To determine how much fabric is needed for a 20×20 pillow, you’ll typically need 1.5 yards of fabric. This accounts for a 20-inch pillow front, a 20-inch pillow back, and a 0.5-inch seam allowance on all sides, plus extra for pattern matching or potential errors.
Calculating Fabric for Your 20×20 Pillow Project
Creating custom throw pillows can add a personal touch to any room. When embarking on a DIY pillow project, understanding the right amount of fabric is crucial to avoid waste and ensure a professional finish. For a standard 20×20 inch pillow, the fabric requirements are fairly straightforward, but a few factors can influence the final yardage.
How Much Fabric Do I Need for a 20×20 Pillow Cover?
The most common scenario for a 20×20 pillow involves making a simple envelope-style cover or a zippered cover. Both require two main pieces for the front and back, plus any additional fabric for ruffles, piping, or decorative elements.
For a basic 20×20 inch pillow, you’ll want to cut two squares that are larger than the finished pillow size to accommodate seam allowances. A good rule of thumb is to add 1 inch to each dimension for a total of 21×21 inches for each piece. This gives you a 0.5-inch seam allowance on all four sides.
So, for the front and back pieces, you’ll need two 21×21 inch squares.
Understanding Fabric Yardage and Dimensions
Fabric is typically sold by the yard, which is 36 inches long. The width of the fabric can vary, but common widths are 44/45 inches or 54/60 inches. This is where understanding how to lay out your pattern pieces becomes important.
Let’s assume you are using a standard 44/45 inch wide fabric.
- Piece 1 (Front): 21 inches x 21 inches
- Piece 2 (Back): 21 inches x 21 inches
If you are making an envelope closure, one of the back pieces will be wider to create the overlap. For a 20-inch pillow, you might cut one back piece at 21 inches wide and another at approximately 26 inches wide (21 inches for the pillow plus 5 inches for overlap).
When laying out these pieces on a 44/45 inch wide fabric:
- You can place one 21-inch wide piece across the width.
- You can then place the second piece next to it, also 21 inches wide.
This means you can get both the front and back pieces from a single width of fabric. The total length needed would be approximately 42 inches (21 inches + 21 inches).
Calculating Total Fabric Needed
To convert this into yards:
- 42 inches is equal to 1.17 yards (42 inches / 36 inches per yard).
However, it’s always wise to purchase a little extra fabric. This extra amount accounts for:
- Pattern Matching: If your fabric has a large print or stripes, you’ll need extra to ensure the pattern aligns seamlessly on the front and back. This can add significantly to your fabric needs.
- Pre-washing: Fabric can shrink when washed, so it’s best to pre-wash your fabric before cutting. Buying a bit extra ensures you still have enough after shrinkage.
- Cutting Errors: Mistakes happen, especially for beginners. Having a little buffer fabric can save you a trip back to the store.
Therefore, for a 20×20 pillow, purchasing 1.5 yards of fabric is a safe bet. This allows for a generous amount of extra fabric for pattern matching, potential shrinkage, and any unforeseen cutting mishaps.
What If My Fabric is Wider?
If you are using a wider fabric, such as 54 or 60 inches, you might be able to get both pieces from a single cut along the width, potentially reducing the yardage needed. However, even with wider fabric, the 1.5-yard recommendation remains a good guideline for the reasons mentioned above.
Can I Use Scraps for a 20×20 Pillow?
Yes, you can absolutely use fabric scraps for a 20×20 pillow, especially if you’re aiming for a patchwork or quilt-as-you-go style. You would need to piece together smaller sections of fabric to create the required 21×21 inch front and back panels. This is a fantastic way to use up smaller remnants and create a unique, textured pillow.
Factors Affecting Fabric Quantity
While the basic calculation is simple, several factors can influence how much fabric you ultimately need.
Pattern Matching and Directional Prints
Fabrics with large, repeating patterns or directional prints (like animals facing one way or text) require careful planning. You’ll need to ensure that the pattern on the front of the pillow matches the pattern on the back, and that any motifs are oriented correctly. This often means cutting each piece individually and laying them out precisely, which can consume more fabric. For a 20×20 pillow, this could easily add another 0.5 to 0.75 yards to your requirement, pushing you closer to the 1.5-yard mark or even slightly beyond if the repeat is very large.
Fabric Shrinkage
Most fabrics, especially natural fibers like cotton, will shrink when washed. It’s standard practice to pre-wash and dry your fabric before cutting to account for this shrinkage. If you skip this step, your finished pillow cover might be smaller than intended after its first wash. Buying a bit extra accounts for this potential shrinkage.
Seam Finishes and Embellishments
If you plan to use decorative seam finishes like piping, ruffles, or flanges, you will need additional fabric. Piping, for instance, requires bias strips cut from your fabric. Ruffles or flanges will also necessitate extra fabric pieces. Always factor in these decorative elements when calculating your total fabric needs.
Quilting or Interfacing
If you intend to quilt your pillow front or back, or apply interfacing for added structure, you’ll need to purchase enough fabric for these layers as well. The amount would be similar to your main fabric pieces, plus seam allowances for quilting.
People Also Ask
How much fabric do I need for a 20×20 pillow with a zipper?
For a 20×20 pillow with a zipper, you’ll generally need the same amount of fabric as a basic pillow: 1.5 yards. This allows for two 21×21 inch panels (front and back) with 0.5-inch seam allowances, plus extra for potential pattern matching, shrinkage, and the zipper insertion process.
