When it comes to selecting the perfect pillow inserts for your home, accurate measurements are crucial. Properly sized inserts not only enhance the appearance of your throw pillows but also ensure optimal comfort and support.
This guide will walk you through how to measure for pillow inserts, helping you achieve a professional and polished look for your décor.
Importance of Choosing the Right Pillow Inserts
Choosing the right pillow inserts is more than just a matter of aesthetics—it’s essential for both comfort and functionality. A well-fitted insert ensures that your pillow maintains its shape and provides adequate support for everyday use. Inserts that are too small can leave pillows looking under-filled and floppy, while overly large inserts can strain the fabric and create an overly firm feel.
Additionally, high-quality inserts made of the appropriate materials, such as down or synthetic fills, contribute to a longer lifespan and consistently cozy experience. By prioritizing the right pillow inserts, you can elevate the overall look and feel of your space, blending style with practicality.
Why Measuring Correctly is Crucial
Taking precise measurements for your pillow inserts is a key step in achieving a flawless finish for your pillows. When you measure correctly, you ensure that the insert fits snugly into the pillow cover, creating a plush and structured appearance. Incorrect measurements, on the other hand, can lead to ill-fitting inserts that compromise both the aesthetic and functional qualities of your pillows.
For instance, an insert that is too small will leave excessive empty space inside the cover, making the pillow look deflated and lifeless. Conversely, an overly large insert can stretch the fabric excessively, distorting the shape of the pillow and potentially causing damage over time. By carefully measuring and choosing the proper insert size, you can avoid these pitfalls and achieve a cohesive, professional look that complements your home décor seamlessly.
10 Easy Steps How to Measure for Pillow Inserts
1. Understand Standard Pillow Sizes
Familiarize yourself with standard pillow sizes to determine the most appropriate dimensions for your inserts. Common sizes include square pillows (16×16, 18×18, 20×20 inches) and rectangular lumbar pillows (12×20, 14×24 inches). Understanding these standard dimensions provides a starting point for accurate measurements and simplifies your selection process.
2. Measure the Pillow Cover
Lay your pillow cover flat on a smooth surface, ensuring there are no wrinkles or folds. Use a flexible measuring tape to measure the width and height from seam to seam. Record the measurements to determine the size of the insert. Keep in mind that inserts are typically 1-2 inches larger than the cover for a plump and full appearance.
3. Account for Fill Loft
Pillow inserts with different fill materials, such as down, polyester, or memory foam, can vary in loft and firmness. Measure your pillow cover dimensions, but consider how much extra room is needed to accommodate the loft. For softer fills like down, a slightly larger insert is ideal to maintain fullness and prevent sagging.
4. Use the Diagonal Measurement Method
For irregularly shaped pillow covers, such as round or uniquely designed ones, measure diagonally from corner to corner. This ensures you capture the widest dimension, providing a better guide for selecting the right insert. The diagonal measurement is particularly useful for ensuring snug fits in non-square designs.
5. Measure After Washing
If you’re measuring a pillow cover that has been washed, consider potential shrinkage. Natural fibers like cotton and linen often shrink slightly after laundering. Measure the dimensions post-wash to ensure your insert matches the actual size of the cover during regular use. This prevents loose or overly tight fits.
6. Consider Seam Allowances
When measuring pillow covers, account for seam allowances that may slightly reduce the internal dimensions. Measure from seam to seam on both the width and height to get an accurate size. For handmade or custom covers, verify that seam widths are consistent to avoid discrepancies in fit.
7. Use a Ruler for Small Covers
For small or decorative pillow covers, a standard ruler can be more effective than a measuring tape. Place the ruler along the edge of the cover to measure its dimensions precisely. This method is especially useful for tiny throw pillows or accent cushions where minute differences can affect the fit.
8. Check for Stretch Fabric
Stretch fabrics, such as spandex or knit materials, require special attention when measuring. Gently stretch the cover to its natural shape and measure without over-pulling. Stretch fabrics may need slightly larger inserts to maintain a taut and polished appearance, so factor in the fabric’s elasticity when selecting the insert size.
9. Match Insert Shape to Cover Shape
Ensure that the insert shape matches the cover shape. For example, round covers require round inserts, and square covers need square inserts. Mismatched shapes can cause uneven stuffing and detract from the pillow’s aesthetics. Measure the dimensions accurately and select an insert with the same shape for a seamless fit.
