Home / Blog September 28, 2022

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What Is a Knot Pillow And What Is It Used For?

Designers can’t stop talking about the knot pillow—but what is it, and what is it used for? Inspired by an Icelandic designer's seaside childhood, you can thank the knot pillow’s creator for this unique, stress-relieving home decor accent.

what is a knot pillow

Bearassentials

The knot pillow was created and designed by Reykjavík-based designer, Ragnheiður Ösp Sigurðardóttir.

Knot pillows, especially those made from natural materials, help to create a stylish space to nap and relax.

Bearaby’s very own knot pillows, The Huggets, provide a range of sensory benefits to squash and hug away tension in style.

Did you know?
Knots go way back! The oldest fossils of knots are estimated by scientists to be about 15,000 years old.

The maritime-inspired knot pillow exploded into the design world with its unique style and concept. If you've been searching for a little bit of inspiration, search no more! Let’s dive into the history behind the Hugget, and learn more about the calming benefits these knotted balls can bring.

What Is a Knot Pillow?

Before our Huggets landed in store, you’ve likely seen knot pillows popping up on your favorite interior designer’s IG feed. What exactly is a knot pillow, and what’s the story behind its creation? The knot pillow is exactly what it sounds like: a single, giant knot!

The Creation of the Knot Pillow

Icelandic designer Ragnheiður Ösp Sigurðardóttir initially crafted bear figures made out of crocheted tubes. From there, she began tying the tubes into knots and exploring the outcome, eventually ending up with the first-ever knot cushion, now popularly known as the knot pillow.

What is the purpose of a knot pillow?

Our Hugget knot pillows are a great way to create a stylish, cozy space to nap and relax. But they’re KNOT just a pretty face – they also have a host of benefits!

Because of the way our natural latex knot pillows are made, they function as a natural stress-reliever for your space too. The soft, stretchy, and squishy Melofoam™ filling of our knot pillows makes them pliable. The sensory input your body receives from squeezing and hugging this natural foam material helps ease tension and soothe stress levels, adding a sense of relaxation to your living space.

huggets all sizes

Knot pillow sizes and styles

Traditional knot pillows inspired by Sigurðardóttir’s original design resemble a round ball made from two parallel tubes, tied simultaneously into a large knot. Other styles of knot pillow are flat like floor cushions, while some use a single fabric tube tied into a single knot like a pretzel. Knot pillow sizes will also vary—from giant knotted balls to simple, small, stress-ball-like knots.

Bearaby’s new Hugget collection is inspired by the original knot pillow ball design, and comes in a range of sizes from small to large, with each size providing unique, sensory benefits.

Our small Hugget weighs 0.5 lbs and is 4 inches wide. It works like a stress ball, massaging reflex zones for immediate stress relief.

Our medium Hugget weighs 1 lb and is 9 inches wide. It’s gently weighted and delivers therapeutic sensory and stress relief, which works especially well to keep anxious hands busy while you squash, hug, or squeeze away tension.

Our large Hugget weighs 3 lbs and is 11 inches wide. It activates pressure points to deliver therapeutic sensory and stress relief, and can be used as a lap pad, sleeper cushion, or for extra comfort on the couch.

evening rose hugget on couch

How to Pair a Knot Pillow With Your Weighted Blanket?

Our Hugget knot pillows add stylish texture to your bedroom or living room. They pair perfectly with a Bearaby weighted blanket to create a calming space that feels as good as it looks. Each Hugget is available in the five colors of our signature Cotton Napper, so you can mix and match to create a serene, pastel-perfect palette.