How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover

This shop and tutorial for a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. 

All opinions are mine alone. #FreeToBe #CollectiveBias

I'm super excited about this tutorial today, y'all. I made two of these Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Covers and can't wait to make a few more (I have big plans for some holiday ones, too). Check out the entire process below...it's very simple to duplicate.

The beauty of an envelope pillow cover is that it doesn't have to be sewn closed by hand...and it's easy to take it on and off of the pillow form for washing. I actually didn't even use a pillow form for mine...I used old throw pillows that I had on hand already. These are perfect for changing out the look of your decor seasonally. Using a drop cloth for the fabric makes them quite budget-friendly, too. Check them out below.

Like I said, I totally couldn't stop at just one...these are addictive to make. 

Supplies to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover:

• standard canvas drop cloth
• thread to match (a khaki thread worked well for me)
• heat transfer vinyl or a precut heat transfer object (these are widely available at craft stores and online craft/maker websites)

Not pictured (but also needed):

• throw pillow to cover or pillow form
• straight pins
• sewing machine
• scissors
• iron
• measuring tape

I started by washing my drop cloth with all® free clear liquid detergent. My son and I deal with a whole slew of allergies. Being able to wash pillow covers (and all of our linens and clothing) is essential this time of the year...especially with a detergent that helps to remove allergens from the fabric*.

You'll want to prewash your drop cloth to also prevent shrinking later. Drop cloths do tend to shrink up in their initial wash, so don't skip this step. If you get your pretty pillow cover all put together without initially washing the drop cloth, it would shrink the first time you washed it and not fit back onto your pillow or pillow form (sad face). 

I keep all® free clear liquid, as well as all® free clear mighty pacs® within reach for all of our wash loads for those of us with allergy issues in the house. Actually, all® free clear is the #1 detergent recommended by dermatologists, allergists, and pediatricians for those with sensitive skin. Even thought it's gentle, all® free clear still fights tough stains, whitens whites, and brightens colors beautifully. Using all® free clear in the laundry helps to remove 99% of the top everyday and seasonal allergens*, pet dander, dust mite matter, ragweed pollen, and grass/tree pollen.

*This detergent is not intended to treat or prevent allergies.

I have a sanitize cycle on my machine, so I like to run my drop cloths through using that. My drop cloths are often sitting in the garage for a bit...before they're destined to be covered in paint or sewn into something fun. Washing them on sanitize, as well as with all® free clear liquid, is a great way to ensure their cleanliness before starting a project.

Click here to sign up for more info and a coupon to all® free clear.

I grabbed my all® free clear liquid, as well as all® free clear mighty pacs® at Target.

Directions:

If you're using an existing pillow, measure from seam to seam and add one inch for a seam allowance. My pillow is that nice, fluffy kind so I needed that seam allowance. If you prefer a taught pillow cover, you can just use your measurements for your drop cloth cuts.

My pillow was 22", so I used 23" for my cuts.

Be sure to dry and then iron the entire drop cloth before making your cuts.

Cut one square to the dimension I mentioned above (I cut a 23" square, based on my pillow size and seam allowance).

For your two back pieces, you will first take your initial measurement and add 6 to it. So, for me, it was 22"+6", equalling 28". Then divide that in half (14). So, my two back pieces were 14"x23". If you'd like your flaps a little longer, you may add an inch to that smaller number. Don't make the flaps too long or you will have a hard time getting your pillow into the cover.

Take one side of each of your back flaps and sew a 1/4" hem. I did this by ironing out a 1/2" seam and then, tucking it under itself to make the 1/4" seam (I pressed it into the 1/4" seam before sewing). Folding it twice gives you a really nice, clean edge. I just used the basic stitch on my machine here. Again, you'll do this on one of the long sides of both of the back flaps.

After those two smaller pieces each have the 1/4" hem on them, lay them down onto your larger square. You'll lay the square first. Then one of the smaller pieces with the hem towards the middle of the square gets laid down and aligns with the bottom of the larger square. The other piece is laid on top (hem side towards the middle of the larger square) and lined up with the top part of the larger square. 

Use straight pins to pin all the way around.

Sew around the entire perimeter, removing the pins as you go.

Ta da! Turn this inside out to see your completed pillow cover.

To apply the heat transfer object, be sure to follow the directions on the type of product you purchased for this. I like to warm up my fabric before applying the heat transfer to it.

My particular heat transfer didn't call for a piece of fabric between my cover sheet and the iron, but some do (again, read your packaging directions...I have messed this up before and ruined either a fabric creation or a good iron). Apply your object and then peel off your backing.

Allow the pillow to cool after you transfer the object to it. Then stuff your pillow inside.

I'm seriously so in love with these pillows! 

They look great paired up with a nice fall throw.

Again, don't forget to remove your pillow covers and wash them often with all® free clear. It's so nice to be able to enjoy loads of cozy fabrics this time of the year without the worry of allergens and yuckies trapped in them! I wash all of our throws, blankets, and bedding at least once a week with all® free clear on the sanitize setting, especially during allergy season.

For more great ideas using all® free clear, click here. And don't forget to input your name here for that awesome coupon for all® free clear products.

Speaking of allergens, *someone* had to get in on this photo shoot. 

She's a big part of the reason we have allergies, but we love her!

Neglect your chores like me and don't miss a thing:

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