The only thing I can think of is to clip all the curves -- make a V cut on the outside curves and just clip the inside curves.

mj, Ismom is right, clipping the curves and V are really important, I like to continue to finger press the seam area so that there are not catches, or what have you, the stuffing is the next important thing, I usually make a batting lining for my pillows, it gives a smooth look, when you start stuffing out of the bag in handfuls, I like to sort of fluff it, it has been scrunched in that bag for a long time,
and I remember reading some place that the new fibers have a memory, and will go back to the shape they were in, so getting them ready for the pillow helps, I like to stuff in layers, making sure there are no gaps or bunched fibers, feel how the pillow lays, is it lumpy, or does it feel empty in some spots, then I rearrange the fiber or add/take out what needs to be. hope these tips help rene

Use a pressing ham & iron the curves the same way you press a set-in sleeve at the shoulder.

Ditto, just make sure that you stitched the areas that will be clipped with a small stitch - if the stitch is too long it will all start to unravel.

It's also a good idea for an inset corner like the top of the heart to put a little square of iron-on interfacing over both sides of the area, so that the fabric is strengthened in that place. Sometime it isn't possible to do this without the fusible showing on the right side (makes it look thicker there) so test on a sample. If it won't work with a small area, either fuse the whole shape, or risk it and do without!

Good luck,
AJ

I also make sure to use small stitches,clip all the curves,and the one thing i do when i make anything that has to be stuffed,be it hearts,dolls whatever.When i cut out the pieces,i also cut out iron on interfacing for each piece.I ron the interfacing to all pieces b4 i start to sew,this does 3 things.Makes it easier and smoother to stuff and also strengthens it.The finished product is so much smoother,you won't believe it.
Kathi

what a lot i'm learning...thanks, all!