Update your old throw pillows with this quick and easy envelope pillow cover tutorial.
In about 10 minutes, using one piece of fabric and four straight seams you can learn how to sew these simple envelope pillow covers.
How to Make an Envelope Pillow Cover
Last summer I bought a few throw pillows for the bench on my front porch. I really wanted to have different pillows for the different seasons, but hated the thought of storing them all. I decided to make pillow covers with an envelope closure.They are easily switched out and take way less room to store. These DIY envelope pillows were so EASY and quick to make. Now I have some cute spring pillows!
Update: 9-12-18 I created some fun fall pillows using this same process. Go see my leaf rubbed pillows!
Supplies needed for an Envelope Pillow Case:
- fabric {1/2 yard is good for a 16 X 16 or smaller pillow}
- thread
- sewing machine
- scissors
Envelope Pillow Cover Fabric Calculation:
This is pretty easy to figure out. Start with your pillow size. For example, you might have a pillow that is 16 X 16. One side of your fabric will be 16 inches.The other side will be double that plus 6 inches. {16 X 2 + 6" = 38"} So you will need a piece of fabric that is 16 inches X 38 inches.
How to Sew an Envelope Pillow Cover with One Piece of Fabric
Since my pillow was 16 X 16, I used the above measurements.
Next, finish the short edges.
These are the edges that will be the opening. Fold over each edge about 1/4 - 1/2 inch, then fold again.
Press in place after each fold and then sew along each edge.
Only two more seams and we're done!
Lay out your fabric with the right side up. Fold over each side toward the middle. The middle will overlap.
Fiddle around with it until the the pillow measures 16" {Or the pillow size you chose}
Pin in place and sew along both edges.
Turn the fabric right side out.
Then insert your pillow and you're done!
I made a few of these envelope covers. I added a little applique to some too.
Check out my "Pillows to Make" Board on Pinterest. If you like what you see, be sure to follow me.
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Don't forget to PIN IT!
don't you need a seam allowance?
ReplyDeleteYes, I use a 1/2 inch seam allowance.
DeleteAll the many tutorials I have found are for square pillow except one. If I want a pillow that measures 28.5 width (left to right) by 36 (height), what is the formula? Thanks
ReplyDeleteI hope my math is correct! The height of the pillow cover would be 36. The width would be 28.5 X 2 + 6 = 63. So you would need a piece of fabric that is 36X63.
DeleteThis is where it gets confusing to me sometimes as a different people refer to height with length in different ways. I hope I can explain this where it makes sense.
ReplyDeleteMy pillow insert from the top of the pillow insert to the bottom is 28.5 in..... From the left side of my pillow to the right side is 36 inches. in my mind the height from top to bottom is 28.5 and the width from left to right is 36. I think you might have the numbers turned around Can you take another look please I really appreciate your help.
Ok, so if the height is 28.5 and the width is 36, then you will need a piece 28.5 X 78.
Delete(36 X 2 +6 =78)