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Pillowcase Calculator — Fabric for Pillowcases
Work out fabric for standard, housewife or Oxford pillowcases.
How We Calculate This
A pillowcase is cut as one long piece that wraps around the pillow with a tuck-in flap. The Oxford style adds a flat border (flange) that surrounds all four edges, so its border is added to both the width and the length — not just the ends.
The formula
Housewife cut width = Pillow height + (Seam × 2)
Housewife cut length = Pillow width × 2 + Tuck-in + (Seam × 2) + 3cm closure
Oxford cut width = Housewife width + (Border × 2)
Oxford cut length = Housewife length + (Border × 2)
The 5cm Oxford border therefore adds 10cm to each dimension. Fabric is laid so each piece fits across the bolt width where possible; the metres needed is rows × cut length.
Frequently Asked Questions
A housewife pillowcase fits snugly around the pillow with an internal flap and a plain seamed edge. An Oxford pillowcase has a flat border (flange) that runs around all four sides, typically 5cm wide, giving a more decorative, tailored look. Because the flange surrounds the whole case, the 5cm border adds 10cm to both the cut width and the cut length, so an Oxford case needs more fabric than a housewife of the same pillow size.
Standard UK pillow: 75x50cm. King size pillow: 90x50cm. Euro square: 65x65cm. These are the pillow dimensions; the case is cut with allowances for seams and tuck-in.
A tuck-in flap of 15-20cm keeps the pillow inside without buttons or a zip. This flap folds inside the case and holds the pillow end. A shorter flap may allow the pillow to poke out.
Cotton percale (200+ thread count) or cotton sateen are traditional choices. Linen gives a relaxed look. Use fabric at least 150cm wide to cut pillowcases efficiently. Pre-wash all fabric before cutting.
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before cutting or purchasing fabric.