Have you ever excitedly purchased a new pillow cover online, only to find it's either too snug to comfortably fit over your favorite pillow or so loose that it looks sloppy and wrinkled? It's a common frustration, and the culprit is often inaccurate measuring. Getting the right size pillow cover is crucial for both aesthetics and comfort. A properly fitted cover will not only enhance the look of your bedding or décor but also ensure the pillow provides the support you need for a good night's sleep or a relaxing lounge.
Measuring for a pillow cover seems simple, but there are some important nuances to consider to ensure a perfect fit. Ignoring these details can lead to unnecessary returns, disappointment, and wasted money. By taking precise measurements, you'll be able to select a cover that complements your pillow's shape and size, providing a polished and inviting look to your living space.
What are the most common measurement mistakes, and how can I avoid them?
How do I accurately measure my pillow for a new cover?
To accurately measure your pillow for a new cover, use a flexible measuring tape and measure the pillow's length and width across the center, seam to seam, while the pillow is lying flat and uncompressed. This will give you the correct dimensions to look for when purchasing a new pillow cover.
Measuring your pillow correctly is crucial for ensuring a snug and aesthetically pleasing fit for your new cover. Avoid simply guessing the size based on the pillow's perceived dimensions. Instead, use a flexible measuring tape, like those used for sewing, as it will conform to the pillow's shape more accurately than a rigid ruler. Lay the pillow flat on a surface and gently smooth out any wrinkles or bunching. Do not compress or overly flatten the pillow, as this can distort the measurement. Measure the length and width of the pillow across its center, from seam to seam. The seam-to-seam measurement represents the actual fabric size of the pillow itself, which is what you need for selecting the right cover size. Record these measurements in inches or centimeters, depending on the sizing system used by the pillow cover retailer. When shopping, it's generally best to choose a cover size that matches your pillow's dimensions exactly or is slightly larger (within an inch or two) for ease of insertion and a plumper appearance.Should I measure my pillow with or without filling for the cover?
Always measure your pillow *without* the filling compressed. You want to measure the fabric of the pillow itself, seam to seam, when it's lying flat and unstuffed. This provides the true size of the pillow form that the cover needs to accommodate.
Measuring a stuffed pillow is inaccurate because the filling distorts the fabric. The pillow bulges and curves, making a precise measurement impossible. You’ll likely overestimate the size, leading to a cover that is too large and baggy. A cover that is too big won't look tailored or provide proper support. To get the most accurate measurement, remove the pillow filling (if possible; this applies mostly to pillows with zippers or openings). Lay the deflated pillow flat on a table or the floor. Use a flexible measuring tape to measure the length and width from seam to seam. If you cannot remove the filling, try to flatten the pillow as much as possible before measuring, but be aware that this may still result in a slightly less accurate measurement. For a snug and well-fitted pillow cover, aiming for the exact dimensions you measured is crucial. Some people will even slightly undersize the cover by 1/2" to ensure a plump, full look.What's the best way to measure a non-standard shaped pillow cover?
The best way to measure a non-standard shaped pillow cover is to use a flexible measuring tape, tracing the outermost edges of the pillow along its curves and points. Break the pillow down into simpler geometric shapes if necessary, measure those sections, and then sum the measurements for an overall estimate of fabric needed. For oddly shaped pillows, consider creating a paper template and measuring that.
When dealing with unusually shaped pillow covers, accuracy is key. Begin by laying the pillow cover flat on a large surface. If the shape is irregular, identify the widest and longest points. Measure the distance between these points, ensuring the measuring tape follows the contours of the pillow. Don’t pull the tape too taut, as this will give you an inaccurate, larger measurement. If the pillow has curved edges, use the flexible measuring tape to follow the curve as closely as possible.
For complex shapes with multiple curves or points, break the pillow shape down into more manageable sections. Imagine dividing the pillow into a combination of rectangles, triangles, and semi-circles. Measure each section separately and then add the measurements together to get a total length and width. For example, a kidney-shaped pillow could be seen as a rectangle with two semi-circles on either end. If you are making a new cover, adding a seam allowance (typically 1/2 inch to 1 inch) to each measurement is crucial for a comfortable fit and ease of sewing.
How much smaller than the pillow should the cover be?
