How to make an envelope pillow cover
Don’t you love pillows? One or two new pillows on your sofa and voilà your living room looks completely different. I love it.
Envelope pillow covers are a super fun and fast sewing project. They are easy to make, no zippers are needed and they are absolutely beginner friendly.
I will show you here how to make a quilted envelope pillow cover. For the quilted top I used the Santa Fe Quilt pillow size (you can get the pattern HERE) and the finished pillow cover measures 20’’ x 20’’. Don’t worry. If you just want a non-quilted pillow cover, replace the quilted top with a piece of fabric.
You need:
· Quilted pillow top (alternatively a piece of fabric for the front)
· Fabric for the back
· Basic Sewing Supplies
Step 1: Cut your fabric:
The Santa Fe Quilt pillow size measures 20 ½‘‘ x 20 ½‘‘.
Therefore cut two pieces of backing: (1) 20 ½‘‘ x 13‘‘
(1) 20 ½‘‘ x 15‘‘
If your quilted pillow top has a different size – no problem. Just make sure that the two pieces of backing overlap 2 to 3 inches.
If your pillow insert has a different size, cut your fabrics accordingly (½‘‘ larger than the insert).
Step 2: Finish the envelope edges:
Folding the edges:
On one long edge of a backing piece (the 20 ½‘‘ side) fold ½‘‘ over to the left side (= wrong side of the fabric or the side without a print), press and then fold another ½‘‘ over to the left side and press again.
Repeat with the second backing piece.
Topstich:
Topstich close to the edge of the fold and don’t forget to backstich at the beginning and the end.
Repeat with the second backing piece.
Step 3: Sew your pillow together:
To make the envelope back, place the quilted pillow top right side up onto your working table.
Take the larger backing piece and place it on the pillow top, right side down, and align the upper raw edges.
Take the second backing piece, place it on top, right side down, and align the bottom raw edges.
The hemmed edges should overlap. Pin everything into place.
Sew all the way around with a ½‘‘ seam.
Step 4: almost done:
Trim the excess fabric at the corners.
Sew around the raw edges with a zig-zag stich or use your overlock machine. This will keep your fabric from fraying.
Step 5: celebrate:
Flip your pillow inside out, fill it with your pillow insert, grab a good cup of coffee and admire your new pillow cover!
Have fun and keep on quilting!