After I learned how to use my sewing machine, sewing pillow covers was one of the first projects I learned. An envelope cover is so so so simple to make. If you are a beginner seamstress, and you are looking for a project, starting with an envelope cover is perfect.
If you’re wanting some color or texture changes around your home, sewing a pillow cover can be a really wise investment of your time. Buying a half of a yard of fabric can cost much less than a new decorative pillow.
Below I have created a simple tutorial for sewing an envelope pillow cover specifically for a 16 inch by 16 inch pillow form. This same tutorial can be used for other square sizes, but be sure to add or subtract inches where necessary.
The fabric I used was Emmy Grace by Bari J. for Art Gallery Fabrics. I mentioned in another post that Art Gallery Fabrics has really been producing some beautiful lines of fabric. Has anyone else noticed this?
1. Start with finding or buying a 16 inch by 16 inch pillow form. Before you run out and buy one, be sure to check your closets or bedrooms for extra pillows lying around. This is a wonderful project for updating some outdated pillows.
2. Cut a piece of fabric 16 inches by 16 inches. This will be the panel for the front of the pillow cover. You may ask: But what about seam allowance? Don’t I need my fabric bigger than my pillow form?
I like my pillow covers to fit snug and crisp. I almost always sew the cover a bit smaller than the pillow form to ensure a tight fit.
If you prefer a lose fitting pillow cover, vary your measurements accordingly.
3. Cut two more pieces of fabric each measuring 16 inches by 11 inches. These two panels will form the back envelope section of the pillow cover.
4. On one long end of each back panel, fold over an approximate quarter of an inch. Iron the crease. This will create finished edges on the back of your pillow.
5. Stitch the little folds down from the above picture. I used about an eighth of an inch seam allowance.
6. Lay your large front panel face up on your table. Then lay one of your smaller back panels face down. Note that the hemmed edge is in the middle of the pillow cover.
7. Lay the second panel for the back face down on top of the other two panels.
Here’s another look below at the stack of fabric.
8. Pin all the way around the perimeter of your fabric. They are kind of hard to see, but I have pins every three inches or so in the below picture.
9. Sew around the entire perimeter of your pillow cover with a quarter of an inch seam allowance. When you are sewing and come to a corner, stop sewing, leave your needle in the fabric, lift up your presser foot, rotate your fabric, and then keeping going again.
Once you have sewn the entire perimeter and come back to where you started, be sure to back stitch to secure your stitch. Back stitching prevents your thread from unraveling.
10. While your pillow cover is still wrong side out, snip off the corners to create a blunt corner. This will result in a sharper point when you flip your cover right side out.
11. Using the opening you created in the back, turn your pillow cover right side out. It should look very similar to the below picture.
The back of the pillow should appear like this:
12. Stuff your pillow form into your new pillow cover.
My husband and I have slowly been updating our entry way, and the plan is to leave this on a chair right by the front door. The varieties of color in this fabric give me much freedom with my decorating options.
If you are looking for additional inspiration for sewing pillow covers, click through to a recent post titled: Four Tips for Improving your Pillow Covers. Learning this trade called sewing has been such a journey for me, and I just keep sharing as I keep learning.
If you are new to sewing, here are a few of my favorite fabric shops to browse:
Kiwi Fabric
Sew Organic Fabric
Field and Cloth
Morgan Kelly Quilts – She has a very small selection of fabrics and may be a good option if you are overwhelmed easily by all the options available these days.
What about you? Have you made pillow covers like this before or do you have a different method??
(Please note that affiliate links have been used in this post.)
Thank you! Finally step by step pictures instead of video! Videos are good but nothing beats step by step photos for me!
I completely agree with you on the pictures!
I am so excited about how this turned out. I’ve only sewn a few basic things before, kind of a let’s wing it and see what I get kind of thing.
Thank you so much for the detailed instructions and pictures. I followed your directions and my pillow cover turned out perfect!!
Now I can have pillows for all seasons.
I see you posted this a while back, but I wanted you to know us beginners are still finding it. Thank you.
Michele! Thanks for leaving such a kind comment. 🙂 It made me smile.
This was so simple and fun! Thanks for such an easy to follow tutorial!! Can’t wait to update all of my pillows
So glad to hear. 🙂
Sometimes I leave plastic on pillow form.
Helps when putting cover on and when time to change covers.
Such a great tip! Thanks for sharing.
Hello
Your instructions for the envelope cover was excellent. I am so surprised it was very easy and came out great.
Can you help me with making an envelope cover for a standard bed pillow. What would the measurements be?
How do I submit a pic of my 16×16 pillow cover?
Hi Charlene! What are the measurements for a standard bed pillow? I’m not completely sure. Since I like a snug fit on my pillow covers, I always make them about an inch small than the pillow form.
I’d love if you emailed me a picture of your 16 by 16 pillow. 🙂 Send it to thewillowmarket@gmail.com.
Wonderful, simple and accurate tutorial. Thank you so much. My pillow covers came out terrific.
So glad to hear Hanna!
