Wooly Bolus: Feel-Good Stuffing for Pillows

ByThe Slipcover Maker Published

Wooly bolus stuffing is a non-toxic, natural fiber alternative to polyester fill. Use it in your throw pillows and sleep pillows to create comfortable support and adjustable loft.

Wooly Bolus Filled Throw Pillows

My favorite natural fill for throw pillows and bed pillows is wooly bolus. This loose, organic pillow stuffing is made from felted wool clusters, which are soft and springy.

A pillow stuffed with wooly bolus looks similar to a down/feather pillow. It’s slightly firmer and less squishy, but it can be easily fluffed and shaped. I especially like the many feel-good qualities of this wool fill:

  • Resists dust mites and mildew
  • No toxic fire retardants
  • Breathable, good thermal comfort
  • Renewable resource processed without harmful chemicals

I buy organic wooly bolus fill by the pound from Organic Cotton Plus. For an 18 inch throw pillow, I use about 1.5  pounds of fill and for a standard size bed pillow; I use 2 to 3 pounds.

For best results, first make a zippered case the size of your decorative pillow cover. I use pre-shrunk cotton sheeting. Then, stuff it with wooly bolus to your desired fullness. This will be your pillow insert. You can remove or add fill any time to adjust the plumpness and refresh compressed fiber.

Can a wooly bolus pillow insert be washed? Yes, and no. Check out the results from my wash and dry test. I also include how-to instructions in this article I wrote for Satara Home’s blog.

5 Comments

  1. windmillfarm says:

    That is so interesting, all these years, I have never heard of Wooly Bolus. Thank you for information, I will use it on my next pillow form.

    1. You will love it, Paula. It’s USA farmed and processed, too!

  2. Martha Harrison says:

    cost of standard pillow, very, very fluffy

  3. Hi, love your website. I have also order the wool bolus from organic cotton plus and am dismayed by a strong slightly chemical smell. Doesn’t smell like sheep. Have you found the this dissipates with time? Thanks!

    1. Chris — I have purchased wool bolus from OCP a few times and never did it smell like chemicals. I’m super sensitive to odors and wouldn’t be able to tolerate that. I smelled a very slight sheep smell at first, which dissipated within a few weeks. I would contact OCP. Organic wool should not smell like chemicals.

Comments are closed.