Ideally, the pillow cover should be about 1-2 inches smaller than the pillow on all sides. This ensures a snug, tailored fit that maximizes the pillow's plumpness and appearance, while also preventing the cover from looking baggy or wrinkled.
A tighter fit not only improves the aesthetics but also enhances the support the pillow provides. When the cover is too large, the pillow can shift around inside, leading to uneven support and a less comfortable sleep experience. Conversely, a cover that is too small will be difficult to put on and could potentially damage the zipper or seams over time. Consider the pillow's fill material when determining the ideal cover size. Pillows with down or feather fills are generally more compressible than those with synthetic fills. Therefore, a slightly tighter cover might be suitable for a down pillow to maximize its loft and support. For pillows with firmer fillings, sticking closer to the 1-inch smaller range is recommended to avoid excessive compression and maintain comfort.What if my pillow measurement falls between standard cover sizes?
If your pillow measurement falls between standard cover sizes, it's generally best to choose the *next size up*. A slightly larger cover will allow the pillow to maintain its fluffiness and prevent overstuffing, which can lead to discomfort and premature wear on both the pillow and the cover.
Choosing a cover that's too small will compress the pillow, making it firmer and potentially distorting its shape. Over time, this can damage the pillow's filling and reduce its lifespan. A cover that's too tight can also put stress on the seams, causing them to rip or tear. On the other hand, a cover that's slightly larger will allow the pillow to breathe and maintain its loft, providing better support and comfort. Consider the intended use of the pillow. If it's a decorative pillow, a more relaxed fit might be desirable for a softer, more casual look. If it's a sleeping pillow, prioritizing comfort and proper support is crucial, making the slightly larger size the better option. You can always minimize extra fabric by using pillow inserts or strategically fluffing the pillow. While the "next size up" is usually the safest bet, you might also want to check if the cover fabric is prone to shrinking after washing. If so, you might want to consider an even larger size to accommodate potential shrinkage. Ultimately, it's better to have a cover that's slightly too big than one that's too small.Do I measure the pillow seam to seam, or edge to edge?
When measuring for a pillow cover, you should measure from seam to seam across the pillow's surface. This gives you the accurate dimensions of the pillow's filled area, which is crucial for ensuring a snug and proper fit for your new cover.
Measuring edge to edge will typically include the extra fabric that extends beyond the seam, leading to an inaccurate measurement and potentially resulting in a pillow cover that is too large and baggy. The goal is to have the cover fit snugly over the filled portion of the pillow, providing a smooth and tailored appearance. Seam-to-seam measurement ensures this tailored fit. Think of it like this: the seams define the functional edges of the pillow's filled area. That's the part the cover needs to encompass perfectly. By measuring seam to seam, you're precisely capturing the dimensions that matter for a good fit, avoiding any extra, unneeded fabric allowance. When in doubt, err on the side of a slightly snug fit, as the pillow will naturally fill out the cover over time.Does fabric type affect the measurement needed for the cover?
Yes, the fabric type significantly impacts the measurements needed for a well-fitting pillow cover. Fabrics behave differently – some stretch, some shrink after washing, and some are thicker than others – all of which must be considered when determining the final size of the cover.
Different fabrics have varying degrees of stretch and give. For example, a pillow cover made from knit fabric with elastane (like spandex) will be more forgiving than one made from a non-stretch woven fabric like linen or cotton canvas. With stretchy fabrics, you can sometimes cut the cover pieces slightly smaller than the pillow insert dimensions to ensure a snug fit. However, it's crucial to avoid overstretching the fabric, which could distort the shape or put undue stress on the seams. For non-stretch fabrics, it's generally recommended to add a small seam allowance (around 1/2 inch or 1.3 cm) to the pillow's measurements to provide enough room and prevent the cover from being too tight, especially after washing. Furthermore, consider the fabric's thickness. Thicker fabrics, like upholstery fabrics or quilted materials, will take up more space inside the cover. This means you might need to add extra to your measurements to accommodate the bulk and ensure the insert fits comfortably. Pre-washing the fabric is always a good idea, especially for cotton and linen, to account for potential shrinkage and prevent the finished pillow cover from becoming too small after its first wash.And that's all there is to it! Measuring for a pillow cover doesn't have to be a chore. Hopefully, these tips have made the process a little easier and a lot less stressful. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope you'll visit us again soon for more helpful guides and creative ideas!