Tips & Inspiration

Choose 45x45 cm if you want a handy, common decorative pillow or are just starting with embroidery, and choose 56x56 cm if you want a generous statement pillow with extra detail. That, in a nutshell, is the answer to the question of which pillowcase size to choose. Do you want to know exactly why these two sizes feel so different, how much embroidery time is involved, and which size best suits your photo? Then I will guide you through this selection guide. By the end, you'll know for sure which size is right for you.

With the Custom Photo Pillowcase kit, you cross-stitch your own photo onto pre-printed, numbered fabric. You don't have to count or draw anything yourself: you simply follow the numbers. The only real choice you make beforehand is the size. And it is precisely this size that determines how your project will look and how long you will enjoy working on it.

45x45 or 56x56 pillow: the quick comparison

Are you unsure about the decorative pillow size? This table compares the two sizes side-by-side, so you can see at a glance which size is best for you.

I deliberately keep the embroidery time as an indication. How quickly you finish depends on your pace, how much you embroider at a time, and how often you lean back with a cup of tea. See the larger size as: more evenings to enjoy the same project.

45x45 cm: the common, handy choice

45x45 cm is the most common decorative pillow size. Chances are you already have pillows of this size on your couch or bed at home. This makes this size practical: standard inner pillows of 45x45 cm are readily available everywhere, so you can easily refill your embroidered cover.

For the question "which size decorative pillow fits easiest into my interior?", 45x45 is almost always the safe answer. The pillow doesn't look out of place, fits between other pillows, and doesn't require extra space. This size is also pleasant at the embroidery table: the surface is clear, you make good progress, and you get a finished result faster. This is precisely what makes 45x45 so suitable if you are working with a custom photo kit for the first time.

56x56 cm: generous, with more detail

If you choose 56x56 cm, you're going for a generous, statement size. This pillow is distinctly larger and immediately draws attention — ideal as a centerpiece on the sofa or an eye-catcher on a reading chair. Because the embroidery area is larger, there are more stitches on the fabric. And more stitches mean finer detail: faces, fur, and soft transitions in your photo come to life with a richer effect.

There's a fair drawback to this: more stitches take more time. Don't see it as a hurdle, but as a longer, relaxing embroidery project. For those who use embroidery to unwind, that extra time is often exactly the intention. The same applies to 56x56 cm: standard inner pillows in this size are available separately, so your pillow will be nicely filled and firm.

Which size suits which photo?

The choice between a 45x45 or 56x56 pillow depends not only on your interior, but also on your photo. Here are a few guidelines I'd like to share:

• Portrait or single face: A close-up of one person or a single animal will look beautiful on 45x45 cm. There's enough space for the face without the image becoming too crowded.
• Group photo or multiple people: If there are multiple people, you want each face to remain recognizable. In that case, choose 56x56 cm, so that more stitches and thus more detail remain per face.
• Pet with a lot of fur or texture: A dog or cat with a lot of texture in its coat benefits from the larger size. Those extra stitches make the soft transitions more beautiful.
• Landscape or busy background: The more details in the photo, the more space you want to display them. Here too, 56x56 cm is the best choice.

Still unsure about your image? In our comprehensive guide on embroidering a photo onto a pillow, you can read how to choose the best photo to embroider.

Beginner or experienced: where do you start?

Are you a beginner? Then I recommend 45x45 cm. The size is less overwhelming, you can easily keep an overview, and you'll see results quickly — and that's exactly what keeps embroidery fun and motivating. Because the fabric is pre-printed and numbered, you don't have to count anything; you simply follow the colors by the numbers. This way, you build confidence with a manageable first project.

Have you embroidered before or do you want the challenge of more detail? Then 56x56 cm is a nice step up. You get a larger, richer image and a longer project to enjoy. In short: 45x45 to get started comfortably, 56x56 if you consciously go for more detail and a larger size.

Frequently asked questions about choosing a pillowcase size

Which pillowcase size should I choose?

Choose 45x45 cm if you want a handy, common decorative pillow or are just starting with embroidery. Choose 56x56 cm if you want a generous statement pillow with more detail or already have experience. For most interiors and beginners, 45x45 cm is the safest choice.

What is the difference between 45x45 and 56x56 cm?

56x56 cm is larger and has more stitches, allowing your photo to appear with more detail and in a larger format. This does entail more embroidery time. 45x45 cm is more compact, finishes quicker, and fits the most common decorative pillows.

Which size is best for a beginner?

45x45 cm is most suitable for beginners. The size is less overwhelming, you can easily keep an overview, and you'll quickly have a beautiful result in hand. This makes your first custom-photo project manageable and enjoyable.

Can I use a standard inner pillow?

Yes. Both 45x45 cm and 56x56 cm are common decorative pillow sizes, so you can find a separate inner pillow of the same size anywhere. This way, your embroidered cover will be beautifully filled and firm.

What's included in the kit?

Both sizes are complete physical kits. You receive the pre-printed, numbered pillowcase, pre-sorted yarn, the pattern, instructions, 4 needles, a seam ripper, a thimble, and a needle threader. You don't need to purchase anything extra to get started.

Ready to choose?

Do you know which size suits you? Then check out the Custom Photo Pillowcase kit and turn your most beautiful photo into an embroidered pillow you'll want to keep on your sofa for years. Shipping is free, no matter where you live, and your kit will be made and shipped within 5-7 business days after your photo is approved. Are you looking for a gift idea? Then be inspired by our tips on a embroidered photo pillow as a gift.