10. Test with a Sample Insert
If you’re uncertain about the best size for your pillow insert, use a sample insert to test the fit. Place the insert inside the cover and observe how it fills the space. Adjust the size up or down as needed based on the appearance and feel. This hands-on method helps ensure a perfect fit before committing to multiple inserts.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful measurements and thoughtful insert selection, you may encounter challenges when working with pillow covers and inserts. Below are some common issues and tips for resolving them to achieve a polished, professional look:
Pillow Looks Too Flat
If your pillow appears deflated or lacks fullness, the insert may be too small for the cover. Consider sizing up your insert by 1-2 inches to ensure a plump and structured appearance. Alternatively, check the condition of the fill material—older inserts may have lost their loft and need replacing.
Fabric Appears Overstretched
Overstretched fabric typically indicates that the insert is too large for the cover. Replace the insert with one closer to the cover’s actual dimensions. If the fabric is stretchy, ensure you’ve measured its natural shape without excessive pulling, as stretch fabrics can accommodate slightly larger inserts without distorting.
Corners of the Pillow Look Empty
Empty or underfilled corners are often the result of an insert that does not properly fill the entire cover. To fix this, fluff the insert thoroughly and manually redistribute the stuffing into the corners. For persistent issues, opt for inserts with more fill or firmer materials for better corner distribution.
Pillow Cover Zipper Doesn’t Close Easily
When the zipper is difficult to close, it may be due to an overly large or overstuffed insert. Size down slightly to reduce strain on the zipper and prevent potential damage. Additionally, ensure that the filling inside the insert is evenly distributed before attempting to zip.
Pillow Appears Lumpy or Uneven
Lumpiness can result from uneven distribution of the fill within the insert. Remove the insert and shake it gently to reallocate the fill, focusing on smoothing out any clusters. High-quality inserts with consistent fill materials, such as down-alternative or polyester, can also help minimize this issue.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When selecting and pairing pillow covers with inserts, avoiding common mistakes can save time and ensure a polished look. Here are some frequent errors and how to prevent them:
Choosing the Wrong Insert Size
One of the most common mistakes is selecting an insert that doesn’t match the cover size. Using an insert that is too small can result in a flat, lifeless appearance, while an overly large insert can overstretch the fabric or make zipping difficult. Always measure carefully and follow sizing guidelines.
Overlooking Fabric Type
Ignoring the fabric type of the cover can lead to issues with fit and appearance. Stretch fabrics, for instance, require a different approach compared to non-stretch fabrics. Ensure you consider the cover material’s characteristics when choosing an insert.
Skipping Pre-Washing
Laundering natural fiber covers before measuring is crucial to account for potential shrinkage. Skipping this step can result in poorly fitting inserts once the cover is washed.
Not Accounting for Fill Type
Different fill materials perform differently in terms of loft and fullness. Using down inserts, for example, often requires upsizing slightly for a fuller look, while firmer inserts like polyester may not need this adjustment. Match the fill type to your desired pillow shape and aesthetic.
Neglecting Cover Shape
Mismatched insert and cover shapes can ruin the pillow’s appearance. Always pair round inserts with round covers, square inserts with square covers, and so on. This ensures even filling and a professional finish.
Failing to Test the Fit
Purchasing multiple inserts without first testing one for fit can be costly and time-consuming. Always test a sample insert to confirm proper size, fill level, and overall appearance before committing to a larger batch.
Conclusion
Measuring for pillow inserts requires attention to detail and consideration of various factors, including cover dimensions, fill materials, and fabric types. Now that you know how to measure for pillow inserts. While it does take a few steps each time, hopefully now you understand the process and why it’s worth taking the extra step to make sure your floor is properly cared for. So don’t wait any longer, take action today!
Huston Douthit is a distinguished figure in the world of furniture design, with a decade of expertise creating innovative and sustainable furniture solutions. His professional focus lies in merging traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, fostering designs that are both practical and environmentally conscious. As the author of Fruniturix, Huston delves into the art and science of furniture-making, inspiring artisans and industry professionals alike.
Education
- RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia)
Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)- Focus on sustainable design, industry-driven projects, and practical craftsmanship.
- Gained hands-on experience with traditional and digital manufacturing tools, such as CAD and CNC software.
- Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom)
Bachelor’s in Furniture and Product Design (Honors)- Specialized in product design with a focus on blending creativity with production techniques.
- Participated in industry projects, working with companies like John Lewis and Vitsoe to gain real-world insights.
Publications and Impact
In Fruniturix, Huston shares his insights on furniture design processes, materials, and strategies for efficient production. His writing bridges the gap between artisan knowledge and modern industry needs, making it a must-read for both budding designers and seasoned professionals.