Sewing an envelope pillow cover is a simple and quick sewing project, ideal for beginners and those wanting to refresh their home decor. To sew an envelope pillow cover, you need to cut a piece of fabric to the width of your pillow plus 1 inch and the length as twice the height plus 6 inches to allow for hems and the envelope overlap. Fold the fabric into the envelope shape, hem the edges, and sew the seams on both sides. Turn it right side out, and you have an easy-to-remove pillow cover with no zippers or buttons needed.
Understanding the Basics of an Envelope Pillow Cover
An envelope pillow cover is designed to wrap around a pillow insert with a flap that tucks over the back, much like an envelope. This flap provides an easy way to remove the cover without the hassle of zippers or buttons, making it a perfect project for those looking to add a personal touch to their living space or update their pillows seasonally.
Gathering Your Materials
Before you begin, it’s important to gather the right materials:
- Fabric: Choose a fabric that complements your decor. Cotton, linen, and upholstery fabric are popular choices.
- Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements of both your pillow and fabric.
- Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors will make cutting your fabric easier.
- Sewing Machine: Although you can hand stitch, a sewing machine will save time.
- Thread: Choose a color that matches your fabric.
- Sewing Pins: To hold the fabric in place before sewing.
- Iron: To press the fabric and hems for a polished look.
- Pillow Insert: The filler for your completed pillow cover.
Choosing Your Fabric
Selecting the right fabric is crucial. Consider the room where the pillow will be placed and who will be using it. If it’s for a couch that gets lots of use, a durable fabric is best. For a decorative accent, you might choose something with texture or a bold print.
Measuring and Cutting the Fabric
With your materials ready, it’s time to measure your pillow insert. Standard sizes are typically 16×16, 18×18, or 20×20 inches. However, always measure to be sure. Let’s say your pillow is 18×18 inches.
- Width: Measure the width of your pillow insert and add 1 inch for seam allowances. For an 18×18-inch pillow, you would cut your fabric to be 19 inches wide.
- Length: Measure the height, multiply by two for the front and back, and then add 6 inches for the envelope overlap and hem. For an 18×18-inch pillow, the length would be 18 x 2 + 6 inches, totaling 42 inches long.
Once you have your dimensions—19×42 inches for an 18×18-inch pillow—cut your fabric to size.
Creating Hems
For the fabric edges that will form the envelope on the backside of your pillow, you will need to create hems to prevent fraying and provide a clean finish.
- On one long side of your fabric, fold the edge over 0.5 inches and press with an iron.
- Fold over another 0.5 inches to enclose the raw edge entirely, press and pin in place.
- Repeat this on the opposite long side of the fabric.
- Using your sewing machine, stitch the hems in place close to the inner folded edge.
Forming the Envelope
Now that your hems are in place, it’s time to create the envelope shape.
- Lay the fabric right side up on a flat surface.
- Place the pillow insert on top to find where the bottom hem of the top flap should fall, typically about two-thirds down the fabric.
- Fold the bottom hemmed edge up to this point and pin in place.
- Next, bring the top hemmed edge down to overlap the bottom piece, ensuring the overlap is at least 3 inches to secure the envelope closure.
- Pin the edges to keep everything aligned.
Sewing the Pillow Cover Together
With the envelope back formed, sew along both sides to create the pillow cover.
- Remove the pillow insert and make sure the fabric is still correctly pinned together.
- Sew along both open sides with a 0.5-inch seam, removing pins as you go.
- Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure the stitching.
- Trim any loose threads and turn the cover right side out through the envelope opening.
- Use a point turner or a blunt tool to push the corners out for a sharp finish.
- Press the finished pillow cover with an iron for a professional look.
Inserting the Pillow and Finishing Touches
You’re almost done! Once your cover is turned right side out and pressed, it’s time to insert your pillow.
- Open the back flaps and carefully insert your pillow form into the cover.
- Adjust the pillow within the cover so that it fills out each corner.
- Smooth the fabric and straighten any folds or wrinkles.
The removable nature of the envelope pillow cover means you can easily take it off for washing or switch it out for a different design whenever the mood strikes.
Finishing Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve just crafted an envelope pillow cover— a simple project that can have a profound impact on the ambiance of any room. Whether you’re making a quick change to your living room or gifting a homemade creation, the ease and versatility of this project make it rewarding for sewers of all levels.
Remember, the fabric you choose will determine the character of your pillow, so have fun with patterns, colors, and textures. Sewing these covers is not only a practical skill but also an outlet for creativity, allowing you to infuse personal style into your home.
This project can also be the first step toward further sewing adventures. With the basics down, consider exploring more complex designs, decorative trims, or even quilting techniques to add an extra layer of sophistication to your envelope pillow covers.
Enjoy your new pillow and the satisfaction of knowing you created it with your own two hands. Happy sewing!
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