From time immemorial, goose and duck down has been collected for the manufacture of pillows and blankets. Feather natural products are soft, voluminous and capable of giving the sweetest sleep. However, those who suffer from allergies should approach the issue of using natural raw materials with extreme caution.
Procurement of raw materials
The manufacture of a feather pillow begins from the moment the raw material is procured. One dense pillow of a standard size will require at least 1.2 kg of a mixture of feathers and down, which, in terms of birds, will amount to 10 geese or 15–20 ducks. The presence of feathers and down is necessary because an exclusively down product will quickly get lost and lose its shape.
In the process of harvesting, feathers are plucked and sorted. In order for the feathers to pluck well, the broken bird must be dipped in boiled hot water for several minutes.
After separating the feather plates from the ochin, put the raw materials in gauze, calico or cotton bags 80x50 cm in size. Prepare a soap solution by combining 200 g of grated laundry soap and 800 g of washing powder in 12 liters of boiling water. Dip the feather pouches for 30-40 minutes, then rinse in warm and cold water.
The sequence of making a pillow
For one feather pillow you will need:
- fluff, - fabric 75x150 cm, - ruler, - scissors, - threads, - ruler.
For the manufacture of pillows, choose a natural fabric, the density of which will not allow the fluff to creep out during use. The most suitable would be teak - cotton fabric, which has special strength due to weaving. The density of down-holding teak should vary from 140 to 155 grams per square meter of fabric. Teak is also supported by the fact that it is a natural material, does not cause allergies, retains heat, while allowing air to pass through.
Cut a rectangle out of the fabric and fold it in half. The pillow case is made with a special linen seam. To do this, sew the hem on the right side, and then sew on the wrong side. Leave a small hole on one side through which to fill the packing. When you are finished stuffing the pillow, sew the hole.
Feather pillow care
The durability of feather products largely depends on proper care. Feathers collect moisture, dust, grease, so they need to be washed at least once every 2 years. If this rule is followed, goose feather filler will not lose its qualities within 25 years, duck feathers - 10 years.
For washing, the down is taken out of the pillow case, placed in a gauze bag and washed in soapy water, dried and put back into the pillow case. Do not forget that the product should be stored in a dry and well-ventilated area.
