How to Calculate Yardage for Shams

Measurements

• 1

  For a general idea of how much fabric you'll need, take a quick measurement with a tape measure of your pillow's height and width. It's helpful to write it down:
  Height: ________
  Width: ________
  Once you've done that, multiply the two measurements together to get the square yardage of your pillow. For example: If the height = 1 yd and the width = 2 yds, then you will need 1 x 2, or 2 sq yrds of fabric.

• 2

  Measure for the front piece of your sham.
  Width = [pillow width] + 2x[border thickness*] + 1" seam
  Height = [pillow height]+2x[border thickness*] + 1" seam

  *You can make your border as thick as you like. The larger the pillow, the thicker the border. The most common thickness for an average pillow is 2 to 4".

• 3

  Determine your overlap. The back of your sham will be made up of two pieces between which the pillow will be inserted. Your measurements will have to allow for the pillow's volume, or plumpness. This is called an "overlap." The average overlap for a pillow is 2", however if you are covering a large or overstuffed pillow, you should leave a 3" overlap. The back of your sham will also include a 2" hem. That being said, let's make a simple formula for measuring the back of the sham.

• 4

  Measure for the back of your sham.
  Remember that the back is made up of two pieces, so we will do it in halves.
  Width = 1/2x[pillow width] + [border thickness] + hem + overlap
  Height = same as the sham's front height

• 5

  Repeat the Width and Height measurements for the other half of the back.
  You are now ready to make you sham.