How to Measure Pillow for Cover: A Comprehensive Guide

Today’s guide will delve into the essential steps of measuring a pillow for a cover. Whether you’re looking to refresh the look of your living room or simply protect your beloved pillows, getting the right measurements is crucial. We’ll cover everything from materials to sizing, ensuring you can confidently choose the perfect pillow cover.

Pillows are an integral part of our daily lives, providing comfort and support. If you want to make or buy a pillow cover for your existing pillow, you need to know how to measure it correctly. Measuring a pillow for a cover is not as simple as measuring the length and width of the pillow. You also need to consider the pillow’s thickness, shape, and type. Here are some tips on how to measure a pillow for a cover.

Getting Started

How to Measure Pillow for Cover

Measuring your pillow correctly is crucial for ensuring a perfect fit for your pillow cover. Here’s how to do it accurately:

Tools you’ll need:

• A soft tape measure: This will provide the most accurate measurement and conform to the shape of your pillow.
• Pen and paper: To note down your measurements.

Steps:

1. Remove the pillow insert from the cover: This will allow you to measure the fabric accurately.
2. Lay the cover flat on a clean surface: Make sure it’s smooth and wrinkle-free.
3. Measure the length: Place the tape measure along the seam on one side of the cover, extending it to the opposite seam. Record this measurement.
4. Measure the width: Repeat step 3, but measure across the cover from seam to seam this time.
5. Optional: Measure the depth: This is particularly important for pillows with substantial depth, like European squares. Place the tape measure along the side seam, starting at the opening and going down to the bottom edge.

Extra tips:

• Round up to the nearest whole inch: This will ensure your cover is slightly larger than the pillow insert, allowing for a snug fit.
• Consider the closure type: If your cover has a zipper or buttons, add an extra inch or two to the length to ensure it closes quickly.
• If measuring a sewn-up pillow: Pinch the top corners and pull the top seam taut while holding it next to the tape measure. Measure from corner to corner along the seam.
• Use a string or ribbon if you don’t have a tape measure: Wrap the string around the pillow, mark the length, and then measure the string with a ruler.

Following these steps, you can easily measure your pillow for a perfectly fitting cover.

Choosing the Right Material

Selecting the Perfect Fabric

When it comes to pillow covers, the material matters. The choice of fabric can influence the overall look and feel of your pillows. Here are some popular options:

– Cotton: Known for its breathability and comfort, cotton covers are ideal for all seasons.

– Linen: Linen covers provide a relaxed, rustic look and are perfect for a casual living space.

– Silk: For a touch of luxury, silk covers offer a smooth and elegant finish.

– Velvet: Velvet covers add a touch of luxury and warmth to your decor.

Sizing Matters

Standard Pillow Sizes

Pillow sizes can vary, so it’s crucial to choose the right cover size. Here are the standard pillow sizes:

– Standard: 20 x 26 inches

– Queen: 20 x 30 inches

– King: 20 x 36 inches

– Euro: 26 x 26 inches

Select a cover size matching your pillow’s dimensions to achieve a snug and tailored look.

Pillow Insert Size Guide

If you are looking for a new pillow insert, you might be wondering what size to choose. There are many factors that can affect the size of your pillow insert, such as the type of pillow cover, the shape of the pillow, the filling material, and your personal preference. 

The first thing to consider is the type of pillow cover you have. Pillow covers come in different sizes and styles, such as square, rectangular, round, or bolster.

The size of your pillow cover will determine the size of your pillow insert. Generally, you want your pillow insert to be slightly larger than your pillow cover so that it fills out the corners and creates a plump and fluffy look.

A good rule of thumb is to add 1 or 2 inches to the dimensions of your pillow cover when choosing your pillow insert size. For example, if your pillow cover is 18 x 18 inches, you can choose a pillow insert that is 19 x 19 inches or 20 x 20 inches.

The second thing to consider is the shape of your pillow. The shape of your pillow can affect how much space it takes up on your bed or sofa and how comfortable it is to use.

Square pillows are the most common and versatile shape, as they can fit in any space and support your head and neck. Rectangular pillows are also popular, especially for lumbar support or decorative purposes.

Round pillows are more whimsical and fun but can also be used as accent pieces or floor cushions. Bolster pillows are long and cylindrical and great for adding extra comfort to your back or legs.

The third thing to consider is the filling material of your pillow insert. The filling material can affect your pillow insert’s firmness, softness, weight, and durability.

Many types of filling materials are available, such as down, feather, polyester, cotton, wool, or memory foam. Each has advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and budget. Down and feather fillings are natural and luxurious but can also be expensive and allergenic.

Polyester fillings are synthetic and affordable but can also be less breathable and lose shape over time. Cotton and wool fillings are natural and eco-friendly but can also be heavy and prone to shrinking or clumping. Memory foam fillings are synthetic and supportive but can also be hot and hard to wash.

The last thing to consider is your personal preference. Ultimately, the size of your pillow insert depends on how you like your pillows to look and feel. Some people prefer their pillows to be large and overstuffed, while others prefer small and understated.

Some people like their pillows to be firm and supportive, while others like them to be soft and cuddly. There is no right or wrong answer when choosing your pillow insert size as long as you are happy with the result.

List of Square shapes:

Pillow Cover	Pillow Insert
14×14” cover	15×15” insert
16×16” cover	17×17” insert
18×18” cover	20×20” insert
19×19″ cover	21×21″ insert
20×20” cover	22×22” insert
22×22” cover	24×24” insert
24×24” cover	26×26” insert
26×26” cover	30×30” insert
28×28″ cover	32×32″ insert
30×30″ cover	34×34″ insert

List of lumbar shapes:

Pillow Cover	Pillow Insert
8×16″ cover	8×17″ insert
8×18″ cover	8×20″ insert
8×20″ cover	8×22″ insert
8×24″ cover	8×26″ insert
10×20” cover	10×22” insert
12×16” cover	12×18” insert
12×18” cover	12×20” insert
12×20” cover	12×22” insert
12×22” cover	12×24” insert
12×24” cover	12×26” insert
12×26” cover	14×26” insert
12×36” cover	14×40” insert
14×20” cover	14×22” insert
14×22” cover	14×24” insert
14×24” cover	16×26” insert
14×26” cover	16×28” insert
14×36” cover	16×40” insert
16×20” cover	16×22” insert
16×24” cover	18×26” insert
16×26” cover	18×28” insert
16×36” cover	18×40” insert
18×24” cover	20×26” insert
20×26” cover	22×28” insert
20×30” cover	22×34” insert
20×36” cover	22×40” insert
20×54” cover	22×60” insert

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Measuring a pillow for a cover is a simple yet essential task to enhance the aesthetics and longevity of your pillows. Following our expert guide, you can confidently select the right size and material for your pillow covers. Don’t forget to explore various fabrics and styles to infuse your personality into your home decor.

Here are some additional resources that might be helpful:

• Measuring pillow covers for the suitable pillow sizes: https://youtu.be/jTwgNhxwwyg
• How to Accurately Measure a Pillow Cover: https://aspaen.edu.co/yatay/aspaen-yatay/?w=how-to-accurately-measure-a-pillow-cover-chloe-olive-ee-Oyb1K0fn
• How To Measure For A Pillow Cover: https://youtu.be/fsaQO1yPpRg