I wanted something quick and simple to throw together, but embroider on the face first. Your design was perfect! I’ll take someone’s suggestion above and try a zipper next time as well as one with a button. All super suggestions! My pillow is lovely, thank you for a wonderful design!
Can you tell me how much material it takes to make these pillow envelopes?
The measurements you gave were separate not total, unless I missed it.
Thank you.
Pinky
Hi Pinky! A half yard of fabric is the perfect size for this project.
Have you ever reduced the size for a toddler pillow? Do you have directions or suggestions?
Hi Jeanne, it would be the same concept for making a smaller pillow. Use the pillow insert as your guide. If you have a 10 by 10 inch pillow insert, then make your pillow cover only 8 by 8 inches for a tight fit. Remember to always allow for seam allowance. For example, when you sew the top panel to the back panels, you’ll lose a quarter of an inch on every side of the pillow. So if you are making an 8 inch cover, make sure your fabric is actually 8 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches.
For the back panels, just ensure the two panels overlap a good bit. You don’t want gaping in the middle once you stuff the pillow in.
What size pillow insert do you have? We could work up a few measurements together if anything above doesn’t make sense.
Found this tutorial today via Mr Google…and it’s fab! Worked like an absolute dream and was so easy to follow the instructions and pictures. Thanks a lot!
Thanks for the tutorial! I made a Paw Patrol pillow for my grandson. It was really easy to follow your instructions. He’s gonna love it.
Not only did you explain everything in detail, your photos for each step are extremely helpful. Well done!!
Oh thanks Cindy! What an encouraging comment! I’m glad you found this helpful. 🙂
How many yards of fabric do I need for a 16×16 envelope pillow?
Wonderful web site. Plenty of useful info here. I’m sending
it to a few pals ans additionally sharing in delicious.
And obviously, thanks in your sweat!
Thank you! 🙂
I prefer to sew zips into the bottom seam of my cushion covers (each to their own, right?).
But your tip for creating sharper corners has made such a great difference that everyone’s getting cushions for Christmas this year, they look much smarter!
Thanks for the post!
Hi Kay! Zippers used to be sooooo intimidating to me! I eventually learned how to sew with them, and I agree…I like them better for pillows now too. I had to conquer my fear, though, of the zipper. 🙂
I’m glad the tip on the corners has worked for you too!
I know this is a few years old, but By Annie on youtube has a great series on zippers. The focus is bag zippers, but the method is still super helpful with other applications.
Thanks, Delana, for the tip!
Just finished a 16 inch pillow with your instructions. Thank you. They were very easy to follow, and it took very little time to complete. It looks so nice on my couch. I love sewing inexpensive things that can change and brighten up a room. Planning on making several for the different holidays and seasons.
Hi Rebecca! I’m glad it worked so well for you. I am completely onboard with you when it comes to inexpensive updates! 🙂
Simple instructions….did a couple of different ones
Thanx
You are very welcome, Leslie! I’m glad you were able to sew up some pillow covers.
I made two of these yesterday! I am starting to sew and LOVE your website. Thank you!
Hi Melissa, nice work finishing two pillow covers! Doing a project from start to finish is always a joy for me. I hope it was for you too. And you are very welcome!
I just read through your blog on making the envelope pillow which I think I’m going to make some embroidered Christmas pillows tomorrow. However I may add a little more fabric to the envelope side for folding down and add button Fasteners across the back
Hi Janis! How did your pillow cover turn out? I’d love to see how you did it with the button fasteners. I have never sewn with buttons before. They intimidate me a bit, but I bet they’re a great addition to a simple envelope pillow.
What a great idea! I’m going to try that next!
Thank you for the tutorial! It was so clear and the pictures helped too. I just finished two pillows easily!
Reiko, I’m so glad you could finish to pillows easily! 🙂
Thank you! I love the way you explain things. I am making a pillow and I am really excited I found this site because I am a newbie on quilts and I love quilts!
Hi Sophie, I’m so thankful you’ve found a few helpful tips here! I love quilts too. 🙂
Thank you for these clear and straightforward directions! This beginning sewist was able to complete a pillow cover today, which is no small feat. I’m looking forward to delving into more of your tutorials!
You thought I was always super fancy and made all of my pillow covers with a zipper?
Hi Glenna! I’d have to agree with you that zippers are a better option than envelope covers. 🙂 I was so intimidated by the zipper a couple years ago and envelope covers were a great solution for me. Good for you for learning and using zippers!
I love this straightforward tutorial! I’m getting ready to make a couple of 18×18 pillows tonight, just have to adjust the measurements a bit.
Hi Camille, I’m glad this was helpful for you! Good job making some pillow covers…such a good way to spruce up the home. 🙂
What adjustments to size do I needfor 18×18 pillow.
Hi there, most of the pillow I make are 18 by 18 inch pillow covers that fit on a 20 by 20 inch form. I’d always recommend making your pillow cover a bit smaller than the form if you want a tight and crisp look. My pillow covers are always approximately two inches smaller than the form I want them in.
Thank you so much for such a straightforward tutorial. We analytics must stick together. 🙂
Hi Sharon, I’m glad the tutorial was helpful for you! It’s amazing how much analyzing and math quilting and sewing takes sometimes!