I’ve said it over and over again – I think throw pillows are the easiest way to spruce up any space in your home. Today we’ll cover the basics of sewing a pillow with an easy pillowcase pattern with envelope closure.
Easy to make and easy to change out when you become bored, learning to sew an envelope-style pillowcase is basic and simple for beginners. In contrast to a zippered pillow, the envelope pillowcase has a simple overlapped back where you can easily slip a pillow form in or out.
When you’re not adding any embellishments or extra elements to your pillow cover, you can probably whip one or two out in less than 15 minutes.
Pillowcase Pattern with Envelope Back Instructions:
You will need:
one pillow form
upholstery-weight fabric or lighter weight fabric backed with interfacing
sewing machine, thread
Measure you pillow form. I cut the dimensions of the fabric the same size as the pillow cover and use a ¼″ seam – then the pillow fills out the cover perfectly. So, cut a front cover piece and two back pieces. The two back pieces should be the same width as the front, but the height should be a few inches larger to account for the overlap (and hemming) on the envelope closure.
Hem one horizontal side of each back piece. Serge, fold down by 1″ and stitch two parallel lines. You can also turn and press the edge twice and then stitch if you don’t have a serger.
Next, lay the front cover piece right side up. Place the two back cover pieces right side down with the hemmed edges to the center and overlapping.
Stitch all the way around the perimeter of the pillow, keeping a ¼″ seam. Trim the corners. Turn the cover right side out and press.
Tuck the pillow form in there and you’re all set! You just made a pillow!! Now make a bunch more because they’re super easy!
These pillows are, obviously, decorating my deck. They sure make it a lot more comfortable and pretty!
The yellow prints are upholstery-weight fabric and not meant for the outdoors – they’ll fade if left in the sun. The black and tan prints are outdoor fabric though. I’ve updated this post with affiliate links to similar indoor/outdoor black and white fabric from the same store I purchased the original fabric and I’m so thrilled to report that even after YEARS in the blazing sun and rain, the fabric hasn’t faded a smidge.
Comments & Reviews
dani says
this is cool
Anna says
Thanks Stef for sharing! I am looking for a instructions to do pillow for my parent in their wedding anniversary and I came here. Thanks again
Marianne Grosso says
Please send me name of fabric for the pillow with the heart and black and white piping. I make pillows for Angel foundation (My daughter had Breast Cancer) to raise money in her name for research to cure this tragedy . thank you so much for your help. Love the mud pie recipe and the ruffled cake. You are an amazing woman and your mom should be very proud of you.
marianne
girlinspired says
Hi Marianne, The fabric for the heart pillow is called Who’s That Girl by Robert Kauffman – it’s great, isn’t it? Thanks so much for stopping by!
Jessica says
Thanks for the simple instructions – great way to avoid putting a zipper in. Mine look great and will use this design many times over, I am sure!
girlinspired says
I’m so glad it turned out great!! Thanks for stopping by!
Gena says
I found some burlap coffee bean bags and wanted to make pillows out of them. Would you have any suggestions on working with the rough burlap?
girlinspired says
Hi Gena! Burlap pillows sound super cute!! I haven’t worked much with burlap – I’d think you would want to make sure you get any wrinkles out by ironing (and steaming?) with a press cloth. And then just go slow when you’re sewing so that the bulky fabric doesn’t bunch up or get your needle caught up. I’d also think that the seam allowances might be bulky, so think about trimming those down after you’ve stitched the pillow together (but not too close to the stitching!!) Good luck!
Brooklyn McCarty says
I love the creative idea, wish i had thought of it!!! 🙂
Amy says
They look great! As soon as we move into our new house this is the 1st project on my to-do list. In the past I’ve always made them a bit bigger than the pillow from and they’ve looked a bit sloppy. Glad to know the secret now!
kristin says
I am often working on sewing for my etsy shop so I rarely make stuff for the home anymore. However, I agree–the easiest sew job ever. (That and cushions for the dining chairs.) I have some ticking fabric coming for two pillows and I have to try to cut out the size for the pillow dimensions. I am always afraid it will not be enough yet end up going back to the sewing machine two more times to bring it in more! I will try the exact dimensions this time–promise!
Jamie says
I used your instructions to sew my very first project with a sewing machine. Im decorating my sons room in marvel heroes. I wanted to make a quilt and realized I needed to learn ALOT more before I do that. So, pillow first, curtains next, and then if all goes well, I may tackle a quilt. Wish me luck. Ill try to post pics somewhere of the finished project. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! 🙂 Thanks for the simple instructions.
girlinspired says
Yay!!! What a great accomplishment – congratulations! Pillows are such a great place to start. When you’re ready to tackle a quilt, I’d recommend the “Quilt in a Day” series by Eleanor Burns – I picked up one of those patterns and it was the first thing I ever sewed as an adult – the pattern booklet was easy to use! I just posted a curtain tutorial last week if you’re looking for extra instructions – https://thegirlinspired.com/2015/04/simple-curtains-sewing-tutorial/ Have fun!!