Covering a pillow doesn’t get any easier than this. No zippers or buttons to mess with. You don’t even have to pin this. In about 15-20 minutes you will have a beautiful custom made pillow cover.
Supplies:
- Pillow insert ( I used a bamboo fiber insert)
- Fabric (see step 1 for size)
- Thread
Step-by-step:
- Cut a piece of fabric the height of your pillow insert plus 1 inch and twice the width of your pillow plus 6 inches. (I used a 12 x 16 inch pillow insert, so I cut my fabric 13 x 38 inches)
- On both short ends of fabric fold over and press 1/4 inch. Fold over another 1/4 inch and press again.
- Sew hem along folded edge on both short ends.
- Lay fabric right side up on work surface. Fold short ends in toward middle until cover is width of pillow. The fabric will overlap about 2.5 inches in the middle.
- Sew two long edges with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. (I prefer to serge these seams in my pillows to finish the seam, but it is not required.)
- Flip pillow cover right side out through the envelope closure. Press. Stuff with pillow insert through envelope enclosure.
That’s it. Can you believe it was that easy? Have fun making pillow covers! The Blueberry Grand Jubilee Pillow pictured in this tutorial is up for sale in my Etsy shop at a special price of $38 (with bamboo insert), along with other boudoir pillows with envelope enclosures.
19 responses so far ↓
1 Cicada Studio // Feb 26, 2009 at 7:31 pm
I am SO going to make a few of these! Thanks for the tute!
2 Cicada Studio // Feb 27, 2009 at 12:36 pm
My first one- I found I had these long, narrow scraps, so I coupled them with linen to get the correct dimensions.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7423291@N04/3313686437/
I have about 5 more in the works! Thanks again.
3 Nicole (Three By Sea) // Feb 27, 2009 at 3:33 pm
How awesome and simple! I was getting ready to make some pillow covers in the next week or two, but I may be starting this weekend! Thanks!
4 Jackie // Feb 27, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Michelle (Cicada Studio) – you never cease to amaze me. For such a busy lady you really whipped up those pillows fast. I love the Marigold Yellow one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7423291@N04/3314638828/in/photostream/
You have re-inspired me to use piece some left over strips of fabric I have into pillows. Thanks!
5 Cicada Studio // Feb 28, 2009 at 7:44 am
I really thank you for the influence- you helped get me away from the computer! I had a very satisfying day yesterday.
6 Patty // Feb 28, 2009 at 11:04 am
Wow! Thanks for sharing. I hate whipstitching pillows closed. Will definetly try this soon!
7 TheHomeCentric // Feb 28, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Hey, that was a cool pillow making tutorial. Very well explained. I was almost remembering how I learned my pillow making skills. I am more of a decorative pillow cover designer though.
Thanks a lot!
8 perrine // Mar 1, 2009 at 9:03 am
Hello!
I really like your how to and I was wondering if I could translate it in French and add it to my list of how to as explained in my french post (http://www.petitcitron.com/index.php/form_howto.html)
Of course, your website would be quoted and there would be a link!
Thank you,
Perrine
9 5 Awesome, Eco-Friendly DIY Projects for your Home — Your guide to stylish, eco-friendly decor! // Mar 3, 2009 at 1:52 pm
[...] 2. Tutorial: Easy Envelope Pillow Covers [...]
10 Tutorial: Sew an envelope-style pillow cover « Sewing // Mar 6, 2009 at 1:54 pm
[...] Accent pillows go a long way to freshen up a decor. You could sepnd $15-$30 on them at the store, or you could cover an existing pillow with this simple envelope-style case. Tinydecor shows you how. They say one can be made in 15-20 minutes. Get the tutorial. [...]
11 Emmy // Mar 8, 2009 at 11:09 am
I found this tutorial via Cicada Daydreams and have just completed my first ever pillow cases! Thank you so much.
12 Natalie // Mar 12, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Great instructions! However, I’m a little confused about how to sew up the open end of the cover…or does it overlap?
13 ” Satuday School: Decorating at What Meg Makes // Mar 15, 2009 at 12:36 am
[...] a tutorial that’s definitely invaluable — Easy Envelop Pillow Covers. Perfect for those of us who like to change things up every once in awhile. Or for those who [...]
14 Caroline // Mar 22, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Thanks for the simple pillow design and the step by step instructions.
15 Spring Living Room Makeover | Tiny Décor Blog // Apr 14, 2009 at 9:19 am
[...] chairs I designed some fabric using Spoonflower and turned it into a couple accent pillows using this envelope pillow tutorial. I am not 100% satisfied with the pillows. I want to reorder the fabric in a less-orange shade of [...]
16 Blogmamma.it » Blog Archive » Idee per le camerette dei bambini // Apr 17, 2009 at 8:01 am
[...] sito Tini Decor viene proposto un tutorial molto semplice per dare nuova vita ai cuscini. Le cuciture di questo [...]
17 Samantha // Apr 30, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Hideyho! Thanks for the easiest pattern- I had a blast making a couple of couch cushions on a rainy afternoon.Neither the dog nor the boyfriend will stop slinking over to cuddle them. Photo here, with your blog credited as source! http://www.flickr.com/photos/77917288@N00/3490706628/
18 Lynnda // Aug 4, 2009 at 3:17 am
How wonderful that you have taken the time to share your craft. Love your shop.
19 The Persimmon Perch // Sep 11, 2009 at 10:22 am
That seems so easy. Thanks for sharing. I love your stuff.
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