DIY Pillow Cover Cost Calculator

Find out if sewing pillow covers beats buying them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much fabric do I need for a standard throw pillow cover?
A standard 18x18 inch pillow cover typically requires about 0.75 yards of 54-inch-wide home decor fabric when cut with a half-inch seam allowance. For a 20x20 inch cover, budget closer to 1 yard. Add a little extra if your fabric has a pattern repeat that needs to be matched.
Is an envelope back or zipper closure cheaper and easier?
An envelope back (two overlapping fabric panels on the reverse) costs nothing extra in materials and is much easier to sew — ideal for beginners. A zipper costs $1–$3 per cover and takes more time, but it keeps the cover from shifting on the insert and looks cleaner for decorative pieces. If you are making covers for everyday use or high-traffic areas, the zipper is worth the small added cost.
Does DIY always save money compared to buying pillow covers?
Not always. If you are comparing against budget store covers priced at $8–$10 each, buying retail may be cheaper once you factor in fabric and notions. DIY savings are most significant when the retail equivalent costs $20 or more, when you need a custom size, or when you are making four or more covers from the same fabric cut, which reduces per-cover overhead.
What type of fabric works best for DIY pillow covers?
Medium-weight home decor fabric (canvas, linen blend, or cotton twill) is the most practical choice. It holds its shape, is easy to sew, and is durable enough for regular use. Velvet and heavyweight upholstery fabric look luxurious but are harder to sew and more expensive. Lightweight quilting cotton works for decorative covers but may not hold up as well with daily use.
Should I include my sewing time in the cost calculation?
The calculator focuses on material costs, which is the most common way crafters compare DIY vs. retail. If you want to include labor, estimate your time per cover (usually 30–60 minutes for a basic envelope cover once you have a system down) and multiply by an hourly rate. Keep in mind that sewing time tends to drop significantly after the first few covers as you get faster with the pattern.

Is Sewing Your Own Pillow Covers Worth It?

Decorative throw pillow covers can run anywhere from $8 at a discount store to $60 or more at a home decor boutique. Sewing your own gives you full control over fabric, size, and finish — but the math only works in your favor when your material costs stay well below the retail alternative.

The biggest variable is fabric. Home decor fabric averages $8–$20 per yard, and a standard 18x18 inch cover needs roughly 0.75 yards when cut with a seam allowance. Choose a fabric on sale or from a remnant bin and your cost per cover can drop below $7. Choose an upholstery-weight linen at full price and you may spend $15 on fabric alone.

Your closure choice also affects cost and difficulty. An envelope back (overlapping fabric flaps with no zipper) adds nothing to materials cost and is beginner-friendly. An invisible zipper adds $1–$3 per cover but produces a cleaner, more polished look that holds up to frequent washing. Either way, thread and notions typically add less than $1 per cover when averaged across a spool.

Where DIY pillow covers almost always win is custom sizing and fabric matching. If you need 22x22 covers for an odd-sized insert, or you want to match a specific pattern in your room, retail options are scarce and expensive. Sewing lets you hit that exact spec for roughly the same material cost as a standard size.

The calculator above accounts for fabric price per yard, yardage per cover, closure cost, thread and notions, and lets you compare the total against what you would spend buying retail. If you are making four or more covers, even a modest per-cover savings adds up quickly.