How Much Fabric for Throw Pillows?

How much fabric for throw pillows

For standard 18×18 inch throw pillows, you’ll need approximately 1/2 yard of fabric per pillow for both the front and back. This accounts for common seam allowances and ensures you have enough for pattern matching.

Calculating the amount of fabric needed for throw pillows is a common DIY sewing task. The amount varies based on the pillow’s dimensions, whether you’re making a single-sided or double-sided pillow, the seam allowance you use, and the width of the fabric you purchase.

A good rule of thumb for standard throw pillows (like 18×18 inches or 20×20 inches) is to buy 1/2 yard of fabric per pillow if you are making both the front and back from the same material. This usually allows for cutting two pieces of the required size, plus a little extra for error or pattern matching.

When you’re cutting fabric, you need to account for more than just the finished dimensions of the pillow. You need to add seam allowance. A standard seam allowance for pillows is 1/2 inch on all four sides. So, for an 18×18 inch pillow, you’ll actually need to cut pieces that are 19 inches by 19 inches (18 inches + 1/2 inch seam allowance on each side).

If your fabric is 44/45 inches wide, which is very common, you can typically get multiple pillow pieces out of a single width. For an 18×18 inch pillow (requiring 19×19 inch cuts), you can usually cut two pieces side-by-side along the length of the fabric if your pillow isn’t too deep. However, it’s safer to assume you’ll need a length of fabric that accommodates the height of your cut pieces.

Let’s break down a common scenario: making two-sided pillows from 44/45-inch wide fabric. For an 18×18 inch finished pillow, you’ll cut two 19×19 inch squares. On a 44/45-inch wide fabric, you can place these cuts next to each other along the length. You’ll need a length of fabric that is at least 19 inches plus another 19 inches, totaling 38 inches. So, for one 18×18 inch pillow (front and back), you’d need approximately 38 inches of fabric length from a 44/45 inch wide bolt. This is just under 1/2 yard (1 yard = 36 inches, so 38 inches is about 1.05 yards if you were buying single pieces, but cut from a bolt it’s 38 inches long).

For larger pillows, like 24×24 inches, you’ll need to cut 25×25 inch pieces. If using 44/45-inch wide fabric, you can usually only fit one cut piece across the width. You’ll need a length of fabric that is 25 inches (for the front) plus 25 inches (for the back), totaling 50 inches. This is about 1.4 yards of fabric. It’s often more economical to buy 1 yard of fabric (36 inches) for smaller pillows and 1.5 yards for larger ones.

If you’re using a fabric with a directional print or a large motif, you’ll need to account for pattern matching. This means you’ll likely need more fabric to ensure the pattern aligns correctly on both sides and across seams. You might need to add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 yard to your total, especially for larger prints or if you’re particular about placement.

Calculating fabric for different pillow sizes

To calculate fabric for any pillow size, follow these steps:
1. Determine the finished pillow size (e.g., 12×20 inches).
2. Add your seam allowance to both dimensions. For a 1/2 inch seam allowance, add 1 inch to both the width and height. So, a 12×20 inch pillow requires cuts of 13×21 inches.
3. Consider your fabric width. If your fabric is 44/45 inches wide, you can likely fit multiple pillow cuts across the width for smaller pillows. For larger pillows, you might only fit one cut. If you need to cut pieces that are wider than your fabric, you’ll need to join fabric pieces, which adds complexity and waste.
4. Calculate the total length needed. If your fabric is wide enough to cut both the front and back pieces side-by-side (e.g., cutting two 13×21 inch pieces from a 45-inch wide fabric), you’ll need a length of at least 21 inches (the larger dimension of your cut piece). If you can only cut one piece across the width, you’ll need a length of 21 inches (for the front) + 21 inches (for the back) = 42 inches.
5. Convert to yards. Divide the total inches needed by 36 to get yards. For example, 42 inches / 36 = 1.17 yards. It’s best to round up to the nearest 1/4 or 1/2 yard when purchasing.

