Have you ever ordered a pillow cover online, only to find it's either too snug to fit your pillow or swimming in excess fabric? It's a common frustration, and usually stems from an inaccurate understanding of pillow cover dimensions. Properly measuring your pillow cover, whether you're replacing an old one or creating your own custom design, is crucial for achieving a perfect fit. A well-fitting pillow cover not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your pillows but also ensures their longevity and comfort. A cover that's too small can stress the seams and zipper, while one that's too large can look sloppy and bunch up uncomfortably.
Getting the dimensions right means a finished pillow that looks professionally made and offers optimal support. It also saves you time, money, and potential return shipping costs associated with incorrect sizing. Learning to accurately measure a pillow cover empowers you to make informed decisions when purchasing or crafting, allowing you to achieve the desired look and feel for your pillows every time.
What's the best way to get an accurate measurement?
How do I accurately measure the inside dimensions of a pillow cover?
To accurately measure the inside dimensions of a pillow cover, lay it flat on a surface and smooth out any wrinkles or creases. Then, using a flexible measuring tape, measure from seam to seam along both the width and the length of the cover. Record these measurements as precisely as possible, noting whether they are in inches or centimeters.
Measuring pillow covers accurately is crucial for ensuring a proper fit for your pillow inserts. Remember that the listed size of a pillow cover often refers to the recommended pillow insert size, not the exact dimensions of the cover itself. Pillow covers are typically made slightly smaller than the insert to create a plump, full appearance. For example, an 18x18 inch pillow cover will likely measure slightly smaller than 18x18 inches when measured flat. When measuring, it is important to avoid stretching the fabric, as this will lead to inaccurate results. Pay close attention to the seams; the most accurate measurement reflects the distance between the stitching lines. If your pillow cover has any embellishments or a zipper closure, be sure these are lying as flat as possible so they don't interfere with your measurement. Finally, it's a good idea to double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy.Should I measure a pillow cover with or without a pillow inside?
You should measure a pillow cover without a pillow inside to get an accurate measurement of the cover itself. Measuring with a pillow inside will give you the inflated dimensions, which won't reflect the true size of the fabric.
When measuring a pillow cover, you're aiming to determine the size of the fabric needed to properly fit a specific pillow insert. If you measure with the pillow inside, the dimensions will be skewed due to the pillow's fill expanding the fabric. This inflated measurement won't help you determine if the cover is the correct size for a different pillow or when purchasing new covers. Instead, lay the pillow cover flat on a surface and measure the length and width from seam to seam. Accurate measurements of the empty pillow cover are crucial for ensuring a proper fit. Knowing the true dimensions allows you to compare them with the stated size of the pillow insert, preventing issues like a cover being too small to comfortably accommodate the pillow, or a cover being too large, leading to a saggy and less aesthetically pleasing result. Precise measurements will make it easier to shop for or create pillow covers that fit perfectly.What's the best way to measure a pillow cover with decorative edges?
The best way to measure a pillow cover with decorative edges, such as ruffles or flanges, is to measure from seam to seam, excluding the decorative elements. This provides the actual usable surface area for the pillow insert and ensures a snug and proper fit.
To elaborate, measuring including the decorative edges will result in a cover that's too large for your pillow insert. Imagine a pillow insert specified as 18x18 inches; if you measure a pillow cover with ruffles and it comes to 20x20 inches including the ruffle, the core section for the pillow insert itself will be substantially bigger than the intended 18x18 inches. The insert will not fill it correctly and the cover will look saggy. Therefore, carefully flatten the decorative edges away from the main body of the pillow cover and only measure the area within the seams where the insert will reside. Use a flexible measuring tape for accuracy, especially if the cover has curves or unusual shapes. Note these seam-to-seam dimensions when purchasing your pillow insert, ensuring that the insert matches or is slightly larger than the cover's measured size for a plump, full appearance.How do I account for seam allowance when measuring for a new pillow cover?
To account for seam allowance when measuring for a new pillow cover, add the desired seam allowance to all sides of your pillow's measurements before cutting your fabric. A standard seam allowance is typically 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) on all sides, but can be adjusted based on preference and fabric type. This ensures your finished pillow cover will fit snugly and properly encase the pillow insert.
