Have you ever bought a pillow cover online, only to find it's either too snug to zip or so loose it looks like a deflated balloon? We've all been there! Ensuring your pillow cover fits properly is crucial, not just for aesthetics, but also for the longevity and comfort of your pillow. A too-tight cover can compress the filling, reducing its support, while a too-loose one allows the pillow to shift and lose its shape. Getting the correct measurement is the first step towards achieving that plump, inviting, and perfectly supported pillow.
Properly measured pillows and correctly sized covers also contribute to the overall look and feel of your bedding. A well-fitted pillow presents a polished and cohesive design, elevating the comfort and style of your bedroom. Plus, a precisely fitted cover helps protect your pillow from wear and tear, keeping it clean and extending its lifespan. So, grabbing a measuring tape and spending a few minutes to get it right is definitely time well spent!
What are the most common questions about measuring pillows?
Should I measure a pillow with or without filling for a cover?
Always measure your pillow *without* the filling for the most accurate dimensions when selecting or making a pillow cover. Measuring the empty pillow form (also called the "pillow insert") ensures that your cover will fit snugly and properly display the pillow's intended shape.
When you measure a pillow with the filling inside, you are getting a dimension that includes the loft and fluff of the filling material. This inflated measurement is larger than the actual flat size of the pillow form itself, leading you to choose a cover that is too big and results in a saggy, ill-fitting appearance. Pillow covers are designed to fit snugly around the form, providing support and shaping. Think of it like buying clothes: you need to know your body measurements, not the measurements of your body *with* layers of clothing on. Similarly, the pillow form's dimensions are the key to selecting the correct cover size. Once you have the measurements of your empty pillow form (width, length, and sometimes thickness), you can confidently choose a cover that will provide a tailored and polished look.How do I measure an oddly shaped pillow for a cover?
Measuring an oddly shaped pillow for a cover requires a flexible measuring tape and a bit of imagination! The key is to treat the pillow like a two-dimensional shape and find its extreme dimensions: the longest length and the widest width. Then, measure its thickness or loft at the thickest point.
To get accurate measurements, lay the pillow on a flat surface. Gently smooth out any wrinkles or lumps. For the length, run the measuring tape from the furthest point on one end to the furthest point on the opposite end. For the width, do the same, ensuring you're measuring at the widest section of the pillow, perpendicular to the length measurement. Don't pull the tape too tightly, as this will underestimate the size. Instead, let the tape follow the natural curves of the pillow. Finally, measure the thickness or loft. This is the height of the pillow at its thickest point. Knowing the thickness helps ensure the cover isn't too tight and can fully enclose the pillow. If your pillow has distinct features, like a bolster shape on one side, make sure to note those specific dimensions as well. When purchasing a cover, it’s usually best to err on the side of slightly larger rather than smaller.What's the best way to measure a pillow's circumference for a round cover?
The easiest and most accurate method to measure a round pillow's circumference is to use a flexible measuring tape. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the pillow, ensuring it lies flat and snug without compressing the pillow's filling. Note the measurement where the tape's end meets the rest of the tape; this is your pillow's circumference.
Accuracy is key when measuring for a fitted pillow cover. If you only have a rigid measuring tape, you can use a piece of string or flexible wire. Wrap the string around the pillow as described above, then mark where the ends meet. Remove the string and measure its length with the rigid tape measure. This method translates the curve of the pillow into a straight line you can easily measure.
Keep in mind that pillow filling can shift and compress over time, slightly altering the shape. It's always a good idea to measure the pillow in a few different places around its widest point to ensure you're getting the most accurate reading for your cover. Taking the average of those measurements can help if there are slight discrepancies.
How much bigger should the cover be than the pillow measurements?
Generally, a pillow cover should be about 1-2 inches smaller than the pillow measurements for a snug and full look. This "undersizing" ensures the pillow fills out the corners of the cover properly and maintains a plump appearance, avoiding a saggy or loose fit.
