My Experience With Pillow Making

My Experience With Pillow Making

As someone who loves DIY projects, I recently decided to try my hand at making decorative pillows for my home. I had so many ideas in my head, but the first question that came to mind was, “How much fabric do I need for a pillow?”

Understanding Pillow Sizes

The amount of fabric you need for a pillow depends on its size. Standard pillow sizes are:

• 16×16 inches
• 18×18 inches
• 20×20 inches
• 24×24 inches

Of course, you can make a pillow any size you want, but these are the most common. It’s important to note that these sizes refer to the pillow insert, not the pillow cover. The pillow cover should be slightly smaller than the insert to create a snug fit.

Calculating Fabric Needed

The amount of fabric you need for a pillow cover depends on the size of the pillow and the width of your fabric. Most fabric is sold in widths of 45 or 60 inches. To calculate the amount of fabric needed:

1. Measure the pillow insert.
2. Add 1 inch to the height and width for seam allowances.
3. Multiply the height and width by 2 to get the total inches of fabric needed.
4. Divide the total inches by the width of your fabric.
5. Round up to the nearest whole number.

For example, if you’re making an 18×18 inch pillow cover with fabric that is 45 inches wide:

1. Measure the pillow insert: 18×18 inches
2. Add 1 inch to the height and width: 19×19 inches
3. Multiply the height and width by 2: 38×38 inches
4. Divide the total inches by the width of your fabric: 38/45 = 0.84
5. Round up to the nearest whole number: 1

You would need 1 yard of fabric to make one pillow cover.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

1. Choose a fabric that complements the room’s decor.
2. Consider using a patterned fabric for added interest.
3. Use contrasting piping or trim for a professional-looking finish.
4. Experiment with different shapes, like round or rectangular pillows.
5. Don’t forget to factor in seam allowances when calculating fabric needed.
6. Use a rotary cutter and cutting mat for precision cuts.
7. Invest in a good quality pillow insert for a plush look and feel.
8. Consider adding a zipper or envelope closure for easy removal and washing.
9. Try your hand at adding embellishments like appliques or embroidery.
10. Practice on smaller projects before tackling larger ones.

Pros and Cons

Pros of making your own pillow covers:

• You can customize the fabric and design to your liking.
• It’s often cheaper than buying pre-made pillows.
• You can create a cohesive look for your room by choosing fabrics that coordinate with your decor.
• You can switch out pillow covers seasonally for a fresh look.

Cons of making your own pillow covers:

• It can be time-consuming, especially if you’re new to sewing.
• It requires a sewing machine and basic sewing skills.
• There is a learning curve to getting a professional-looking finish.
• You may need to invest in some supplies, like a rotary cutter and cutting mat.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I found making my own pillow covers to be a fun and rewarding project. It allowed me to create custom pillows that perfectly complemented my decor. However, it did take some practice to get the hang of sewing straight seams and getting a professional-looking finish.

If you’re new to sewing, I suggest starting with a simple square pillow cover and working your way up to more complex shapes and designs. It’s also helpful to invest in a good quality sewing machine and some basic supplies, like a rotary cutter and cutting mat.

FAQs

Q: How much fabric do I need for a 20×20 inch pillow cover?

A: You would need 1 and 1/3 yards of fabric.

Q: Can I use a different fabric for the back of the pillow cover?

A: Yes, you can use a different fabric for the back of the pillow cover. Just make sure to factor in the amount of fabric needed for both the front and back.

Q: What kind of fabric is best for pillow covers?

A: It depends on personal preference and the room’s decor. Cotton, linen, and velvet are all popular choices.