How Much Fabric For 18×18 Pillow?

November 14, 2023

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Whenever you plan to design a pillow cover for an 18×18 pillow, it’s important to consider the amount of fabric you’ll need. In a nutshell, to create an 18×18 pillow cover, you will need approximately 1.25 yards (1.14 meters) of standard width fabric (44-45 inches wide). This is enough to cover both front and back without any shortage in material.

How to Choose Fabric for Your Pillow?

Before we delve more into the calculations, let’s talk about how to choose the right fabric for your pillow. The fabric you choose will not only determine the overall aesthetic of your pillow but also its texture, durability, and how easy it is to care for.

Material Choice

Fabric is constructed in various ways – from a variety of materials like cotton, linen, silk, and synthetic fibers. Each material has unique properties that make them suited to different uses.

Cotton is popular for its softness and its ability to withstand heat, making it easy to iron. Linen also shares these characteristics but offers a more textured weave. Silk provides a luxurious feel but may require more delicate handling. Synthetic fabrics can be an excellent low-cost alternative and often offer good stain resistance.

Colour and Patterns

Consider the room’s color scheme where the pillow will be placed and whether it fits in. You may opt for a fabric that blends in with your existing design or choose something bolder to create a focal point or add a splash of color.

Consider the Texture

The texture added by fabric can be an essential factor in creating the atmosphere of your room. For example, a smooth satin or silk fabric can provide a luxurious feel, while a fabric like velvet or chenille can give a warmer, cozy appeal.

Understanding Fabric Sizing

Fabric in most fabric stores is sold by the yard or meter. A yard is approximately 36 inches, while a meter is around 39 inches. The width of a standard bolt of fabric is typically between 44 and 45 inches, but can sometimes be up to 60 inches.

Fabric Measurements for an 18×18 Pillow Cover

As a general rule, to make a pillow cover, you’ll need a length of fabric twice the size of one side of your pillow, and as wide as your pillow plus 1 inch for seam allowances. That will be 36 inches (18 inches * 2) by 19 inches (18 inches + 1 inch).

If your fabric has a pattern, especially one with a specific direction, you’ll need to account for that, which might require more fabric.

Extra Fabric for Pattern and Hemming

If the fabric you’ve chosen has a pattern that needs to match up, it may take more fabric than you initially calculated. You’ll need to figure out the pattern’s repeat – how often it shows up – and make sure you buy enough to align it on both sides of the pillow.

Also, it’s crucial to allow for hem allowances. This is the extra fabric that gets folded under and sewn down to prevent raw edges from showing. One inch is suitable for an 18×18 pillow cover.

The Actual Sewing Process

Once you get your fabric measured and cut, you can move to the sewing phase. If you’re new to sewing, start with straightforward designs with less intricate details. As your confidence grows, you can experiment with more complex patterns and designs.

The Importance of Pre-Washing

Before you do any cutting or sewing, it’s crucial to pre-wash your fabric and let it air dry. Fabric, especially cotton, sometimes shrinks when washed. It’s better to get any shrinkage out of the way before you start sewing rather than to discover your cover has become too small after its first wash.

Finishing Thoughts

Creating a pillow cover for an 18×18 pillow can be a fun project. Not only will it allow for personalization in your space, but it may also give you a sense of satisfaction and achievement. While making a cover, being able to accurately calculate the fabric required will save money and avoid wastage. As a quick recap, for an 18×18 pillow cover, the ideal fabric size is 1.25 yards of 44 – 45-inch wide fabric, considering just the bare minimum. But always remember to consider extra for patterns, hemming, and a little room for error. Happy sewing!