If you’ve ever stared at a perfectly good throw pillow, paired with a scrap of luxurious pillow fabric sitting in your storage closet, and wondered “Can I use pillow fabric to cover a throw pillow?”—I get it. As someone who’s spent 12 years in the pillow fabric supply business, I’ve fielded this question at least a dozen times a week, from interior designers revamping rental spaces to homeowners trying to stretch a limited decor budget. The short answer is yes, but let’s break this down like we’re sitting in my sample room, running a hand over a linen-cotton blend swatch, and talking through what actually works (and what to avoid) so your finished throw pillow looks intentional, not like a last-minute craft project. Pillow Fabric
First, let’s get clear on what we’re talking about here: when I reference “pillow fabric,” I’m referring to the same core textile I supply—fabric designed specifically for pillow use, not just any random cotton from a bed sheet set or a curtain panel. It’s tested for durability, has the right weight to hold its shape, and comes in finishes that resist fading, stains, and the kind of wear that comes with being tucked under arms, leaned on, or dragged across living room floors. Throw pillows, by contrast, are usually smaller (think 12×18 inches for lumbar, 18×18 or 20×20 for square accents) and meant to add color, texture, or dimension to a space, so their covers need to balance softness with structure.
Let’s start with the most practical concern that stops most people: will the fabric fit properly? The math here isn’t complicated, but there’s a trick most DIYers miss. When I supply fabric for custom throw pillow covers, I always share this guideline: for a standard 18×18 inch square pillow insert, you’ll need a piece of fabric that’s at least 36 inches wide (double the insert’s measurement) plus 1 inch for seam allowances. Wait, why double it? Because throw pillow covers are a simple envelope or zipper closure, so you need fabric that wraps completely around the insert without pulling taut or leaving gaps. If your pillow insert is 20×20, you’ll need fabric that’s 40 inches wide plus seam allowance, and length will be 20 inches plus seam allowance (plus 5 inches for an envelope closure, if you go that route) or 20 inches plus 1 inch if you opt for a hidden zipper. The good news is that almost all pillow fabric I stock comes in widths of 54 or 60 inches—plenty of width to cut two standard throw pillow covers from a single yard, no seams required. Even smaller-scale patterns like micro-florals or thin stripes will line up cleanly because you’re working with a large enough piece of fabric.
Next up, durability. This is where pillow fabric stands head and shoulders above other fabrics people often try repurposing, like old t-shirts or heavy curtain material. Good pillow fabric has a weight rating (we usually call it “ounce per square yard” in the industry) that falls between 5 and 8 ounces—light enough to feel soft against your skin, but thick enough to not stretch out of shape after a few months. For example, our best-selling linen-cotton blend pillow fabric clocks in at 6 ounces: it’s breathable, so it won’t get hot in summer, and the natural linen texture adds subtle interest without being too scratchy. I’ve had customers tell me they tried using cheap cotton bed sheet fabric for a throw pillow, only for the cover to stretch so much in two weeks that the insert looked lumpy and misshapen. That’s because bed sheet fabric is usually only 3 to 4 ounces—too thin for repeated handling. If you’re using pillow fabric, you’re already starting with a material that’s built to hold up to that wear, which is why it’s worth the investment (even for DIY projects).
Wait, but what if you want to make multiple pillows from one piece? Let’s say you’re redecorating your entire living room and want matching lumbar pillows for the sofa and accent pillows for the armchair. Pillow fabric comes in yards, so one yard of 60-inch wide fabric will give you two standard 18×18 pillow covers, or three lumbar pillows. The only caveat here is pattern matching: if you have a large-scale print (like bold geometric motifs or big floral blooms), you’ll want to buy an extra half-yard to make sure the patterns line up across each pillow. I always tell customers that a little extra fabric is never a waste—it leaves you with leftover scraps for small decor projects later, like a coaster or a table runner, or spares if you need to replace a cover down the line.
Now, let’s talk about the one mistake I see people make over and over: choosing the wrong finish. Pillow fabric comes in different pre-treatments, and that matters a lot for throw pillows. If you’re going for a linen look that’s intentionally slightly wrinkled, a “washed” finish is perfect—it’s pre-washed so it won’t shrink when you launder the cover later. But if you pick an unwashed linen pillow fabric, it will shrink up to 10% in the first wash, which means your perfectly cut pillow cover will become too small for your insert. That’s a disaster no one wants, so always check the fabric’s finish before you buy. Another finish to look for is stain resistance: many of the microfiber or performance pillow fabric I supply have a chemical-resistant coating (it’s non-toxic, by the way) that spills like coffee or soda will bead up and wipe right off, which is a huge win if you have kids or pets. Throw pillows are prone to spills, so that extra layer of protection makes pillow fabric even more practical for this use than other fabrics.
