November 21, 2013

DIY: Envelope Pillow Cover

Have you ever had something you've been meaning to get around to, but just don't for, oh, about five years? I do sometimes. When we got our couch it came with two throw pillows that were not really my style, and also not particularly comfortable for those of us who end up accidentally falling asleep on the couch on a semi-regular basis (such as me). I've been meaning to make cuter and more comfortable covers for these pillows for years and kept putting it off because it always took the back seat to more fun and creative crafting projects. After days of deep cleaning, it was finally time to cover these bad boys up.


WHAT YOU NEED
Fabric  //  Measuring Tape  //  Scissors  //  Pins  //  Needle & Thread {or Sewing Machine}

HOW TO MAKE IT
Measure the pillow you're covering. Mine was 18" square so I'll use those dimensions for this tutorial.
This clearly needed to be covered long ago.
Next, measure and cut the front panel of your pillow cover. It should be the size of your pillow plus 1 inch extra in height and width for seam allowance. If your pillow is especially thick add a little extra seam allowance to account for that. Mine is 19" in both height and width.
I'm making two pillow covers so I cut two front panels.
You need two panels for the back. Both will be 19" wide (same as the front panel) and one will be 9.5" high (half the height of the front panel) while the other is 14.5" high (half the height of the front panel, plus 5 inches). Those extra 5 inches will overlap the smaller back panel to create the envelope opening.

For each pillow cover, you'll need three pieces:
Take the taller back panel (back panel #2) piece and fold over one edge for the hem. Pin in place.
Again, two panels because I'm making two pillow covers.
Sew the hem that you just pinned.
To finish, you need to sew all three pieces together. Place the front panel right side up. Next, lay back panel #2 (hemmed) right side down over the front panel (so the "good" sides touch), lining up the top edges. Finally, place back panel #1 (not hemmed) over the other panels, also right side down, lining up the bottom edges. Pin around all edges and sew.
To finish, flip the pillow cover right side out through the envelope slit in the back and stuff your pillow inside.

Back view with envelope opening


Do you like transforming your home decor? Do you ever put off projects for years at a time?


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15 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Awww, I promise it isn't SUPER hard! I'm a sewer/crafter, but pillows are a great first project for beginners, too. If you wanted to try, it might be a good place to start :) xo

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  2. This is GORGEOUS. Nice and easy to wash and perfect for covering up ugly thrifted pillows. Thanks for the pattern/detailed steps.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! Yes, I love that it's easy to remove and wash, plus now I get to have BLUE FUR on my couch. xo

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  3. "Have you ever had something you've been meaning to get around to, but just don't for, oh, about five years?" Ummm that's the premise of my life. Love the new covers - they look like they'd be great to cuddle or fall asleep on, haha.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, they are SO great to cuddle and fall asleep on! Very cozy. And don't worry - it's kinda the premise of my life, too! xo

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  4. OMG!! I love them!! Thank you so much for sharing this awesome idea!! :)

    Feel free to visit my blog as well if you wish! Some of the topics you will find there are Personal Growth, Self-Image, Health and Motivation between others. <3

    Diana
    www.ManhattanImageandStyle.com
    New Post/Outfit Idea: Breaking Rules

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  5. this looks lovely! I love sewing but I've never tried pillow cases, I might do this in the future!
    XO!
    L
    blogablebeauty.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. You should try it! It's also useful to switch up the look of throw pillows seasonally or for holidays. xo

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  6. Yes I totally do that! I have this shelf that I've been meaning to put together for about a month. Way to get crafty with the case :)

    Mili from Call me, Maeby

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    Replies
    1. Ahh you get me! A month isn't too bad so I say it doesn't even count :) xo

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  7. This is so clever! I actually might try it myself, I have an old cloth in leopard pattern that otherwise is going into the trash :D
    Arianna, Nymphashion ♡

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    Replies
    1. Yes! Leopard pillows would be amazing and no leopard fabric should ever hit the trash :) xo

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  8. Always your blog brings a good skill for us. We can cover the pillows at instant way. As like, I will promote your business in Google life with the help of Digital Marketing Services USA. I hope you would like to do it.

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