Easy Envelope Pillow Cover Tutorial

One easy way to dress up your house is to make DIY Pillow Covers to change or dress up your pillows. Once you learn How to Make a Pillow Cover, it is very simple and so budget friendly.

How to Make a Pillow Cover

I am always trying to find ways to decorate my house and make my house look better… without spending a lot of money. I thought I would share some of the things that I do that you can EASILY do too.

You can try making your own envelope pillow cover. If you can sew a straight line, then you can make cover for a pillow.

All you need is a pillow insert or an old pillow and then some fabric. It’s a great way to give life to old pillows.

This project is so frugal because you can just use an old pillow. I love projects that allow you to make old things new again and use what you already have.

How do you make an envelope pillow cover?

It is so simple and these instructions will show you step by step how to make a gorgeous pillow cover.

Supplies needed for Envelope Pillow Cover One Piece:

• Pillow Forms (or old throw pillow)
• Fabric
• Tape Measure
• Sewing Machine

Let’s get started making these DIY Pillow Covers.

You are going to love how these easy covers transform your pillows.

Step 1: Measure your pillow and cut fabric.

How do you measure an envelope pillow?

My pillow is 16 inches by 16 inches. I bought it on sale at Hobby Lobby for really cheap.

You can use an old pillow though. If you are using an old pillow use a tape measure across the center and measure from seam to seam.

Now that you have your measurements, you will need them to determine how much fabric to cut.

One length will be the length of one side of the pillow. The other length will be the 2 times the length of the pillow side + 6 inches.

So for my 16 inch pillow, I cut my rectangle 16 inches x 38 inches (16 x 2 = 32, 32+6 = 38)

Here are a 2 quick measurements for you for standard pillow sizes:

17 inch pillow –  Cut the fabric 17 inches by 38 inches

18 inch pillow – Cut the fabric 18 inches by 40 inches

It might be helpful to cut the fabric if you mark the measurement on the wrong side with a pencil about every 4-6″ so  you have a line to follow to cut.

Step 2: Sew the short ends

You are working with the shorter ends of your fabric right now. In my 16 inch pillow, I am sewing the 16 inch side.

All you do is fold the end over. Then fold it over again, so the wrong side is inside.

Then pin it and sew it. Do the exact same for the other end and the bottom edge.

Step 3: Sew your side seams together.

Now that your hems are done,  lay the fabric with the right side up with the long side towards you.  Fold one side a little more than half-way.

Fold the other side over so it overlaps the first side (like the picture shown above).

How are pillow covers measured?

I have a 3 inch overlap with my fabric when I am done.  Make sure your fabric measures from fold to fold the same as your pillow – in my case, 16 inches.

Pin each side seam, and sew with a 1/2″ seam allowance.  Trim the seam allowance at each corner.

Step 4: Turn Right Side Out and Insert Pillow

After you have sewn your edges, you are ready to slip your pillow cover right side out. Make sure you poke out the corners so they look nice.

Then insert your pillow into finished pillow cover.

That is it! It is that easy!

Now that you know how to make an envelope pillow cover, it’s so simple!

Whether you need new pillows for the living room or the patio, this is a great way to get a new look for very little. You will love the look of a new throw pillow.

How much did the DIY pillow covers cost?

I bought 1 yard of fabric for $5 after my coupon at Hobby Lobby. You can definitely find better prices, but I was looking for a certain pattern.

I just used the white thread that I already had. That means I made pillow covers for only $2.50 each!

If you have other projects, save your pieces of fabric for more pillows!

How long did this take me?

I made two pillow covers in under 30 minutes! Talk about a quick craft. I have a few old pillows that I have plans to cover soon too.;)

However, even if you had to purchase a pillow insert, it’s very inexpensive.

Now, go and cover some of your old pillows. 😉

We love DIY projects around here and this one does not disappoint. It’s a great way to spruce up your house on a tight budget.

It is also a really fun way to decorate seasonally. I love putting out patriotic pillows, Spring pillows and more.

With such an inexpensive way to decorate, you really can decorate for all seasons! Buying all those different pillows can add up over time.

Now, you can just make your own. It’s so simple and a great way to decorate.

I enjoy making these so much that I even make pillows for St. Patrick’s Day and Valentine’s Day. You can decorate for holidays you might not otherwise when it is this simple and easy!

Let us know how the pillows turn out for you. If you have any ideas, come back and share them with us.

We are always looking for new craft ideas. They are so much fun and also a great way to make memories with your family.

I also love that it is teaching the kids how to make their own things.

Check out more frugal decorating tips and tutorials here.

More Ideas for your home:

• 20 Genius Dollar Store Home Organization Ideas
• Easy DIY Thankgiving Decor 
• How To Declutter Your Home for the Holidays
• 15 DIY Back To School Organization Ideas 
• 20+ Easy DIY Farmhouse Decor