How to Accurately Measure Pillows for Covers

Quick answer

• Measure your pillow’s width and height.
• Add 1-2 inches to each dimension for ease of fit.
• Account for pillow loft (thickness) when calculating fabric needs.
• Use a flexible tape measure for best results.
• Round up to the nearest whole or half inch for fabric cuts.
• Always double-check your measurements before cutting fabric.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you head out to your campsite, there are a few critical checks to make. This isn’t just about avoiding a wasted trip; it’s about safety and respecting the land.

• Land manager / legality: Know who manages the land you’re heading to. Is it the US Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service (NPS), or a state park? Each has its own set of rules. A quick look at their official website can save you a headache.

• Access/road conditions: Don’t assume that dirt road on the map is passable. Check recent reports if available. Is it a smooth gravel road, or is it a rutted, muddy mess that needs 4WD and high clearance? I learned that the hard way once in Moab. My little sedan was not happy.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: This is a big one. Fire bans are common and strictly enforced. Check the local fire danger level and any restrictions. Also, look at the weather forecast. High winds can make camping miserable and dangerous, especially if you’re in an exposed area.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Do you have enough water? Is there a reliable source at the campsite, or are you packing it all in? Plan your waste disposal. Pack it in, pack it out is the golden rule. Know where the nearest trash receptacles are or be prepared to carry everything home.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): Be aware of the local wildlife. Know what to do if you encounter bears, snakes, or other critters. How far is the nearest ranger station or town? Cell service is often spotty. Let someone know your itinerary and when you expect to be back.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Here’s how to get your pillow measurements dialed in, so your new covers fit like a glove.

1. Identify your pillow: Grab the pillow you want to cover. It could be a standard bed pillow, a throw pillow, or even a custom-shaped cushion.

• Good looks like: You know exactly which pillow you’re working with.
• Common mistake: Trying to measure a pillow that’s already stuffed into a too-tight cover. This skews your measurements. Take the cover off.

2. Choose your measuring tool: A flexible tape measure is your best friend here. A ruler can work in a pinch, but it’s less forgiving.

• Good looks like: You have a tool that can bend and conform to the pillow’s shape.
• Common mistake: Using a stiff ruler and trying to force it flat against a soft, squishy pillow. You’ll get inaccurate readings.

3. Measure the width: Lay the pillow flat on a surface. Measure across the widest part of the pillow, from seam to seam.

• Good looks like: A straight, consistent measurement from edge to edge.
• Common mistake: Measuring only one side of the pillow and assuming it’s the same all the way across, especially if the pillow is lumpy.

4. Measure the height: Now, measure the pillow from the top seam to the bottom seam, again, keeping it as flat as possible.

• Good looks like: A clean measurement from top to bottom.
• Common mistake: Holding the tape measure too tightly, compressing the pillow and getting a smaller number than reality.

5. Consider the loft (thickness): This is crucial for pillow covers, especially if you’re making a knife-edge or envelope style. Gently press down on the pillow and measure its thickness. This is your loft.

• Good looks like: You have a good sense of how “puffy” the pillow is.
• Common mistake: Forgetting about loft entirely. A thick pillow needs more fabric for the sides than a flat one.

6. Add seam allowance and ease: For a snug but not-too-tight fit, add about 1 to 2 inches to both your width and height measurements. This accounts for the seam allowance and gives the cover a little breathing room.

• Good looks like: You’ve added enough to get the cover on easily but not so much that it looks sloppy.
• Common mistake: Forgetting seam allowance or adding way too much, resulting in a baggy cover. For a standard pillow, 1/2 inch seam allowance on each side is common.

7. Calculate fabric dimensions:

• For a simple cover (like a pillowcase or envelope closure): The fabric width needed is (Pillow Width + Ease + Seam Allowance on both sides). The fabric length needed is (Pillow Height + Ease + Seam Allowance on both sides).
• For a boxed cushion or a cover with piping: You’ll need to factor in the loft measurement multiplied by two (for top and bottom) plus seam allowances.
• Good looks like: You’ve clearly written down the final fabric dimensions needed.
• Common mistake: Using the original pillow measurements directly for fabric cuts, leading to a cover that’s too small.

8. Round up for cutting: When you’re ready to cut your fabric, it’s often best to round your calculated dimensions up to the nearest whole or half inch. This makes cutting easier and gives you a little buffer.

• Good looks like: Your fabric dimensions are practical for cutting.
• Common mistake: Trying to cut fabric to exact fractional measurements like 23.78 inches. It’s just asking for trouble.

9. Double-check everything: Before you make any cuts, take a moment to review your measurements and calculations. Lay your tape measure against the pillow one last time.

