Envelope Pillow Cover Tutorial
In this envelope pillow cover tutorial, you’ll learn how to sew a removable pillow cover that doesn’t require inserting a dreaded zipper! This sewing tutorial is fast and easy to complete!
Are you looking for a pillow cover that you can easily remove from the pillow form when it gets dirty, or maybe you would like to change the pillow cover for the seasons or holidays? Do you dread the thought of inserting a zipper in a pillow?
If so, then you’ll love this quick and easy envelope pillow cover tutorial! Really, you’ll have a new pillow cover in just minutes! The best part is that you can choose the fabric for the pillow cover! No more having to settle for the ready . made pillow fabrics that you find in the stores.
This envelope pillow cover is made differently than the one that I created here on my blog a few years ago. (You can find my How To Make An Envelope Pillow HERE).
This envelope pillow cover is made from one piece of fabric instead of three. Which saves time! (Who can’t use a little more free time?)
Envelope Pillow Cover Tutorial
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Materials needed:
Fabric of your choice – 1/2 to 1 yards depending on the size of your pillow. I love to buy fabrics HERE.
Omni grip or yardstick
Pillow form – This is my favorite brand of pillow forms.
Scissors – Large
Scissors – Small
Thread to match fabric
That Purple Thang – (To poke out corners – optional)
Ironing Tips – optional
Sewing machine – This is the home sewing machine that I have.
Instructions:
I’ve created a video that shows step by step how to make an envelope pillow cover. I’ve also written out the steps below the video for you to follow along, if you’d like.
- Cut out your fabric. The width should be (the size of the pillow insert multiplied by 2) plus 5″. The length of your cut should be the same size as your pillow form. These cuts will make a nice snug pillow cover.
My pillow form is 18″ x 18″, so my cuts are: Width = 18″ x 2 +5″ or 41″ Length = 18″.
- Serge or zig-zag around all four edges of the fabric to keep it from fraying. You could also use a zig-zag stitch.
- On each short end of the fabric, iron a fold at 1/2″. Then fold over another 1/2″ and iron in place. This will make a double 1/2″ hem on each of the short ends of the fabric.
- Mark the center of each of the long edges with a pin.
- Fold over 1/2 of the pillow size minus 1/2″ on each end.
- Pin in place.
- Sew 1/2″ seam on each end.
- Turn the pillow right side out.
- Using That Purple Thang, poke out the corners. You could also use a chop stick.
- Insert the pillow form.
That’s it, you’re done! Like I said, quick and easy!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this envelope pillow cover tutorial!
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Love this tutorial, Jann! Great way to make lovely pillows! Would love to have you link-up at Homestyle Gathering on Tuesdays over at My Wee Abode!
Thanks Julie! I’ll check it out.
You made this look so easy I am going to have to try one!
🙂
Thank you! It really is very easy!
I was looking for a good tutorial for making pillows I need to make a bunch.
Maria, good luck with all of your pillows!
I used this tutorial tor teach my granddaughter to use the sewing machine..
She loved making her pillows. Do you suggest any other projects to do with her.
I would suggest doing a search online for other children’s sewing projects. Have fun!
Fantastic video. Great “mom and me” activity. This was the first sewing project for my 18 year old daughter. Was so easy. Now she want to recover her throw pillows for each season. Thank you. Now we need to learn how to recover an oblong pillow.
Carla, thanks! Good luck with your project!
Would I cut my one piece fabric cover for a rectangular pillow using the same formula you used for the 18” square pillow (width x 2 + 5)
Yes
Great tutorial…I wish that I could download a printed version – I like to follow step by step and my computer isn’t in my sewing room 🙁
Suggestions?
Joyce H
You should be able to print the instruction part of a blog post…
Thank you for this wonderful tutorial. I need to recover some pillows, but with a house full of kids, they need to be washable and my sewing skills are not up to adding zippers. I am excited to try this!
You’re welcome!
Jann, Thanks for the video and written instructions on making such a simple pillow cover. Since I don’t make things often, I have to print out written instructions to refer back to. When I need a new idea or ‘how to’ I look for your videos as they are the easiest and most pleasant to watch.
I’m so glad this tutorial was helpful!
Hi Jan, thanks for the tutorial! I already made 2! Now i’m daydreaming to make this as a first sewing project for my daughter and she’s only 8 months cheers x
Great job! I’m glad it was helpful!
Love the ease of this tutorial. When I click on the link “Great Places to Find Fabric”, I get a “Page Not Found”. Can you help? TIA
I’m sorry the fabric link didn’t work for you. I just tried it, and it did take me to fabric.com. Maybe try again?
I just used your help to cover 2 old pillows with bed fabric for my porch. Tutorial was invaluable and they turned out great!! Thank you so much!
I’m so glad this tutorial was helpful! Good job!