DIY: Rectangle Pillow Envelopes

Create a pillow envelope to add a custom decorative touch to your room.

Whether you are creating a new rectangular decorative pillow or recovering an old one, pillow envelopes add a stylish touch to couches, chairs or beds. Since you will choose your own fabric, you can customize the pillow to match your existing decor. Then, add personal touches by embellishing with buttons, ribbons or folded ribbon flowers. Pillow envelopes are the perfect place to let your creativity flow.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pillow form or old pillow you wish to re-cover
• Fabric marker
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine or needle to hand sew

Instructions

1. Measure and mark a piece of fabric. The width should match the width of your pillow, plus 1 inch. The length should be twice the length of the pillow, plus 4 inches. For example, if your pillow is 12 by 14 inches, your fabric should measure 13 by 32 inches.

2. Cut the fabric along the lines you marked.

3. Place the fabric right side up with the short end of the rectangle facing you. Measure and mark the pillow so it is divided into thirds horizontally.

4. Fold the bottom third up toward the top to form a smaller rectangle at the bottom of the fabric.

5. Measure the smaller rectangle, divide it into thirds and mark it. Fold the top third of fabric back down toward the bottom.

6. Fold the top edge of the large rectangle down to cover the top edge of the smaller rectangle.

7. Pin the raw edges every 2 to 3 inches.

8. Sew the raw edges, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

9. Turn the cover inside out. Stuff with the pillow form or old pillow.

10. Sew on buttons, ribbons or ribbon flowers as embellishments if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan on washing the pillow envelope, pre-wash the fabric before sewing to prevent shrinkage.

• Use caution when operating a sewing machine.

References

• Curbly: How to Make an Envelope Pillow
• Apartment Therapy: How To: Sew an Envelope Pillowcase