Let’s get real about DIY execution, too—because even if you have the right fabric, cutting corners on sewing will make the project look unprofessional. When I help new customers, I always share these small tips: first, pre-wash your fabric even if it’s pre-treated. It’s a quick step that removes any factory residue and confirms there’s no shrinkage before you cut. Second, use a walking foot on your sewing machine if you have one—it prevents the fabric layers from shifting, which is key for straight seams. Third, press the seams as you go: even a quick press with an iron on low heat will make your cover look crisp, not homemade. I’ve had customers come back after their first project, saying they used a scrap of our performance pillow fabric and their 20×20 pillow covers look like they came from a high-end decor store, not their basement sewing nook. That’s the magic of working with fabric designed specifically for this job.
Wait, is there any case where you shouldn’t use pillow fabric for a throw pillow? Let’s be honest—almost none. Unless you’re going for an ultra-deconstructed, “lived-in” look that uses a very sheer fabric (like chiffon), but even sheer pillow fabric is sometimes designed with a subtle opacity that works for throw pillows. The only other exception is if you’re making a tiny decorative pillow, like a 8×8 inch pin cushion or a small accent pillow for a nursery. For that, you can even use leftover pillow fabric scraps, no need for a full yard. The only thing I’d caution against is mixing very heavy pillow fabric (like a 10-ounce canvas pillow fabric) with a too-small insert— it will make the pillow look stiff and uninviting. For a 12×12 inch decorative nursery pillow, stick to a 5-ounce cotton pillow fabric and a soft cotton insert, and it will look plump and cozy.
Let me circle back to that customer who asked me this question last week—she was a renter in Chicago, whose landlord wouldn’t let her paint her walls or replace the dated sofa, so she wanted to add new throw pillows to make the space feel like hers. She had saved up to buy a few yards of a soft neutral pillow fabric, and she was worried it wouldn’t look right on her small throw pillows. I walked her through the sizing, explained the shrinkage process, and told her about the hidden zipper closure that’s easy for beginners to sew. A month later, she sent me a photo: three matching throw pillows on her sofa, paired with a small lumbar pillow, all made from our linen-cotton pillow fabric, and she said it completely transformed her living room. That’s why I love what I do—this isn’t just selling fabric; it’s helping people make spaces feel like home, one pillow at a time.
If you’re reading this and you’re ready to tackle your own throw pillow project, whether you’re a seasoned sewer or you’re grabbing a cheap sewing machine from a thrift store, pillow fabric is the best material for the job. It’s designed to be durable, easy to work with, and available in every color and pattern you could want—from muted neutrals to bold statement prints. The biggest takeaway here is that you don’t need to be a professional to pull it off; you just need the right fabric, a few basic sewing tools, and a little patience.
Suede Bonded with Other Fabrics At the end of the day, using pillow fabric for a throw pillow isn’t just possible—it’s the smartest choice you can make. It saves you money compared to buying pre-made throw pillows from a decor store, it lets you customize the exact size, color, and texture you want, and it’s built to last through years of use. If you’re ready to pick out your pillow fabric, or you have more questions about sizing, finishes, or even tips for sewing, feel free to reach out to our team to discuss your custom requirements. We’ll help you pick the perfect fabric for your project, no matter how big or small.
References
- Textile Institute. (2021). Performance Standards for Decorative Textiles: Durability and Aesthetics. Textile Technology Press.
- American Home Furnishings Alliance. (2022). Guide to Textile Selection for Residential Soft Furnishings. AHFA Publications.
- The Spruce. (2023). DIY Throw Pillow Guide: Sizing, Fabric Selection, and Sewing Tips. Dotdash Meredith.
- International Organization for Standardization. (2020). ISO 105-X01: Textiles – Tests for colour fastness – Part X01: Colour fastness to washing. ISO.
Ruili Textile Co., Ltd.
Ruili Textile Co., Ltd. is one of the leading pillow fabric manufacturers and suppliers in China, featured by fashion products and good service. Please rest assured to buy high-quality pillow fabric at low price from our factory. Welcome to view our website for more information.
Address: 1#, Tianhe Gongguan, Chenghang Town, Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Prov. China Mainland
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