Sorry, I couldn't resist the subject line. 

I'm getting some patterns ready for my first pillows. I've looked at what others have done here, some great designs. My problem is I can't find information about actual pillow construction as it relates to the sizing of projects. In other words, if I want a 20 x 20 pillow, obviously I need a larger final piece of cloth to allow for seams, zippers (I'm using buttons for mine), and other items. Plus, should I weave the back immediately after the front, with no gap between the two? I will not be sewing them, they will go to a seamstress. She may have the answers but I thought I'd check to see if there's any special weaving requirements I need to be aware of before embarking on this project.

Comments

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 13:01

endorph

expert but if it were me I would add at least 2 inches to the desireed finished width (after shrinkage) to give me plenty of room for the seam allowances, etc. and the same in the finished length - so for a 20 x 20 finished pillow top I would aim for a piece of fabric about 22 x 22 - this gives me some wiggle room and I can construct with confidence that I am not going to short change myself on finished seams and zipper opening. If I were going to voerlap the back instead of a zipper - I would probably add several mor inches to the length. Best bet is to get with your seamstress to find out what construction method she will use and go with her recommendations. It is recommended that you go with half inch seam allowances with handwoven fabric as opposed to the quarter inch allowance with machine woven. Tina
Tue, 01/29/2013 - 13:31

Leslie M (not verified)

Lots of variables here, but a place to start is your local fabric store with pillow forms and sizes. You can of course make your own form, but standard ones will give you general sizes. You need to allow for shrinkage and seams and trim. Do you want cording, flanges,ruffles? Need to weave extra yardage for these or purchase commercial trim. If you purchase commercial trim you need to check out what colors are available to coordinate with your fabric. Your seamstress will definitely be able to guide you, but you might want to look at home deco sites for styles and trends in home deco colors. (I'm assuming these willbe for sale). The sky is the limit with pillows! Have fun!
Tue, 01/29/2013 - 16:19

ReedGuy

Also, if you weave a tube, with a little extra width, as well as a little extra length, you only have to sew one end and zipper the other. Or just sew both ends. I just made a couple recently as a tube, and sewed both ends, as I used a washable form inside. Now keep in mind, I'm no seemstress or sewing expert or consultant of anything related. But, I am satisfied with what I did.

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 16:30

Weavin Steven

ReedGuy, that's a good idea. I could probably even sew what little needed to be done by myself if I weave a tube. And it will allow me to brush up on my doubleweave.

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 20:05

sally orgren

I go and look at patterns, see what they recommend for seam allowances and construction details. (Go ahead and buy the pattern if you really like the style, and don't forget your coupon! Patterns usually go on sale fairly frequently, and are only a few bucks when they do.)

Otherwise, a good seamstress should be able to work off your information.

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 21:16

Kade1301

I don't remember where I read it, but somebody wrote that a pillow cover should actually be about 10 % smaller than the pillow that is going to fill it. That will make a nice plump pillow.

This rule of thumb worked out very well for my 50 cm wide fabrics with a 55 cm pillow insert (no seam allowances because I sewed by hand, thread by thread).

So if you want a 20 x 20 wide pillow, you'll look for a 22 x 22 insert...

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 21:26

ReedGuy

I had 22 x 22 insert and wove 24 wide. Washed it all together once sewed, and it filled out well even out to the corners which sometimes can dog ear. I'm sure the cover shrunk a good two inches to.