The size of a cushion cover is precisely determined by the dimensions of your cushion and your desired fit, whether you prefer a snug, well-stuffed look or a slightly looser feel.
Understanding Cushion Cover Sizing
Crafting the perfect cushion cover requires careful measurement to ensure a professional and comfortable finish. The goal is to create a cover that complements your cushion's shape and density, preventing it from looking either baggy or overly strained.
Step-by-Step Measurement Guide
To accurately determine the dimensions for your cushion cover, follow these essential steps:
- Measure Your Cushion: Begin by measuring the width and length of your existing cushion insert. For square cushions, these two measurements will naturally be the same.
- Choose Your Desired Fit:
- For a Well-Stuffed Look: If you prefer your cushion to appear full and plump, you will use the exact width and length measurements of your cushion insert as the base for your cover.
- For a Looser Effect: If you prefer a slightly more relaxed or less tightly filled appearance, you will need to add ¾ inch (2 cm) to both the width and length of your cushion's measurements.
- Add Seam Allowance: Regardless of the fit you choose (well-stuffed or looser), you must add a ½ inch (1.5 cm) seam allowance to all sides of your calculated cover dimensions. This extra fabric is essential for stitching the pieces together without reducing the final internal space of your cover.
Calculating Your Cushion Cover Dimensions
Based on your cushion's measurements and desired fit, here's how to calculate the fabric size you need to cut for your cushion cover, incorporating the necessary seam allowance:
| Desired Fit | Base Calculation (from Cushion Measurement) | Seam Allowance Addition | Total Fabric Cut Size (Width & Length) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well-Stuffed | Use exact cushion width & length | + ½ inch (1.5 cm) per side | Cushion Size + ½ inch (1.5 cm) |
| Looser Effect | Cushion width & length + ¾ inch (2 cm) | + ½ inch (1.5 cm) per side | Cushion Size + 1¼ inches (3.5 cm) (¾in + ½in) |
Example:
If you have a 20-inch (50 cm) square cushion:
- For a well-stuffed cover: You would cut your fabric pieces to 20.5 inches (51.5 cm) by 20.5 inches (51.5 cm).
- For a looser cover: You would cut your fabric pieces to 21.25 inches (53.5 cm) by 21.25 inches (53.5 cm) (20 inches + 0.75 inches + 0.5 inches = 21.25 inches).
Practical Tips for Perfect Fit
- Fabric Choice: Consider the stretchiness of your chosen fabric. If using very stretchy material, you might slightly reduce the
¾ inch (2 cm)looser allowance to maintain some form. - Zipper/Opening: While the overall size formula remains, the specific panel cuts might vary slightly for different closure methods (zippers, envelope styles, buttons).
- Pre-Shrink Fabric: Always wash and dry your fabric before cutting, especially if it's prone to shrinking, to prevent your cover from shrinking after its first wash.