Understanding seam allowance and its impact

Seam allowance is the distance between the edge of the fabric and the stitching line. For throw pillows, a 1/2 inch seam allowance is standard and provides a good balance between a substantial seam and not taking up too much of the pillow’s interior.

When you cut your fabric, you must cut it larger than the finished size to accommodate this seam allowance. For example, a 16×16 inch pillow requires you to cut two pieces that are 17×17 inches (16 + 0.5 + 0.5 = 17). If you don’t add enough for seam allowance, your finished pillow will be smaller than intended. Conversely, adding too much can make your pillow look undersized, or you might run out of fabric if you’re not careful with your initial measurements.

Factors affecting fabric quantity for throw pillows

Several factors influence how much fabric you need:
– Pillow Size: Larger pillows naturally require more fabric.
– Number of Pillows: Multiply your per-pillow fabric needs by the number of pillows you’re making.
– Fabric Width: Standard widths are 44/45 inches and 54/60 inches. Wider fabrics allow for more efficient cutting, especially for larger pillows.
– Pattern Directionality: Fabrics with a directional print or nap (like velvet) require careful placement and often more fabric to ensure the pattern is oriented correctly on all sides.
– Pattern Matching: If your fabric has a large, repeating pattern, you’ll need extra fabric to align the pattern across seams, especially on the front of the pillow. This can add significantly to the yardage required.
– Piping or Cording: If you plan to add piping or cording around the edges, this requires additional fabric cut into strips, usually on the bias. Factor in about 1/4 to 1/2 yard extra for this detail, depending on the pillow size and amount of piping.

Estimating fabric yardage for common pillow sizes

Here are some general estimates for common throw pillow sizes using standard 44/45-inch wide fabric, assuming 1/2 inch seam allowance and making a two-sided pillow:
– 12×12 inches: You’ll need to cut two 13×13 inch pieces. A length of about 15 inches of fabric is usually sufficient.
– 16×16 inches: Cut two 17×17 inch pieces. About 20 inches of fabric length is generally enough.
– 18×18 inches: Cut two 19×19 inch pieces. Around 22 inches of fabric length is typically needed.
– 20×20 inches: Cut two 21×21 inch pieces. About 24 inches of fabric length should suffice.
– 12×20 inches (lumbar): Cut two 13×21 inch pieces. You can usually cut these side-by-side on 44/45 inch fabric, needing a length of about 22 inches.
– 24×24 inches: Cut two 25×25 inch pieces. You’ll likely need a length of about 50 inches, or 1.4 yards.

Fabric Cost Estimates for Throw Pillows (per pillow)

FAQ

Do I need more fabric if my pillow has a zipper closure?

Yes, if you’re installing a zipper, you’ll need to account for the zipper length and any extra fabric needed to insert it neatly. For an 18-inch zipper on an 18-inch pillow, you’ll need to ensure your fabric pieces are wide enough to accommodate the zipper insertion, which might require adding an extra inch or two to the width of your cut pieces. This usually doesn’t add significantly to the overall yardage needed unless you’re working with very narrow fabric.

How much fabric do I need for a pillow with piping?

Adding piping requires cutting fabric into long, thin strips, often on the bias. For a standard 18×18 inch pillow, you’ll need approximately 72 inches of piping (four sides x 18 inches). This translates to needing an additional 1/4 to 1/2 yard of fabric, depending on the width of the strips you cut and whether you need to piece them together.

What’s the difference in fabric needed for a pillow with a flap closure versus a full envelope closure?

An envelope closure, where the back fabric overlaps in the center, typically uses the same amount of fabric as a zippered pillow where the back pieces are cut to the full width. A simple flap closure might require less fabric if the flap is small, but most standard pillow constructions will use similar amounts for the main body, with variations mainly coming from seam allowances and overlap for closures.

Can I use a fat quarter for small throw pillows?

A fat quarter measures approximately 18×22 inches. For very small decorative pillows, like 12×12 inches, a fat quarter might be sufficient if you can cut both the front and back pieces from it without compromising the dimensions after seam allowances. However, for standard 18×18 or 20×20 inch pillows, a fat quarter is generally too small.