How Many Yards Do You Need for an 18×18 Pillow Cover?
Creating your own 18×18 pillow covers can be a rewarding experience that adds a personal touch to your home decor. Whether you’re sprucing up your living space or crafting a unique gift, knowing how much fabric yardage you need is essential. This guide will walk you through the basics of DIY pillow covers, including fabric requirements, sewing tips, and more.
Understanding the Fabric Yardage for an 18×18 Pillow Cover
When embarking on a project to make an 18×18 pillow cover, the first question that usually arises is, “How much fabric do I need?” The answer can vary based on a few factors, but generally, you’ll need about ½ yard of fabric for a simple, single-sided pillow cover. This amount allows for some extra fabric to account for seams and hems.
If you’re planning to create a pillow cover with a lining or a more intricate design, you might want to increase your yardage to about ¾ of a yard. Always remember, it’s better to have a little extra fabric than to run short during the sewing process.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Pillow Cover
When selecting fabric for your DIY pillow cover, consider the following types of materials:
- Cotton: Soft and easy to work with, cotton fabric is perfect for beginners.
- Linen: A great choice for a more sophisticated look, linen can add elegance to your cushions.
- Upholstery Fabric: If you want durability, upholstery fabric is robust and ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Blends: Cotton-polyester blends combine the best of both worlds, offering easy care and durability.
Always remember to wash and iron your fabric before you start cutting to prevent any shrinkage or surprises after the fact.
Calculating Fabric Yardage: A Simple Formula
Here’s a straightforward approach to determining your fabric yardage:
- Each pillow cover requires two squares of fabric, each measuring 18 inches by 18 inches.
- For a standard pillow cover, you’ll need to add extra for seams (usually ¼ inch to ½ inch) and hems (around 1 inch).
- Thus, you should calculate the total fabric size as follows:
Formula: Width + seam allowance + hem allowance = total width; Height + seam allowance + hem allowance = total height.
For an 18×18 pillow, you would calculate:
- Width: 18 inches + 1 inch (seam) + 1 inch (hem) = 20 inches
- Height: 18 inches + 1 inch (seam) + 1 inch (hem) = 20 inches
Since fabric is typically sold in yards, you’ll need to convert these measurements into yards. A yard is 36 inches, so for each pillow cover, you’ll need a square of fabric that measures 20 inches by 20 inches. This means that ½ yard of fabric is more than sufficient for one pillow cover.
Tips for Sewing Your 18×18 Pillow Cover
Now that you know how much fabric you need, let’s dive into some practical sewing tips:
- Use a rotary cutter: This tool can help you cut straight lines more easily than scissors.
- Pin before you sew: Pining your fabric can help prevent any shifting while you’re sewing.
- Consider an invisible zipper: This type of closure allows for easy pillow insertions and a clean finish.
- Press your seams: Ironing your seams can give your pillow a professional look.
Exploring Pillow Making Techniques
There are various techniques to create your cushion covers. Here are a few popular methods:
- Envelope Closure: This simple method involves sewing two overlapping pieces of fabric, making it easy to insert and remove the pillow.
- Zipper Closure: For a more polished finish, using a zipper can provide a tailored look and easy access for washing.
- Button Closure: For a charming touch, sew buttons on the flap of the envelope closure.
Incorporating Your New Pillow Covers into Home Decor
Your DIY pillow cover can serve as a focal point in your home decor. Here are a few ideas on how to style them:
- Mix and Match: Combine different patterns and colors to create visual interest.
- Seasonal Decor: Change your pillow covers with the seasons for a fresh look year-round.
- Layering: Layer different sizes and textures of pillows for a cozy, inviting feel.
Using your crafting skills can transform your living space and give it a personal touch that store-bought items often lack.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much fabric do I need for multiple 18×18 pillows?
If making multiple pillows, multiply the yardage you calculated (½ yard per pillow) by the number of pillows you want to create.
2. Can I use fabric scraps for an 18×18 pillow cover?
Yes! If you have enough fabric scraps that can be sewn together to make the required dimensions, feel free to use them!
3. What type of stuffing should I use for the pillow insert?
You can use polyester fiberfill, down, or a foam insert, depending on your desired firmness and comfort level.
4. How do I wash my pillow covers?
Most fabric pillow covers can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. Always check the care label for specific instructions.
5. Can I make an 18×18 pillow cover without a sewing machine?
Absolutely! You can hand-sew your pillow covers, though it may take more time to complete.
6. Where can I find upholstery fabric for my pillows?
Local fabric stores and online retailers are great places to find a variety of upholstery fabric suitable for your projects. Check out this site for a wide selection.
Conclusion
Making your own 18×18 pillow covers can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Understanding the fabric yardage and the various techniques involved in pillow making will empower you to create beautiful, custom pieces that enhance your home decor. With a bit of practice and creativity, your DIY projects can breathe new life into your living space, one pillow at a time. So gather your crafting materials, and happy sewing!
This article is in the category Decor and created by mypillowdreams Team