How to Sew an Easy Envelope Pillow Cover in Minutes (No Zipper!)

Making an envelope pillow cover is an effective and easiest way to update the look of pillows without needing advanced sewing skills or a lot of time. Constructing their own pillow covers allows the sewer to match or coordinate the pillows to change the look of a room.

This adds a personalized touch to the home decor.  If the covering is on old pillows, taking the time to make an envelope closure pillow cover is like having new pillows for the living room, family room, den, or guest room!

Beginners and seasoned sewers who have a passion for DIY will find that making their DIY throw pillow covers is quite simple yet yields impressive results without costing much money.

Sewing pillow covers allows people to customize their home decor and gives them the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands.

With some practice and creativity, the sewer can experiment with different fabrics, embellishments, and styles to make pillow covers that perfectly complement their home.

So, gather your materials because it doesn't take much fabric, unleash your creativity, and start sewing!

Learn more about sewing an envelope pillow cover by watching our video through the link below or continue reading.

WHAT YOU NEED to sew an envelope-backed closure pillow cover

• Fabric for pillow cover
• Pillow form
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Mat or ruler to measure
• Pins
• Iron
• Ironing board

INSTRUCTIONS to Sew a coordinating envelope pillow cover with no zipper

STEP 1: Measure the fabric to cover the pillow form

The first thing to do is measure the pillow form that will be covered. For the front piece of the pillow, cut the fabric one inch larger than the pillow to be covered.

For example, this pillow is a square 12-inch pillow. So, one inch will be added to the front, making it 13".

For the fabric for the pillow cover back, cut the width one inch larger than the pillow cover.

For the length, add 5" if the length of the pillow is 12", 14", or 16" long. For pillows longer than 16", add 6" to the length.

step 2: prepare the back of the envelope pillow cover

Take the back piece of fabric for the pillow cover, fold it in half, and iron a crease.

Cut along the fold line to make two sections.

The next step is to take the two back pieces to the ironing board. Iron the cut side under 1/4".

Fold the fabric another 1/4 inch and iron again. This will cover the raw edge.

Do the same on the second panel of backing fabric.

Take the pieces of fabric to the sewing machine.  Thread your machine with thread to match your project. Set the machine to straight stitch at the normal length.

Sew straight lines down along the folded edge on each piece of fabric using a half-inch seam allowance to keep the fold in place. This will create a nice finished edge.

Step 3: Pin and Sew the front to the back with the wrong side together.

Take one piece of backing fabric and lay it with the right sides together on the front fabric.  The finished edge will be towards the center of the pillow.  Pin around the outside.

Place the other back piece over the other end of the pillow.  The two back pieces will overlap the middle of the pillow creating the envelope back.  Pin around the raw edge.

Sew all the way around the pillow cover. Be sure not to sew over any pins, and backstitch at the beginning and end of sewing.

Step 4: Turn the pillow cover right sides out

It's time to turn the pillow cover right side out. Trim the corners of the fabric off, being careful not to cut the stitching line.

Turn the pillow cover right side out. 

Use a turning tool to push out the corners of the envelope pillow cover so they are straight and crisp. Remember to push gently. The pillow cover is now complete.

step 5: Place the pillow cover over the pillow form

Lay the envelope pillow cover with the overlapped part on top. This is the back of the pillow cover.

Slide the pillow between the two backing pieces toward the bottom of the pillow cover. Next, push the pillow up into the upper portion of the cover, pushing the corners firmly in the cover.

Ensure the envelope backing is flat and use the new pillow to decorate the home!

Here are my new pillows on my couch.

The photo below shows what the envelope back looks like.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to sew these envelope-backed closure throw pillow covers. Try making one to spruce up your home!

If you prefer a pillow with a Velcro closure on the back, our Nine Patch Pillow tutorial is an alternative.

 

other ideas for the home

• Kitchen Curtain
• Ruffled Window Valance
• Hanging Kitchen Towel Pattern