How much fabric do I need to cover a 20 inch pillow?

If you’re looking to make your own pillow cover for a 20 inch pillow, one of the first questions that likely comes to mind is how much fabric you’ll need. While this might seem like a straightforward question, there are actually a number of factors to consider when determining the amount of fabric required. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know to accurately calculate the amount of fabric needed for your pillow cover project.

Understanding the dimensions of your pillow

The first step in determining the amount of fabric you’ll need is to understand the dimensions of your pillow. A 20 inch pillow refers to the width measurement of the pillow when it’s lying flat, as measured from one side seam to the other. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the depth of the pillow will also impact the amount of fabric needed. If you’re using a pre-made pillow form, it’s likely that the depth will be around 4-6 inches, but if you’re making your own insert, you’ll need to take this measurement into account as well.

Choosing the right fabric for your pillow cover

Once you know the dimensions of your pillow, it’s time to choose the fabric you’ll be using for your cover. This is an important step not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because different fabrics have varying levels of stretch and drape, which can affect the amount of fabric needed. A stiffer fabric like canvas or denim will require more fabric to cover the pillow than a lightweight, flowy fabric like chiffon or silk.

Calculating the amount of fabric needed for a 20 inch pillow cover

Now that you know the dimensions of your pillow and have chosen your fabric, it’s time to calculate the amount of fabric needed. The general rule of thumb is to add 1 inch to each measurement to account for seam allowances, so if your pillow measures 20 inches by 20 inches, you’ll need to add 2 inches to each side, bringing the total measurements to 22 inches by 22 inches. Additionally, you’ll need to account for the depth of the pillow, so if your pillow is 5 inches deep, you’ll need to add another 10 inches (5 inches for the front and 5 inches for the back) to your fabric measurements, bringing the total to 32 inches by 32 inches.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that this calculation assumes that you’ll be using a solid piece of fabric for both the front and back of your pillow cover. If you’re incorporating a pattern or directional fabric, you’ll need to calculate the amount of additional fabric needed to ensure that the pattern lines up correctly. To do this, add the repeat measurement of your fabric (the distance between the start of one motif to the start of the next) to each measurement and recalculate accordingly.

Accounting for seam allowances in your fabric measurements

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to add an additional inch to each measurement to account for seam allowances when calculating the amount of fabric needed. This is because you’ll need to sew a seam around the edges of both the front and back pieces of the pillow cover to connect them and enclose the pillow form. Make sure to add this additional inch to both the width and the length measurements to ensure that your finished pillow cover is the correct size.

Tips for cutting and preparing your fabric for sewing

Before you begin sewing your pillow cover, it’s important to properly cut and prepare your fabric. Make sure to use a fabric scissors instead of a regular pair of scissors to prevent fraying, and wash and iron your fabric before cutting to ensure that it’s clean and wrinkle-free. Additionally, if you’re working with a directional or patterned fabric, use a ruler and fabric pen to mark the cutting lines to ensure that your pattern lines up correctly.

Step-by-step guide to sewing a pillow cover for a 20 inch pillow

Now that you have your fabric measurements and have prepared your fabric, it’s time to sew your pillow cover. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Cut two pieces of fabric to your measurements, making sure to have the pattern facing the right direction if using a directional fabric.
2. Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together and pin along the edges, making sure to leave a 5-6 inch opening at the bottom.
3. Sew around the edges of the fabric with a 1 inch seam allowance, reinforcing the corners with backstitching.
4. Turn the pillow cover right side out and insert the pillow form.
5. Hand-stitch the opening closed with a blind stitch.

Adding embellishments or decorative elements to your pillow cover

If you want to add some extra flair to your pillow cover, there are a number of ways to do so. You can experiment with different textures by incorporating piping or trim along the edges, or use buttons or zippers for closures instead of a simple envelope-style opening. Additionally, you can use fabric paint, embroidery, or applique to add personalized designs or monograms.

Cleaning and caring for your finished pillow cover

To ensure that your pillow cover lasts as long as possible, it’s important to properly care for it. Make sure to follow the washing and drying instructions for your specific fabric, and avoid using bleach or harsh detergents. If your pillow cover incorporates embellishments or decorative elements, it may be best to spot clean or hand wash to prevent damage.

Creative ways to use leftover fabric from your project

If you find yourself with leftover fabric from your pillow cover project, don’t let it go to waste! There are countless creative ways to use scrap fabric, from making matching coasters or placemats to creating small pockets for organizing your desk or purse.

Frequently asked questions about making pillow covers

Here are some commonly asked questions about making pillow covers: Can I use any fabric for a pillow cover?

By following these tips and techniques, you should be able to accurately calculate the amount of fabric needed and sew a beautiful pillow cover for your 20 inch pillow. Happy sewing!