Hushy Homemade How to make pillow covers

Making a pillow cover at home can be simple and add variety to your space without a lot of overhead cost. Below you’ll learn how to make the envelope style pillow cover which most any beginner can create. Here’s how to make pillow covers you’re sure to enjoy.

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Types of pillows to make

Slip stitches pillow cover
Envelope back style pillow cover
Zipper enclosure pillow cover

This blog post is teaching the simple technique of the Envelope back style pillow cover.

Envelope style pillow cover with flange (border)

A simple pillow cover that uses 1 piece of rectangle fabric, that is overlapped in the back to create the closure.

Supplies needed to make a pillow cover at home

basic sewing supplies
fabric, such as a jersey, cotton and spandex blend
pillow form
sewing machine

Fabrics to consider:

How to:

measure and cut fabric
Pin together fabric
sew
reverse pillow cover
place on pillow form

Measure and cutting the fabric

In addition to the pillow form all you’ll need is a rectangle of fabric for this cover.

You will need to add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to the height for the seam allowance.

Measure the existing pillow form you have, to determine the size of rectangle needed.

The pillow I used was an 18-inch [45.5 cm] pillow insert which should need a 19″ x 42″ [48.5 cm by 106.5 cm] rectangle.) However the fabric I chose to use was 19″ x 38″ which worked but ideally should be a bit longer.

Pinning and sewing together pillow cover

Notch using your scissors the dimensions of the rectangle onto your fabric and cut it out.

Just place the rectangle right-side down. Double roll hem the left and right edges.

Also fold each edge in 1/2 inch (13 mm) iron and then fold over again 1/2 inch (13 mm). Now iron again. Pin and edge-stitch 1/8 inch (3 mm) from the inner fold.

Now fold the left and right edges in overlapping them by 4 inches (10 cm). Double check your dimensions by measuring the square to make sure it is the same dimensions of your pillow form.

Lastly pin the top and bottom edges and sew with a 1/2-inch (13 mm) seam allowance.

Reversing your pillow cover

Finally turn the pillowcase right-side out. Also use a closed pair of scissors to push the corners out, once flipped right side out. Insert pillow, and you’re done! That’s it!

Frequently asked Q&A’s

Can I use any fabric in creating my pillow cover?

ANSWER: Yes, you can but for example if the fabric chosen is very limp such as a sheer, you may have to sewing it with a liner or reinforce it.

2. Can I wash my pillow case.

ANSWER: The best reason to create the envelope style pillow cover is that you can remove it and wash it according to the fabrics washing instructions. Be sure to read those beforehand.

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