Fiberfill is fiberfill right?  Not really there are several grades of fiberfill and choosing the wrong grade can give your doll or bear an unexpected feel.

There are the eocomy or bargin grades of fiberfill.  This fiberfill should be used when you are looking for a firm to hard toy.  (The old exceliser stuffed bears would be an example of a hard stuffing.)  The advantages of the better quality fiberfill is lost when you stuff to a firm or hard consistency because they cannot expand back like they are designed to so you use more of the expensive fiberfill to accomplish the same effect. These fiberfills cost the least.

There are  premium grades of fiberfill. These are used the most often and gives a soft but substantial feel. It should be used when you want a squeezable but firm toy.  These fiberfills cost about half again as much as economy but you will use a lot less in a soft toy so it actually costs less overall.

There are ultra grades of fiberfill.  The Ultra Slick includes special coatings to make the fibers slide better so it bounces back the most. This is used in those dolls that you can squeeze to almost nothing and they bounce right back. Ever tried to squeeze the whole doll into your hand (most of us have)?  These can cost up to twice the cost of eonomy but they are the only way to get the really soft feel.  Don't over stuff a little goes a long way!

Here is why. The higher quality fiberfills rebound more fully when compressed. This is accomplished by using better materials and special coatings so the fibers rebound and slide better. 

Beads can also be used to give your doll or bear weight. Be sure to sew them into a double bag and fasten it in the seat of the doll so they do not spill or move around.