The Quick Answer
For a standard 18" x 18" throw pillow with matching front and back, you need 1/2 yard of 54–60" wide fabric to make two pillows, or 1/2 yard for a single pillow if you want extra room for pattern matching. Smaller 12"–16" pillows need even less — about 1/4 to 1/2 yard each.
Below is the full chart plus the details that keep beginners from running short: seam allowances, zipper backs, directional prints, and piping.
Throw Pillow Yardage Chart
Based on 54"–60" wide fabric, front and back cut from the same fabric, 1/2" seam allowances included.
| Pillow size | Fabric needed | Pillows per 1/2 yard |
|---|---|---|
| 12" x 12" | 1/4 yard | 2 |
| 14" x 14" | 1/3 yard | 2 |
| 16" x 16" | 1/2 yard | 2 |
| 18" x 18" | 1/2 yard | 2 |
| 20" x 20" | 2/3 yard | 1–2 |
| 22" x 22" | 3/4 yard | 1 |
| 24" x 24" | 1 yard | 1 |
How to Calculate It Yourself
Cut each pillow piece at pillow size + 1 inch (1/2" seam allowance on every side). A 16" pillow needs two 17" squares. On 60"-wide fabric you can fit three 17" squares across the width — so 1/2 yard (18" of length) gives you two full pillows with room to spare. On 44"-wide quilting cotton, you fit two across, so 1/2 yard still makes one to two pillows depending on size.
What About Lumbar and Euro Pillows?
Lumbar pillows (typically 12" x 20" or 14" x 24") follow the same math: cut each piece at size + 1". A 12" x 20" lumbar needs two 13" x 21" pieces — easily cut from 1/2 yard of 60"-wide fabric with leftovers. Euro shams (26" x 26") are the exception: they need about 1 yard each because the pieces are so large. When in doubt, lay your pattern pieces on the floor at full size and measure the rectangle they occupy — that is your true yardage.
Does Fabric Width Matter?
Yes — a lot. Home-decor fabrics are usually 54"–60" wide, while quilting cottons are 44"–45" wide. On 44"-wide fabric you fit fewer pieces across the width, so a 20" pillow that needs 2/3 yard on 60"-wide fabric may need a full yard on 44"-wide fabric. Always check the width on the product listing before you calculate, and when a store offers 1/2-yard cuts from $4.00, that is often the most economical choice for one or two pillows.
When You Need Extra Fabric
- Directional or large-scale prints: add 1/4–1/2 yard so motifs run upright and match across the pillow.
- Pattern matching across front and back: add one full pattern repeat.
- Piping or ruffles: piping needs about 2–2.5 yards of bias strips per 18" pillow — roughly 1/4 yard of extra fabric.
- Envelope backs: the overlapping back panels add about 4–6" of length per pillow.
Best Fabrics for Throw Pillows
Medium-weight fabrics hold a pillow's shape best. Solid cotton duck, canvas, and home-decor cottons from $8.99/yard are beginner-friendly and easy to sew. For a classic look, printed cottons like Blue French Toile ($14.99/yard) or Pink English Garden Toile ($14.99/yard) make pillows look instantly polished.
Tip: buy 1/2-yard cuts from $4.00 when you only need one or two pillows — no wasted fabric, no wasted money.
Step-by-Step: Sewing a Simple Zippered Pillow Cover
- Cut front and back at pillow size + 1".
- Install a zipper 2" shorter than the pillow width on the back piece (or sew an envelope back — no zipper needed).
- Pin front to back, right sides together. Sew around all four sides with a 1/2" seam.
- Clip corners, turn right side out, press, and insert the pillow form. Use a form 2" larger than the cover for a full, plush look.
New to sewing? Our 11 free PDF sewing patterns include beginner-friendly projects to practice on, and the yardage calculator takes the math out of cushions, curtains, and quilts. Shop pillow-worthy prints from $14.99/yard and make a set this weekend.
