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Some people have the habit of moving their pillow and also twisting it (it makes them feel more comfortable). So is it natural to use "twist" in this context? If not, what are the more common alternatives?
Do you twist your pillow when you sleep?
Is the use of "twist" natural?
P.S. It's just twisted randomly and not along a plane. It becomes a little spiral shapedand not a square (like when it's folded. It's two ends don't overlap each other.)
I think "to fold" fits better the situation you describe.
fold (verb) = to bend something, especially paper or cloth, so that one part of it lies on the other part, or to be able to be bent in this way:
- I folded the letter (in half) and put it in an envelope.
- He had a neatly folded handkerchief in his jacket pocket.
- Will you help me to fold (up) the sheets?
- The table folds up when not in use.
However, since you mention a spiral-like shape, then it is "twisting". I am not aware of anybody doing this, I cannot imagine why one would undergo the effort, but "twist" seems to be the right word for that particular action.
Twist can be used here, but usually narrower things are twisted. Squeezed can be used here too.
Contort would also work in this context:
Twist or bend out of the normal shape
This definition includes the term violently, but I don't think in practice that's necessarily a requirement (even some of their examples don't occur in violent contexts).
to (cause something to) twist or bend violently and unnaturally into a different shape or form:
