Pillows are used to decorate sofas, chairs and beds. A pillow consists of two main parts: the pillow cover and the pillow insert. The edges of a pillow cover may have welt, trim or a flange sewn onto them for additional decoration. Understanding a pillow's parts is important so you can order pillows to your exact specifications.
Insert
The pillow insert is placed inside a pillow cover and fills out the pillow cover. Inserts are made of feathers, down, synthetic and recycled materials.
Pillow Cover
The pillow cover consists of two faces: a front face and back face. When the pillow is placed in a room, the front face should always face outward.
Opening/Closure
A pillow cover must have an opening and closure for the insert to be put in and removed. It may close via a zipper, buttons or Velcro.
Welt
A welt is cord wrapped tightly with fabric; it is sewn onto the edges of a pillow cover. A self-welt is made of the same fabric as the face and back. A contrast welt is made in a different fabric from the face and back.
Trim
Trim is any additional decoration applied to the edge of a pillow, such as fringe, cording or beads.
Flange
A flange is a piece of fabric folded in half and sewn to the edge of a pillow.
Resources
Writer Bio
Amy Swanton Mills is a writer and designer residing in Los Angeles. She has spent the past 10 years working in various aspects of the architecture, furniture and interior design industry. Her articles on furniture, design and green lifestyle issues regularly appear on eHow.com and furnicology.com. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History from UCLA.
Related Articles