How To Sew An Envelope Pillow Cover In 3 Easy Steps
Want to refresh your space without spending a fortune? A DIY envelope pillow cover is the perfect quick fix! It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to add a pop of color - no big commitments required. Plus, I’ll point you to the best online fabric stores to find the perfect prints and textures.
If your throw pillows feel meh, it’s time for a change. This simple, zipper-free design means no fuss, no stress - just quick, stylish covers you can swap out for every season or mood.
I’ve shared how to make zippered pillow covers (shoutout to those who tackled that DIY!), but if you want an even faster, budget-friendly option, this tutorial is exactly what you need. Let’s get sewing!
In This Article
What Is an Envelope Closure Pillowcase?
If you’re wondering, what is an envelope closure pillowcase? - it’s a pillowcase with an overlapping flap in the back, allowing you to insert and remove the pillow easily. Unlike zippered or buttoned cases, the envelope closure pillowcase stays secure while being super simple to sew.
These DIY pillow covers are perfect for throw pillows on your bed, couch, or chairs. They’re also great for seasonal decor because you can whip up a few different styles and swap them out whenever you want!
Why Make Your Own Envelope Pillow Covers
I have 2 kiddos and a husband who may or may not fall asleep on the couch and drool a little, (sorry honey) so I definitely need a few couch pillow slipcovers that look good, but aren’t worth the extra time of installing a zipper, since they won't be around forever.
We don’t live in a museum or a magazine. We drool. And occasionally have sticky stuff on our fingers.
So making my own pillow covers with an envelope closure is a game-changer and has so many benefits:
- Budget-Friendly – Fabric is often cheaper than new pillows, and you can repurpose old materials.
- Easy to Swap – Want a new look for each season? Just make a few extra pillowcases and switch them out anytime.
- Completely Custom – Choose fabrics that match your decor perfectly (I’ll share the best places to buy fabric online!).
So let’s gather up our supplies and get into action shall we?
Materials and Tools You'll Need
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Read the full disclosure.
- Pillow insert or old pillow that you want to cover up
- Fabric (how much will depend on the size of your pillow)
- Scissors or a rotary cutter (which is the most awesome cutting too ever, btw)
- Cutting mat if you are using a rotary cutter
- Sewing machine and thread
- Iron (optional)
Discover 3 Easy Steps To Design A Room That Both Looks Good AND Functions Well!
How to make a pillow cover without a pattern
You don’t need an envelope pillow cover pattern! It’s all based on the size of the insert you’re covering, making this a super easy way to cover a pillow. My pillow insert was 16" inches square but this also works for a rectangular lumbar pillow; just use the dimensions of your pillow insert.
Cutting out the pieces of your envelope pillow case
Step 1: Cut the front piece
Cut the front piece of your pillow cover the size of your pillow insert.
So if your insert is a 16" x 16" square, you’ll cut a piece of fabric that is 16 inches on all 4 sides.
Step 2: Cut the back pieces
Since the envelope closure pillowcase has an overlapping back, cut two pieces for the back – be sure that your fabric is going in the same direction as the front unless you don’t want it to.
Each back side piece will be the same width as the front side and ½ of the length plus 5 inches for the height to account for seams and overlap (the envelope part).
For example, my pillow insert is 16" and ½ of that is 8" + 5" = 13". So each of my back pieces will be 16" wide and 13" high.
How to sew an envelope pillowcase
Step 3: Hem the back pieces
Take your two back pieces and hem one long edge on each:
- Fold the edge over ½ inch, press with an iron, and fold again.
- Sew along the edge to create a clean hem.
Assembling your envelope pillow cover
Step 4: Pin the pieces in place
Now place your front piece right side up –with the fabric going in the direction you want the finished pillow to have.
Then place the back bottom piece right side down, lining up the corners, and then the top back piece right side down. It will overlap the bottom piece.
Pin in place all the way around.
Step 5: Sew the pillowcase
Sew around all four edges using a ½-inch seam allowance. For durability, backstitch at the beginning and end.
Step 6: Sew zigzag stitch
Then run your sewing machine around the edges with the zig-zag stitch so that the needle lands just off of the fabric on the outer edge. This will keep your fabric from fraying.
Why did I cut off my corners? Cutting the corners of your pillow case will ensure that when you turn it right side out and add a pillow, you’ll be able to get crisp corners on your finished pillow.
Here’s how: When you approach a corner, stop with your needle down about an inch from the corner. Then turn your fabric so you sew your stitch at an angle. Once you’re done, cut the corners off before moving onto your zig-zag stitch to finish the edge.
Step 7: Finish
Turn your pillow cover right side out, press with an iron for a crisp finish, and add your insert! DONE!
Check out the fun pop of color these envelope pillow covers add in my neutral living room! Now the hubs has a nice bright place to rest his sleepy head in the evening. 🙂
You May Also Like
Styling Your Decorative Pillow Slipcovers
Now that you know how to sew an envelope pillow cover, you can create custom decorative pillow slipcovers anytime! Whether you're updating your couch, bed, or seasonal decor, these simple and stylish DIY pillow covers are the perfect solution.
Not in the mood to sew but still want a refresh? No worries! Check out my Fall Pillows Guide for easy-to-style throw pillows you can buy to cozy up your space instantly.
Ready to start your DIY project? Grab some fabric from one of my favorite online fabric stores and make your first envelope pillowcase today! Happy sewing! 😊✂️
P.S. What if I told you there's a whole new (and way easier) way to decorate your home—without the overwhelm, indecision, or endless Pinterest scrolling.
Inside my online decorating program, Style Your Way Home, I'll walk you through the process of discovering and defining your decorating style, creating a home decor plan, and show you how to apply it in any space so each room is unique while maintaining a cohesive look that feels like YOU! - When you join now, you'll get direct support from me... it's like having a design BFF in your back pocket!
Frequently Asked Questions - DIY Envelope Pillow Case
How do you determine how much/how far in to angle the corners?
If I’m doing a ½ inch seam, I start the angle about 1 inch from the corner, then cut the excess to keep the ½ inch seam along there.
What's the name of the fabric you used?
It's a Michael Miller fabric no longer available; you can find similar ones by searching for coral scallop or trellis fabric at your favorite online fabric stores.
If I cut the fabric front piece the same size as insert, won't it be too small?
Cutting your fabric the same dimensions as your pillow insert will ensure a snug fit and that your pillow is nice and plump without "dog ears" at the corners.
I’ve found some cotton fabric online, but fear it will be too thin. Will using fusible facing work?
That's a great option; just make sure you get an interfacing that isn’t stiff. Another option would be to line it with an inexpensive white or dark grey fabric depending on the main color of your pretty fabric. You could also double layer each side to make it easy and have to only sew each line once.
Can I use pinking shears instead of a serger to keep the fabric from fraying?
Pinking shears will help but serging the edges (or using the zig-zag if you don’t have a serger) will be a better bet if you plan to wash the cover often.
How much does the top piece overlap the back piece when the pillow is finished?
They overlap about 4 inches after you have the seams sewn. You can adjust that if you need to but I wouldn’t go less than a 2 inch overlap.
What type of fabric works best for a pillow cover?
Basic home decor fabric. Cotton is usually too thin and jersey, silk and knit are harder to work with and don't hold their shape as well. Be sure to follow the fabric care instructions for washing!
