sides shut and turn the pillow inside out. Fill the pillow with buckwheat, fold the remaining fabric edge in and sew it shut. Use this eye pillow for relaxation and sleeping.
Buckwheat Hand-Warmers
Cut two fabric squares to fit the size of the palm of your glove. Place the patterned sides of the material together and sew three of the edges shut. Turn the pillow right-side out and divide it into three sections with a washable fabric marker. Sew the pieces together along the two lines drawn. Insert a funnel into each section and fill with buckwheat groat. Sew the remaining edge closed and insert the pillow into the palm of your glove. Repeat this process for the other glove. When the weather gets chilly, microwave the pillows for one minute or less and insert them into your gloves for portable warmth.
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