When measuring, first determine the desired finished size of your pillow cover. Measure the length and width of your pillow insert precisely. For a snug fit, use these exact measurements; for a slightly looser fit, add a small amount (e.g., 1/4 inch) to each dimension. Once you have the desired finished dimensions, add the seam allowance to *each side* of those measurements. For example, if you want a 16" x 16" pillow cover with a 1/2" seam allowance, you would cut your fabric to 17" x 17" (16" + 1/2" + 1/2" = 17"). Remember that some fabrics may fray more easily than others. If you're working with a fabric that frays significantly, you might consider using a wider seam allowance (e.g., 5/8" or 3/4") to provide extra security and prevent the seams from unraveling over time. Also, if your pillow form is particularly plump, accounting for the loft by adding an extra 1/4" to 1/2" to your fabric dimensions will help ensure it's easier to insert.What units of measurement are commonly used for pillow cover sizes?
The most common units of measurement for pillow cover sizes are inches (in) and centimeters (cm), with inches being the standard in the United States and centimeters being widely used internationally and in some online listings. Measurements usually refer to the length and width of the pillow cover, expressed as "length x width."
While inches are the prevailing standard in the US retail market, understanding centimeter equivalents is helpful, especially when purchasing from international vendors or reviewing product specifications that provide both measurements. Being familiar with both systems allows for accurate comparison and selection, regardless of the origin of the pillow cover. Note that there can be slight variations in actual sizes due to manufacturing tolerances, so it's wise to check the product description carefully. When shopping for pillow covers, it is very important to know your pillow insert's size, not your pillow itself. If you have a lumpy or worn pillow, its dimensions may be misleading. A pillow cover should generally be the same size or slightly smaller than the pillow insert to ensure a snug and full appearance. Some individuals prefer a slightly smaller cover (e.g., a 17-inch cover for an 18-inch insert) for a firmer, more plump look, but going too small might stress the seams.How does the pillow's fill type affect the size of the pillow cover needed?
The pillow's fill type significantly impacts the size of pillow cover required because different fills have varying levels of firmness and loft (fluffiness). A firmer, denser fill like memory foam will maintain its shape more rigidly, fitting more accurately into a cover sized precisely to its dimensions. A softer, more compressible fill like down or feathers will compress more within the cover, potentially requiring a slightly smaller cover to achieve a snug and aesthetically pleasing fit.
Fill power and composition affect how much a pillow expands to fill the cover's corners and seams. Overstuffed pillows, regardless of fill, demand covers that are generously sized, or they may be too tight and cause seam stress. Conversely, underfilled pillows can result in a loose, sloppy-looking cover, particularly if the cover is too large. Considering the fill is crucial when choosing the correct cover size. To get an accurate fit, consider the 'give' of the fill. Down and feather pillows are highly compressible and can conform readily to a smaller cover. Polyester fiberfill offers a middle ground, offering some give but less than down. Memory foam, being the least compressible, requires the most precise matching of dimensions between pillow and cover. Therefore, when selecting or making a pillow cover, always account for the fill's inherent properties and adjust the cover size accordingly for optimal comfort and appearance.Is it better to round up or down when measuring for a pillow cover?
It's generally better to round *up* when measuring for a pillow cover. A slightly larger cover is preferable to one that's too small, as it will be easier to insert the pillow form and achieve a plump, comfortable look. A too-small cover will be strained, potentially tearing at the seams, and will make your pillow look flat and underfilled.
When deciding how much to round up, consider the loft and firmness of your pillow insert. A very firm, high-loft pillow will require slightly more room in the cover than a softer, flatter pillow. Rounding up by a half inch to an inch is usually a safe bet. This extra space allows the pillow to fully expand and fill out the cover, giving it a fuller and more appealing appearance. It also reduces stress on the zipper or closure, prolonging the life of your pillow cover. Keep in mind that fabric choice can also play a role. Thicker fabrics like canvas or upholstery weight materials may require slightly more wiggle room than thinner, more pliable fabrics like cotton or linen. Ultimately, it's better to err on the side of a slightly larger cover, as it's easier to adjust a cover that's a little too big than to force a pillow into a cover that's too small.And that's all there is to it! Measuring your pillow cover doesn't have to be a headache. Thanks for reading, and we hope this helped you find the perfect fit for your pillows. Come back and visit us again soon for more helpful tips and tricks!