So you just got your new pillow cover, laid it out flat, and it looks absolutely perfect. Then you stuff it — and it seems just a little smaller than you expected. What gives?
Don't worry, nothing went wrong! This is actually completely normal, and once we explain why, it'll make total sense.
It's All About the Stuffing
When your cover is lying flat, it's showing you its full size. But the second you stuff it, all that filling pushes the fabric outward in every direction — and fabric that's wrapping around a 3D shape naturally pulls in a bit. So yes, your stuffed pillow will always measure a little smaller than the flat cover. This is just how pillows work, and it's true across the board — not just ours!
Those Pesky Dog Ears? Yeah, We Hate Them Too.
You know those annoying floppy corners that stick out on some pillows and make them look a little sad and deflated? Those are called dog ears, and they happen when a pillow cover is cut as a perfect square and then stuffed.
That's why we actually taper our covers slightly. It sounds like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference — when you stuff the pillow, the corners fill out smoothly and everything looks clean, crisp, and polished. No floppy ears. Just a great looking pillow.
How We Measure Our Pillows
Here's something important to know — we size our pillows based on the flat cover measurement, not the finished stuffed size. So when a pillow is listed as 20x20, that's the cover lying flat. Once stuffed, it'll be a little smaller, which is totally expected.
A good rule of thumb? Go with an insert 1–2 inches larger than your cover for that full, fluffy look. So a 20x20 cover? Grab a 22x22 insert and you'll be golden.
The Short Version
Your pillow looking a little smaller when stuffed = totally normal. Smooth corners with no dog ears = totally intentional. And our sizing being based on the flat cover = good to know before you shop!
Still have questions about sizing or which insert to grab? Just reach out — we love helping you get it just right!
Happy styling! — The Smithy Home Couture Team