How to Measure a Pillow Cover?

How to Measure a Pillow Cover?

Getting the right fit for your pillow covers can make a big difference in how your room looks and feels. Whether you’re buying new covers or making your own, knowing how to measure correctly is key. Let’s dive into the world of pillow cover measurements and make sure you get it right every time!

Quick Answer: To measure a pillow cover, lay the pillow flat and measure its width and height. Add 1/2 inch to each side for seam allowance if sewing your own cover. For a snug fit, the cover should be slightly smaller than the pillow itself.

Why Getting the Right Measurements Matters

You might be wondering, “Is it really that important to measure my pillow covers?” The answer is a big yes! Here’s why:

• A well-fitting cover makes your pillow look neat and tidy
• It keeps the pillow from shifting around inside the cover
• The right fit can make your pillows more comfortable
• It saves you time and money by avoiding returns or do-overs

I learned this the hard way when I first started decorating my apartment. I eyeballed the size of my couch pillows and ended up with covers that were way too big. My living room looked messy, and I had to start all over. Don’t make the same mistake I did!

What You’ll Need

Before we start, let’s gather a few simple tools:

• A measuring tape (a ruler works too, but a tape is easier)
• A pen and paper to write down your measurements
• The pillow you want to cover

That’s it! You don’t need anything fancy to get this job done right.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Pillow

1. Prep Your Pillow

First things first, let’s get your pillow ready for measuring:

1. Find a flat surface like a table or the floor
2. Place your pillow on this surface
3. Smooth out any lumps or wrinkles
4. Make sure the pillow is laying as flat as possible

2. Measure the Width

Now, let’s get our first measurement:

1. Take your measuring tape
2. Stretch it across the middle of the pillow from left to right
3. Make sure you’re measuring from seam to seam
4. Write down this number – it’s your pillow’s width

3. Measure the Height

Next up, we’ll measure the height:

1. Keep your pillow in the same position
2. This time, measure from the top seam to the bottom seam
3. Again, make sure you’re going right across the middle
4. Write down this number too – that’s your pillow’s height

4. Consider the Seam Allowance

If you’re making your own cover, you’ll need to add a bit extra for the seams:

• Add 1/2 inch to each side of your measurements
• For example, if your pillow is 18 inches wide and 18 inches tall, you’ll want to cut your fabric to 19 inches by 19 inches
• If you’re adding a zipper, throw in an extra inch to the length

Measuring Existing Pillow Covers

Maybe you have a cover that fits perfectly, and you want to use it as a guide. Here’s how to measure it:

1. Turn it inside out: This makes it easier to see and measure the seams
2. Lay it flat: Just like with the pillow, smooth it out on a flat surface
3. Measure width and height: Go from seam to seam, just like you did with the pillow
4. Compare to your pillow: The cover should be a tiny bit smaller than your pillow for a snug fit

Tips for Different Pillow Types

Square and Rectangular Pillows

These are the most common and easiest to measure. Just follow the steps above, and you’ll be all set!

Round Pillows

Round pillows need a slightly different approach:

1. Measure across the widest part of the pillow (the diameter)
2. Measure the thickness (how tall it is when laying flat)
3. Add seam allowance if you’re sewing your own cover

Bolster Pillows

These long, cylindrical pillows are a bit trickier:

1. Measure the length from end to end
2. Measure around the widest part (the circumference)
3. Divide the circumference by 3.14 to get the diameter
4. Add seam allowance for homemade covers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Watch out for these pitfalls when measuring your pillow covers:

• Not accounting for pillow fullness: Super fluffy pillows might need a slightly bigger cover
• Forgetting about fabric stretch: Stretchy fabrics might need different measurements than stiff ones
• Measuring a pillow that’s not fluffed up: Always measure your pillow when it’s at its fullest
• Rounding numbers too much: It’s better to be precise, even down to the quarter inch

A Real-Life Lesson

Let me share a quick story that might save you some trouble. When I was redecorating my bedroom, I fell in love with some fancy pillow covers online. I was so excited that I didn’t bother to measure my pillows properly. Big mistake! When the covers arrived, they were way too small. I had to return them and wait for new ones, which was a real hassle.

From that day on, I always measure twice before buying or making pillow covers. It’s saved me so much time and frustration. Trust me, taking a few extra minutes to measure correctly is totally worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if my pillow isn’t a standard size?

A: No worries! Just follow the same steps to measure it. The beauty of knowing how to measure is that you can handle any size pillow.

Q: Should I measure my pillow with or without its current cover?

A: It’s best to measure the pillow without any cover on it. This gives you the most accurate size of the pillow itself.

Q: How do I know if I need to account for extra fullness?

A: If your pillow is extra fluffy or overstuffed, you might want to add an extra half inch to your measurements. This gives the pillow some room to be comfortable in its new cover.

Q: Can I use these same measuring tips for outdoor pillows?

A: Absolutely! The process is the same, but keep in mind that outdoor pillows might be a bit thicker due to weather-resistant materials.

Wrapping It Up

Measuring your pillow cover doesn’t have to be a chore. With these simple steps and tips, you’ll be a pro in no time. Remember:

• Always measure on a flat surface
• Go from seam to seam for accuracy
• Don’t forget about seam allowance if you’re sewing
• Consider the pillow’s fullness and the fabric’s stretch

By taking the time to measure correctly, you’re setting yourself up for success. Whether you’re buying new covers or making your own, you’ll end up with pillows that look great and fit perfectly. Happy measuring, and enjoy your cozy, well-fitted pillows!