Finding the right size insert for a 12×20 pillow cover is a common question. Getting the correct fit makes all the difference in how your pillow looks and feels. A pillow that’s too small will look slouchy and deflated. One that’s too big will be overstuffed and strained. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get that perfect, professional-looking plumpness every time.
What Size Insert For 12×20 Pillow Cover
The simple answer is that you typically need a pillow insert that is 2 to 4 inches larger than your cover. For a 12×20 pillow cover, the ideal insert size is usually 14×22 inches or 16×24 inches. This size difference ensures the insert fills the cover completely, creating a full, luxurious look without any sagging corners.
Why go bigger? Pillow inserts compress over time and with use. A larger insert guarantees the cover stays taut. It also accounts for the thickness of the fabric itself, which takes up a little space inside the cover. Think of it like wearing a shoe; you need a little extra room for a comfortable fit, but not so much that it slips off.
Why Insert Size Matters So Much
A perfectly fitted pillow insert does more than just fill space. It provides the right amount of support for your back or head. It makes your decorative pillow look expensive and intentional. A poorly fitted insert, on the other hand, can ruin the aesthetic of even the most beautiful cover.
An insert that’s too small will shift around inside the cover. You’ll constantly be fluffing it and adjusting it to look right. The corners of the cover will be empty, creating a messy, deflated appearance. This is especially noticeable with rectangular shapes like a 12×20.
An insert that’s way too large will overstress the seams of your cover. It can cause the fabric to stretch out of shape or even tear at the closure. The pillow will look overly tight and hard, losing its inviting, comfortable appeal.
Standard Insert Sizes vs. Your 12×20 Cover
It’s important to note that 12×20 is a common cover size, but it’s not always a standard insert size. You won’t usually find a 12×20 insert for sale. That’s why we use the “size up” rule. Here’s a quick breakdown of how standard insert sizes relate to your cover:
- 14×22 Insert: This is the most common and recommended size for a 12×20 cover. It provides a 2-inch overfill in both directions, which is perfect for most medium-weight fabrics like cotton, linen, or velvet.
- 16×24 Insert: Choose this size if you want an extra-plump, very full look. It’s ideal for thicker, stiffer covers (like heavy tweed or a tightly woven tapestry) or if you simply prefer a firmer, more substantial pillow.
- 12×20 Insert (if you find one): This will almost always result in a underfilled, sloppy look. We do not recommend it for a decorative finish.
Considering Pillow Loft and Fill Material
“Loft” refers to how thick and fluffy the pillow insert is. The fill material directly affects the loft. This choice influences what size insert you might choose.
- Down & Feather Blends: These compress a lot. They start very fluffy but flatten significantly with pressure. For a down insert, leaning toward the larger size (like 16×24) is often wise to maintain fullness.
- Polyester Fiberfill (Hollowfibre): This is a very common, affordable option. It holds its shape reasonably well but can flatten over years. A 14×22 insert is usually spot-on.
- Memory Foam or Shredded Foam: These are very firm and dense. They compress less. A 14×22 foam insert will likely give you a very firm, structured look in a 12×20 cover.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring and Choosing
If you’re unsure or your cover is handmade with unique fabric, follow these steps.
- Lay Your Cover Flat. Smooth it out on a table to remove any wrinkles.
- Measure the Dimensions. Use a tape measure to get the exact width and length of the cover from seam to seam. Confirm it’s truly 12×20 inches.
- Assess the Fabric. Is it a stretchy knit or a stiff canvas? Stretchy fabric can accommodate a larger insert more easily.
- Decide on the Look. Do you want a soft, casual plump or a firm, formal bolster? This guides your final size and fill choice.
- Apply the Rule. For soft/medium fabric and a standard look, add 2 inches (14×22). For stiff fabric or a very full look, add 4 inches (16×24).
How to Insert the Pillow Correctly
Putting a larger insert into a cover can be tricky. Here’s the best technique to avoid a struggle.
- Turn the Cover Inside Out. This might sound strange, but it helps. Put your hand inside the cover and grab the corner of the insert through the cover fabric.
- Pull the Cover Over the Insert. Using the corner you’re holding, start pulling the cover right-side-out over the insert, like putting on a sock.
- Shake and Adjust. Once the insert is mostly inside, give the pillow a good shake. Then, reach through the closure and pull the corners of the insert firmly into the corners of the cover.
- Fluff and Finalize. Seal the closure. Pound the pillow gently with your hands to distribute the fill evenly, and give it a final fluff.
FAQs About Pillow Inserts and Covers
Q: Can I use an 18×18 insert in a 12×20 cover?
A: No, that will not work. The shapes are incompatible (square vs. rectangle). The insert will be massively overstuffed in width but severely underfilled in length, creating a distorted, lumpy pillow.
Q: My 12×20 pillow cover is linen and looks loose with a 14×22 insert. What should I do?
A: Linen can have a lot of give. Try a 16×24 insert instead. The extra fill will compensate for the fabric’s natural relaxation and create a fuller shape.
Q: Where can I buy a 14×22 or 16×24 pillow insert?
A: Many home goods stores, online retailers like Amazon, and specialty bedding websites carry these sizes. They are considered standard “overfill” sizes and are widely available.
Q: Is it okay to stuff two smaller inserts into one cover?
A: Sometimes, as a creative solution. For a 12×20 cover, you could try two 12×12 inserts. However, they may shift and create an uneven surface. It’s usually better to use one correctly sized insert for a smooth appearance.
Q: How do I clean my pillow insert and cover?
A> Always check the labels. Most down and polyester inserts can be machine washed on gentle and tumble dried low with tennis balls to restore fluff. Covers often have more specific instructions, like dry cleaning or cold wash.
Troubleshooting Common Pillow Problems
Problem: Corners are not filled out.
Solution: Your insert is too small. You need to size up. Before buying a new one, try vigorously fluffing and massaging the corners of your current insert to redistribute the fill; sometimes it gets stuck in the middle.
Problem: The pillow looks lumpy and uneven.
Solution: This can be from a low-quality insert where the fill clumps together. It can also happen if you use a square insert in a rectangular cover. Ensure you have the right shape and consider upgrading to an insert with better, more even fill distribution.
Problem: The cover’s zipper is straining or won’t close.
Solution: Your insert is definitly too large for the cover. You need to go down one size. For example, switch from a 16×24 to a 14×22. Alternatively, if the insert is down, you can remove some fill through the closure (if it has one) to slightly reduce the volume.
Custom and Alternative Solutions
What if you can’t find the right size? You have options.
- Custom Order: Many online sellers on Etsy or specialty shops will make inserts to your exact specifications.
- Make Your Own: If you sew, you can create a simple insert shell from muslin and stuff it with loose polyester fill or down clusters until you achieve the desired firmness and size.
- Use a Pillow Form: For a very structured, firm look (like for a sofa back), you can use a piece of cut foam wrapped in batting. This is more advanced but gives ultimate control.
Choosing the right size insert for your 12×20 pillow cover is a small detail with a huge impact. By following the simple rule of sizing up 2 to 4 inches, you ensure your decorative pillows look polished, plump, and inviting. Remember, a 14×22 inch insert is your best starting point for that perfect fit. With the right insert inside, your pillow will not only look great but will also provide comfortable support for years to come. Now you can confidently shop for or make the perfect insert to bring your pillow covers to life.