Everyone needs to know how to measure pillow size in two steps because it will be useful both for buying and making your own pillows. While there are common dimensions to expect in pillow sizes such as standard, one can always modify the measurements to fit their requirements and needs. Therefore, you must ensure that you’ll correctly know your pillow’s measures.
This article will guide you on measuring your pillow properly using two simple steps. This way, you don’t risk having issues with your fill or cover when you need to make or replace them. Furthermore, it’ll be easier to compare the different types of pillows that will suit you best.
Beginner’s Guide For Measuring Pillow Size
Step #1. Preparation
Start by preparing the tools you’ll need for measuring a pillow. Remember that faulty equipment will also cause inaccurate results, which leads to issues in making or buying a pillow. You want to get the correct measurements so you won’t face problems when finding a pillow size, filling, or cover, or even when you’re sewing your own pillow.
Use a carpenter’s measuring tape
Select a firm measuring tape, like the one used by a carpenter, because it does not fold like a tailor’s measuring tape. You can be rest assured that you’re getting the actual numbers if the measuring tape does not bend. Speaking of numbers, feel free to approximate the nearest value to avoid errors and allocate allowance for the materials and manufacturer.
Step #2. Reading
The final step is easy, and it is the measurement reading itself. Do not be intimidated by reading the measuring tape because it is straightforward. Start by stretching the pillow out to ensure that you’ll get the correct numbers.
Another useful tip to remember is to take the inserts out of your pillow first before measuring, so you can get the pillow’s proper size. If you can’t do this, pinch the top corners of the pillow and pull the top seam tightly to straighten it and make the measurement easier. Otherwise, you can add half an inch of allowance if the pillow’s shape is hard to straighten.
Measure end to end only
Place your carpenter’s measuring tape on the table and place the pillow over it to take the dimensions. The emphasis is never measuring from the center, transversely, or diagonally because these placements do not provide the correct value. Instead, start from one side to reach the next to get the pillow’s height and width.
How To Choose A Pillow Size
When choosing a pillow size, you have to consider your bed and your sleeping habits and needs. You must also remember the pillow’s materials because it can affect the pillow sizing.
Based on bed
The first consideration when choosing a pillow size is the space you have in bed. The safest size to have is standard-size pillow because it is somewhere between being not too big or small. You can easily fit it in most bed sizes and have multiple pillows.
If you want something bigger and have some space in the bed, you can try queen or king-size pillows. The latter is the biggest size, which also requires a large bed. Those who want a bit of size up from a standard-size pillow will again do well with queen-size pillows, and you may be able to fit multiple of them in your bed.
Based on sleeper
The second consideration for pillow sizing is what type of sleeper you are. There are different sleeping positions and habits, which also requires specific pillow sizes. For example, you want something big if you move around a lot at night to ensure that you’re always well-supported.
On the other hand, something small and low is ideal for those who sleep in their stomach to prevent the head from being too elevated. Sleepers may also use the pillow for specific reasons, such as needing a king-size pillow for full-body support or a smaller roll pillow to place under the neck, back, or legs. Adjust accordingly and have multiple pillows in the bed if needed.
Specialty Pillows
You will also find other pillow types in the market including travel pillows, Euro pillows, and orthopedic pillows. As you can assume, orthopedic pillows will have various dimensions as they are meant for use in different body regions. On the other hand, travel pillows are small at 12 by 16 inches for portability, while Euro pillows are decorative square pillows usually measuring 26 by 26 inches.
Some manufacturers will have other sizes and even deviations from the so-called standard, king, and queen sizes. Be aware of these dimensions when measuring your pillow to avoid problems when buying a cover or fill.
Conclusion
Are you sure about your pillow dimensions? It’s essential to know how to measure pillow size accurately so you’ll have no issues when buying or sewing your own pillow. Over time, you will need to replace the cover or fill, or you might have to buy a new pillow. And while you can expect standard dimensions for different pillow sizes, the materials and manufacturers can cause some deviations from these values.
Place a carpenter’s measuring tape on a surface and lay the pillow over it. Read the measurement from one end to another but never from the center or transversely. You should be able to get the correct height and width of your pillow using this technique.