To elaborate, consider the fill of your pillow. Pillows stuffed with down or feathers tend to compress more easily, so you might lean towards the smaller end of the 1-2 inch range. For denser pillows filled with memory foam or polyester, sticking closer to the 1-inch difference will provide a better fit without overly compressing the pillow. Ultimately, the ideal size difference also depends on personal preference. Some people prefer a very plump, firm pillow, in which case a slightly smaller cover might be desirable. Others might want a slightly softer, more relaxed look, and could opt for a cover closer to the actual pillow size. Experimenting with different cover sizes is a great way to determine what looks and feels best for you.How accurate do my pillow measurements need to be for a good cover fit?
Your pillow measurements should be accurate within approximately half an inch (0.5 inch) for a good cover fit. This tolerance allows for slight variations in the cover's manufacturing and the pillow's actual size after stuffing. Aiming for this level of precision will help prevent covers that are either too tight (making them difficult to put on and potentially causing the seams to strain) or too loose (resulting in a sloppy, unattractive appearance).
Achieving this level of accuracy is usually quite simple. Use a flexible measuring tape and lay it flat across the pillow's surface, ensuring you're measuring the widest points. For square or rectangular pillows, measure the length and width. For round or bolster pillows, measure the diameter or circumference, respectively. Pay close attention to how the pillow is stuffed. If it's overstuffed and quite firm, the dimensions will be larger than if it's loosely filled. Take your measurements with the pillow in its usual, fluffed state to get the most realistic size. When choosing a cover, err on the side of slightly larger rather than smaller if you're between sizes. A cover that's a bit too big can often be adjusted with minor sewing or by using an insert to fill out the space. A cover that's too small, however, is generally unusable. Also, consider the fabric of the cover. If the fabric is prone to shrinking after washing, factor that into your decision and perhaps purchase a cover slightly larger than your measured pillow size to account for potential shrinkage.Where do I measure from – seam to seam or edge to edge?
Measure from seam to seam when determining the correct size pillow cover. This ensures the cover will fit snugly and properly display the pillow's intended shape and fullness.
When measuring your pillow for a cover, it's important to disregard any fluffy edges or overstuffed areas that extend beyond the actual sewn seams. Those soft edges aren't part of the structural dimensions that determine the cover size. By measuring seam to seam, you're capturing the true dimensions of the pillow's core, which is what the cover needs to accommodate. Using an edge-to-edge measurement can lead to purchasing a cover that's too large. A cover that's too big will result in a loose, ill-fitting appearance, and the pillow won't fill out the cover corners properly. This can make the pillow look deflated and less aesthetically pleasing. Always use a flexible measuring tape and press it firmly against the pillow's surface, ensuring you're accurately capturing the distance between the seams on opposite sides. Consider the pillow’s shape as well. While a standard square or rectangular pillow is straightforward, oddly shaped pillows might require measuring multiple seam-to-seam points to determine the best cover size or a custom-made cover solution.Does the pillow type (e.g., memory foam, down) affect how I measure it?
Yes, the pillow type significantly impacts how you measure it for a cover. Different materials have varying degrees of firmness and give, which affects their compressed versus uncompressed size. Failing to account for these differences can result in a cover that's too tight (risking seam breakage or compression of the pillow's fill) or too loose (leading to a sloppy fit and reduced support).
For instance, down pillows are highly compressible. When measuring a down pillow, it's best to gently fluff it to its approximate fullest shape, then lay it flat and measure across its width and length. Be mindful not to over-inflate it, as the cover will likely compress the fill somewhat. Memory foam pillows, on the other hand, tend to hold their shape more rigidly. Measure their length, width, and height while they are lying flat and relaxed. Don't compress them during the measurement process, as this will give you an inaccurate size for the cover.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a cover that fits snugly but comfortably. When in doubt, it's often better to err on the side of a slightly larger cover, particularly for pillows that tend to compress easily, like down or feather pillows. This allows for better airflow and prevents the fill from being overly compacted, preserving the pillow's comfort and longevity. Check the cover's product description for sizing recommendations and any special considerations for particular pillow types.
And that's all there is to it! Measuring your pillow for a cover is easier than you thought, right? Now you can get the perfect fit and say goodbye to saggy or stretched-out pillowcases. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope you'll come back soon for more helpful tips and tricks!