How To Sew An Envelope Pillow Cover

Today, we’re going to show you a simple pattern that anyone can use to learn how to sew an envelope pillow cover! Just because your home is tiny, doesn’t mean you should skimp on decorative items! Here’s what I love about this project! When living in a tiny space, maximizing the functionality of each item in your tiny home is essential.  A throw pillow adds adds both a decoration and comfort to your home. Want an even better idea? Add triple functionality with an envelope style pillow cover! Instead of using a pillow insert, you can store clothes or extra bedding in the cover!  Decor, comfort and storage! A triple win!

What’s an Envelope Pillow Cover?

Envelope pillow covers are pillow covers that have a flap in the back of the pillow that allows you to stuff your pillow in. Most pillow covers are envelope pillow covers.

Materials Needed

The following materials will allow you to make (3) pillow covers for three 16″ pillows.

• 1 yard of 54″ wide fabric (Decorating tip: since pillows aren’t permanent, why not have fun with the patterns!)
• (3) 16″ x 16″ pillow forms, or old throw pillows
• Scissors
• Sewing machine (optional… you can sew these by hand if you wish)
• Thread
• Needle (if you want to sew by hand)
• Iron or steamer

Directions for Each Pillow

Step 1: Cut your fabric pieces:

Cut three rectangles 36″ x 16″.

Note: If you want to make a larger pillow cover, here are the pieces you’d need for each of the following pillow sizes:

18″ pillow: (3) 40″ x 18″ rectangle (1 1/4 yards total fabric)

20″ pillow: (3) 42″ x 20″ rectangle (1 1/4 yards total fabric)

Step 2: Arrange and hem the pieces

Lay the fabric right side down with the short side toward you.

Measure, iron and sew a ¼” hem on both short sides of the fabric – you’ll do this for each piece/pillow cover.

Step 3: Assemble the pieces

Lay the fabric right side up, with the short side toward you.

Fold the end closest to you up so that the folded piece is 9.5″.

Fold the end farthest away from you down, so that that folded pieces is 6.5″.

(Note that when the pillow is turned right side out, the 6.5″ piece should be underneath the 9.5″ piece)

Step 4: Pin the two open ends

Step 5: Stitch a 1/2″ seam along both pinned sides

Step 6: Clip the 4 corners

Note: You just want to clip the edges of the corners. Be careful not to clip inside the seam you just sewed.

Step 7: Turn right side out

Poke out the corners to make clean corners.

Step 8: Press with an iron or steamer

Step 9: Insert your pillow

Voila! Now you know how to sew a simple envelope pillow cover!