To determine how much fabric you need for a standard pillowcase in cm, you’ll generally need a piece of fabric that is approximately 70 cm wide by 110 cm long. This calculation accounts for a standard pillow size and includes seam allowances and an overlap for closure.
How Much Fabric Do I Need for a Pillowcase in CM?
Creating your own pillowcases can be a rewarding sewing project. It allows you to customize your bedding with unique fabrics and ensure a perfect fit for your pillows. The amount of fabric required depends on the size of your pillow and the style of the pillowcase you wish to make. For a typical European or standard US pillow, a single piece of fabric measuring around 70 cm by 110 cm is usually sufficient.
Understanding Pillowcase Dimensions and Fabric Needs
Pillow sizes can vary, but a common standard pillow measures approximately 50 cm by 75 cm. When you’re calculating fabric, you need to consider more than just the pillow’s dimensions. You must add extra for seam allowances on all sides, typically 1.5 cm to 2 cm per seam. Additionally, for an envelope-style pillowcase, which is the most common and easiest to make, you need to factor in an overlap for the opening. This overlap usually ranges from 15 cm to 20 cm.
Let’s break down the calculation for a standard 50 cm x 75 cm pillow:
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Width: Pillow width (50 cm) + seam allowance on one side (2 cm) + seam allowance on the other side (2 cm) + overlap for the opening (let’s say 20 cm). This gives you 50 + 2 + 2 + 20 = 74 cm. It’s always wise to round up to ensure you have enough, so 75 cm is a good width to aim for.
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Length: Pillow length (75 cm) + seam allowance on one end (2 cm) + seam allowance on the other end (2 cm) + an additional amount for the envelope flap (which is part of the overlap calculation). For the length, you need to account for the pillow’s length plus the fabric that tucks inside the pillow. A common approach is to add about 1.5 times the pillow’s length to account for the tuck-in. So, 75 cm (pillow length) + 75 cm (for the tuck-in/overlap) + 2 cm (seam allowance at the top edge) = 152 cm. However, a more efficient way to cut for an envelope closure is to use a single piece where the length accommodates the pillow and the overlap. A simpler calculation for length is: Pillow length (75 cm) + seam allowance (2 cm) + the amount of fabric that will be folded over to create the envelope (which is often around 20-25 cm, depending on how deep you want the opening). For a standard pillow, a length of 110 cm is usually sufficient when combined with the width calculation.
Therefore, a piece of fabric that is approximately 75 cm wide and 110 cm long will comfortably yield one standard pillowcase. Many quilters and crafters often use a fat quarter (which is 50 cm x 55 cm) for smaller decorative pillows, but for a standard pillowcase, you’ll need a larger cut.
Calculating Fabric for Different Pillow Sizes
The principle remains the same for different pillow sizes. You always need to add for seams and overlap.
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European Pillow (65 cm x 65 cm):
- Width: 65 cm + 4 cm (seams) + 20 cm (overlap) = 89 cm. Round up to 90 cm.
- Length: 65 cm + 4 cm (seams) + 25 cm (for envelope depth) = 94 cm. Round up to 95 cm.
- You would need approximately 90 cm x 95 cm.
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King Size Pillow (50 cm x 90 cm):
- Width: 50 cm + 4 cm (seams) + 20 cm (overlap) = 74 cm. Round up to 75 cm.
- Length: 90 cm + 4 cm (seams) + 25 cm (for envelope depth) = 119 cm. Round up to 120 cm.
- You would need approximately 75 cm x 120 cm.
Tips for Cutting and Sewing Your Pillowcase
When you’re ready to cut your fabric, always pre-wash and iron your material. This prevents shrinkage after you’ve sewn your pillowcase and makes cutting more accurate. Lay your fabric flat and measure carefully. Use a rotary cutter and mat for precise straight lines, or a good pair of fabric scissors.
When sewing, a straight stitch is usually all you need. For a more durable and professional finish, consider using a French seam. This encloses the raw edges of the fabric, making the inside of your pillowcase look as neat as the outside and preventing fraying.
What If My Fabric Has a Print or Pattern?
If your fabric has a directional print, you’ll need to pay close attention to how you orient your pattern pieces. For example, if you have a pattern of flowers that all face upwards, you’ll want to ensure the flowers on the front of the pillowcase are oriented correctly. This might mean you need a slightly larger piece of fabric to achieve the desired look, especially if the pattern repeat is large. Always lay out your pattern pieces on the fabric before cutting to visualize the final outcome.
Can I Make a Pillowcase from a Fat Quarter?
While a standard fat quarter (50 cm x 55 cm) is not large enough for a standard pillowcase, it can be perfect for smaller decorative pillows, cushion covers, or even a child-sized pillowcase if the pillow dimensions are smaller. For most adult-sized pillows, you will need a larger piece of fabric.
People Also Ask
How wide should fabric be for a pillowcase?
For a standard pillowcase, the fabric width should be around 70 cm to 75 cm. This accounts for the pillow’s width, seam allowances on both sides, and an overlap for the envelope closure.
How much fabric do I need for a 20×26 inch pillowcase?
A 20×26 inch pillow is a standard US size. In centimeters, this is approximately 50.8 cm x 66 cm. For this size, you would need about 70 cm wide by 100 cm long fabric, allowing for seams and overlap.
