Most of the time I buy the "2 for" at Walmart...shake the stuffing down as far as it goes,,, then stitch across,,, that's my form...I have also "cut" them down the middle and stitched up to make 2 from one which makes a nice little pillow..ONE rule of thumb ,I use (forget where I learned this).. to cut your piece the exact size of the pillow..ie.. 16X16 is cut 16X16.. with 1/2" seams...always works for me with a nice smooth fit..