How to Sew an Envelope Pillow Cover

There’s something satisfying about swapping out pillow covers to change the feel of a room. Whether it’s adding cozy flannel for winter or bright florals for spring, an envelope pillow cover is one of the simplest sewing projects you can take on.

You don’t need zippers, buttons, or complicated techniques—just straight stitches and a bit of fabric. Once you’ve made one, you’ll wonder why you ever bought ready-made ones.

Envelope pillow covers are perfect for beginners because they’re quick to cut, easy to sew, and forgiving if your seams aren’t perfectly straight. They slip right over your cushion inserts and can be tossed in the wash whenever needed. If you’re learning to sew, this project is a great confidence booster that leaves you with something both practical and stylish.

Why You’ll Love Making Envelope Pillow Covers

These pillow covers are all about instant gratification. You can finish one in less than an hour, and they make a noticeable difference in your home. No need to fight with zippers or hand-stitch openings closed—just fold, sew, and flip.

They’re also budget-friendly. You can use leftover fabric, thrifted curtains, or even old shirts. It’s a sustainable way to refresh your décor without spending much. Once you’ve made a few, you’ll have the freedom to change your home’s look whenever the mood strikes.

Ways to Personalize for Seasons or Gift Giving

Once you’ve mastered the basic pattern, you can get creative.

• Try linen or cotton in soft pastels for spring, plaid flannel for winter, or burlap for a rustic touch.
• You can even add trims like pom-poms, lace, or embroidery to match your style.
• For gifts, think beyond living rooms. A cozy reading pillow, a monogrammed nursery cushion, or a set of festive covers make thoughtful handmade presents.
• Use holiday fabrics for Christmas, or coordinate prints for a wedding or housewarming gift.

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Materials Needed

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• Fabric (we used yarn-dyed flannel, 100% cotton)
• Fabric scissors
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine and matching thread
• Iron

How to Sew an Envelope Pillow Cover

Take note of the pillow form size. For example, 20”x20”.

Measure and mark the fabric for cutting.

Cut one long panel for the throw pillow cover. The back side of the finished pillow cover will have an overlapping opening.

To figure out the size of the pillow cover pattern:

1. Mark the width of the pillow form and then add ½” seam allowance on either side. In this case, 20” wide pillow form + 1” seam allowance = 21” total cut width.
2. Mark the length of the pillow form and then multiply it by 2 (to cover both the front and back of the form). In this case. 20” long pillow form x 2 = 40” long.
3. Next, mark the overlap amount on either end of the length. A 4” overlap amount works well. So in this case, add 2” on either end of the 40” long pillow cover pattern length.
4. Add 1” hem allowance to both ends. For 40” (total pillow form length from step 2) + 4” (overlap amount from step 3) + 2” hem allowance = 46”.

Using an iron, press the short ends of the rectangle by ½” towards the wrong side of the fabric. Fold and press another ½”.

Sew the hem in place with a single needle topstitch.

Next, lay the rectangle on a flat surface with the right side facing up.

Fold the long ends to create a 4” overlap at the center back.

Pin the cut ends together. Sew the shorts ends together with a ½” seam allowance.

Clean finish the seam allowance with a surging stitch, zigzag stitch, or pink shear to prevent fraying.

Turn the pillow form cover right side out and insert the pillow form to complete.

A Simple Project with Endless Possibilities

Sewing an envelope pillow cover isn’t just about making a cushion—it’s about enjoying the process of creating something from scratch. It’s fast, fun, and adds a handmade touch to any space. Once you make one, you’ll have a whole stack of fabric ideas waiting for the next season.

More Sewing Projects

• Memorial Pillow from a Shirt
• Upcycle Sweaters to Make Throw Pillow Covers
• Upcycled Baby Clothes Pillow
• Modern Canvas Planter
• Hanging Laundry Bag

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