Easy Envelope Pillow Covers

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These Easy Envelope Pillow Covers are my go to for alllllll of my pillows. I cover old pillows, new pillows, and even make seasonal pillows with these covers. I personally love to use drop cloths to make these ridiculously cheap. But this simple pattern works with any fabric. I also have a sizing chart as well to make it easier for ya!

I've done several tutorials for Easy Envelope Pillow Covers here on the blog...but I wanted a tutorial with sizing specifics that I can refer to in future posts (because, hey...I make a lot of pillows, y'all). I have a fun bunny pillow coming up next week (super cute, I can't WAIT to show you!), so I figured now was the time to put together a more detailed post about creating the Easy Envelope Pillow Covers. This is a sewing tutorial that even a beginner can handle...it's even perfect for your first sewing project. Check out the details below.

This is your basic envelope pillow tutorial for a square pillow. It can easily be converted to a rectangular size, too...just do a little math (wink!). I did create a chart for the most popular sizes of throw pillows below. You can use either a pillow form or an existing pillow to make a cover. I do both. Sometimes pillow forms get pricey, so I'll pick up a few cheap pillows at Ross or Marshall's and recover to make them fit with our decor a bit more. 

Start by measuring your pillow. If you're using an existing pillow (and not a form), go from seam to seam. Usually forms have the sizes on the packaging, if not just measure side to side.

After you get your sizing, cut your fabric or drop cloth into the three pieces (one for the front, and two for the envelope sections). I truly love using drop cloths for these. I can get 4-5 pillows out of these 6'x9' standard canvas drop cloths I snag on Amazon here.

The front piece is the same size as your pillow. The back sizes are the same size as your front piece on one side and then half the size of your front piece plus three inches for the other side (the flap has a three inch overlap). 

Start with the two smaller back pieces. On their longer edges, iron a 1/4" seam and then fold that over and iron it again...taking up 1/2" of the fabric overall. You're just making a simple double seam here. 

Do a tight basic stitch with your machine over this ironed-down seam (back stitch at both ends). 

By the way, I love my sewing machine and it's budget-friendly, too ($100)! I have had it for less than a year, but it's truly a work horse. I started with an old machine from a friend and then switched over to this one a few months back. It's super simple to set up, too. If you're interested in a great machine (it's perfect for beginners), click here to check this one out on Amazon.

Repeat this seam on the other back piece, as well. 

Lay your two back pieces (wrong side out) on top of the square piece.

Pin this all the way around. 

Do a simple basic stitch all the way around, removing pins as you go. 

Clip your corners and turn the pillow right side out.
I use the wrong end of a seam ripper to push the corners out to be a bit crisper. 

Stuff your pillow inside. 

And then the envelope on the back looks fantastic, right? 
This is so much easier than hand-stitching pillows closed.

These are truly awesome to dress up or down. Add trim, lace, heat transfer vinyl or applique. The possibilities are endless! Happy pillow-making!

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