• Good looks like: You feel confident in your numbers.
• Common mistake: Rushing this step and cutting the wrong size fabric, forcing you to start over.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not removing the existing cover	Inaccurate measurements; cover won’t fit the actual pillow.	Always take the old cover off to measure the bare pillow.
Using a stiff ruler on a soft pillow	Underestimating width/height; cover will be too small.	Use a flexible tape measure that can contour to the pillow’s shape.
Measuring only one side of a lumpy pillow	Uneven cover; one side will be too tight or too loose.	Measure across the widest and longest points, checking for consistency.
Forgetting seam allowance	Cover is too small to fit over the pillow.	Add 1/2 inch to 1 inch (depending on your seam allowance) to <em>each</em> side of your final dimensions.
Not accounting for pillow loft (thickness)	Cover sides are too short, especially for boxed cushions.	Measure the pillow’s thickness and factor it into your fabric calculations for the sides.
Adding too much “ease”	Cover looks baggy and sloppy.	Add only 1-2 inches total to width and height for ease; adjust based on pillow type.
Not rounding up fabric cuts	Difficulty in precise cutting; potential for errors.	Round your final fabric dimensions up to the nearest half or whole inch.
Measuring a compressed or squashed pillow	Underestimating dimensions; cover will be too small.	Lay the pillow flat and measure gently without excessive pressure.
Assuming all pillows are the same size	Making covers for multiple pillows with one measurement.	Measure each pillow individually, even if they look similar.
Not considering the closure type	Fabric needed for flaps or overlaps is insufficient.	Factor in extra fabric for envelope flaps, button bands, or zipper allowances.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your pillow is very firm and square, then add less ease because it won’t compress much.
• If your pillow is very soft and squishy, then add a little more ease because it will compress when you put the cover on.
• If you are making a pillowcase-style cover with an envelope closure, then your back panel will need to be wider than the front panel to create the overlap.
• If you are using a thicker fabric, then you might need a slightly larger seam allowance to accommodate the bulk.
• If your pillow has rounded corners, then measure to the point where the curve begins to avoid underestimating the flat section.
• If you are making a cover for outdoor use, then consider adding a bit more ease to allow for slight expansion or contraction due to temperature changes.
• If your pillow is a standard size (like a queen or king bed pillow), then you can find pre-calculated dimensions online, but always double-check with your actual pillow.
• If you’re unsure about the final fit, then err on the side of making the cover slightly larger rather than too small.
• If your pillow has a distinct “loft” or thickness, then ensure your fabric calculations account for both the top/bottom surfaces and the side height.
• If you’re using a very slippery fabric, then consider adding a bit more seam allowance to prevent it from shifting during sewing.
• If you are making a piped cushion, then the piping itself adds to the overall dimension, so account for that in your measurements.
• If your pillow is an odd shape, then you might need to create a paper pattern first to get accurate measurements.

FAQ

How do I measure a pillow for a pillowcase?

For a standard pillowcase, measure the width and height of your pillow. Add 1-2 inches to each measurement for ease, and then add your seam allowance (usually 1/2 inch per side) to those new numbers. That’s your fabric cut size.

What if my pillow is not perfectly rectangular?

If your pillow has rounded corners, measure the straight sides and then the depth of the curve. For irregularly shaped pillows, consider making a paper pattern by tracing around the pillow and then measuring the pattern.

Do I need to add extra fabric for the pillow’s thickness (loft)?

Yes, especially if you’re making a boxed cushion or a cover with sides. You’ll need to measure the thickness and add that to your calculations for the side panels.

How much extra fabric should I add for ease?

Generally, add 1 to 2 inches total to both the width and height measurements. This allows the pillow to slide into the cover without being too tight or too loose.

Should I measure the pillow with its cover on?

No, always measure the bare pillow. Measuring with a cover on will give you inaccurate dimensions because the cover itself takes up space and might not fit perfectly.

What’s the best way to measure a very squishy pillow?

Lay it flat and gently press down to give it some structure, but don’t compress it completely. Use a flexible tape measure to get the best reading.

How do I calculate fabric for a boxed pillow cover?

You’ll need dimensions for the top and bottom panels (pillow width + ease + seam allowance) and dimensions for the side panels (pillow height + seam allowance + loft + seam allowance).

Do I need to account for zippers or buttons?

Yes, if your cover has a closure like a zipper or buttons, you’ll need to add extra fabric for the overlap or placket required for these closures.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Detailed sewing instructions for specific pillow cover styles (e.g., knife-edge, boxed, envelope).
• Specific fabric recommendations for indoor vs. outdoor use.
• How to calculate fabric yardage for multiple pillows.
• Advanced techniques like adding piping or welting.
• How to care for and clean different types of pillow fabrics.