When creating pillow covers for pillow forms, the size you cut your fabric will depend on the size of the pillow form you’re covering. As a general rule, for a snug fit, you should cut the fabric the same size as the pillow form (e.g., if the pillow form is 18″x18″, then cut your fabric to 18″x18″). However, to account for the thickness of the pillow and the seams, some sewists prefer to add an inch to both the length and the width, so for an 18″x18″ pillow form, you would cut the fabric to 19″x19″.
Understanding Pillow Form Sizes
Pillow forms come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from standard squares to lumbar supports and even unique shapes like circles and bolsters. The most common pillow sizes are 16″x16″, 18″x18″, 20″x20″, and 22″x22″. Lumbar pillow forms might be 12″x18″ or 14″x24″. The standard size for bed pillows varies depending on whether it’s a king, queen, or standard size.
The size you select for your pillow project will largely depend on where it will be used. Smaller pillows are often used for accent pieces, while larger pillows might be used for more substantial support or as the main feature of bedding or a couch arrangement.
Fabric Cutting Basics for Pillow Forms
When creating a pillow cover, the first thing to consider is the fabric itself. The thickness of the fabric, the stretch, and whether it’s woven or knit will influence how the finished pillow will look and feel. For example, thicker, upholstery-style fabric provides more structure and might not need the extra inch for seams, whereas a thinner fabric might.
Calculating Fabric Size for Non-Stretch Woven Fabrics
For non-stretch woven fabrics, many sewists recommend cutting the fabric an inch larger than your pillow form for both the width and height. This is to accommodate a 1/2-inch seam allowance on all sides. For example, an 18″x18″ pillow form would need a 19″x19″ piece of fabric. However, this may still result in a pillow that’s a bit baggy.
Calculating Fabric Size for Stretchy or Knit Fabrics
For stretchy or knit fabrics, since these materials tend to give and can create a droopy-looking pillow if cut too large, you might opt to cut the fabric just a bit smaller or exactly the same size as the pillow form. This ensures a snug fit that utilizes the stretch of the fabric to contour the pillow form nicely.
Seam Allowance and Fabric Stretch
The seam allowance is the fabric that is between the edge and the seam securing the pieces of fabric together. While a 1/2-inch seam allowance on all sides is standard for pillow covers, you can adjust this depending on your sewing skills, the specific look you’re going for, and the type of fabric you’re working with.
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Styles of Pillow Covers
The style of the pillow cover you choose will also affect the size of the fabric you need to cut.
Simple Pillow Covers
For a simple pillow cover with a zipper or an envelope closure, cutting the fabric an inch larger than the pillow form (or the same size for a tighter fit), including the seam allowance, generally works well.
Pillow Covers with Cording or Trim
If you are adding cording, piping, or trim to your pillow cover, you’ll need to adjust the size of your fabric to accommodate this additional material. You would add the thickness of the cording to the seam allowance measurement.
Boxed Corners or Additional Design Features
For a pillow with boxed corners or any additional design features like tucks or ruffles, you’ll need to consider these when calculating the size of your fabric. The added dimensions should account for the depth of the box corners and fullness of your design elements.
Calculating Fabric Yardage
Knowing how to calculate the yardage you’ll need for your pillow project is crucial so that you buy the right amount of fabric.
Single Pillow Cover
If you’re just making a single pillow cover, you can get away with a smaller amount of fabric. An 18″x18″ pillow cover cut at 19″x19″ will need a little more than half a yard of fabric, assuming the fabric is the standard 44″-45″ width.
Multiple Pillow Covers
For multiple pillow covers of the same size, determine the total length of fabric you need by multiplying the individual fabric size by the number of pillows, and then divide by 36 to get the yardage (there are 36 inches in a yard). Don’t forget to add a little extra for error, matching patterns, or shrinkage if you pre-wash your fabric.
Special Considerations
Pattern Matching
If your fabric has a pattern that you wish to match across multiple pillows or align in a particular way on one pillow, you’ll need additional fabric to ensure that patterns align the way you want them to after your pillow is sewn.
Pre-washing Fabric
Pre-washing fabric is critical, especially for fabrics that may shrink. If you’re using a fabric prone to shrinking, like cotton, wash and dry it before cutting. This will prevent your finished pillow cover from becoming too small after the first wash.
Final Test
Before cutting into your good fabric, you may want to do a mock-up with a cheaper muslin or similar fabric. This will give you the chance to make adjustments to the size and style without wasting your chosen fabric.
Finishing Thoughts
Creating the perfect pillow cover involves more than simply cutting fabric to cover the form. It requires consideration of the fabric’s characteristics, the pillow’s intended use, the desired style, seam allowances, and any additional design features. Remember to take into account pattern matching and pre-washing needs when calculating the amount of fabric you’ll require for your project. Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with scrap fabric before making your final cut to ensure a perfect fit for your pillow forms. With patience and careful planning, you’re on your way to crafting comfortable, stylish, and well-fitted pillow covers that enhance any room in your home.
