PILLOW FILLING

The pillow covering must be constructed first. Sturdy cotton or cotton-polyester fabric is shipped to the factory in huge bolts.

• Stacks of rectangular-shaped fabric are taken to the sewing machines.

In this case, a machine operator takes two pieces and sews them together around the edges, leaving a space open in order to stuff the pillow. As the operator sews the edges together, the tag that lists the pillow's contents is attached. The operator then turns the pillow covering inside out so that the seams are on the inside of the case.

• The casings are moved to the pillow machine, which blows the polyester filling into the pillows.

• When the pillow is filled, it is taken to another station and workers close the opening in the pillow case using an industrial sewing machine.

The pillow is weighed at that time to ensure that it includes the requisite amount of batting.