A DIY Dish Envelope Pillow

Envelope pillows can stand out as vibrant accents of color.

Little touches add sparkle and character to a room. Envelope pillow cases, such as those shown in Episode 9 of The DIY Dish, can be selected to tone with a room and with one another to create an effect of restrained elegance. Envelope pillow cases can be folded and stored away when they are not in use, so they are a feature of your décor that can be changed as often as you wish to suit the season or your mood.

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the pillow for which you want to make a pillow case. Add an inch to both the length and width measurements of the pillow. This gives you the measurements for the fabric you need to cut to make the front panel.

2. Add 5 inches to the length of the front panel while keeping the width measurement the same. This gives you the measurements for the fabric you will need to make the back panel.

3. Cut the fabric for the front and back panels. Find the middle of the length of the back panel piece and cut the fabric at that point so that the back panel is now two equal pieces. The edges you have just cut will be the ones that overlap when you sew the pillow.

4. Take two pins and stick one in each of these edges so you can identify them easily. You now have the three pieces that make up your envelope pillow case. Hem the two back panel edges you marked with a pin in step.

5. Place the front panel with the outer or pattern side up. Position the two back panel pieces on top of it with their outer sides facing down and the hemmed edges overlapping one another. The four outer edges of the front and back panels should be lined up with one another.

6. Tack the four outer edges and then sew them to complete your pillow case.

Tips & Warnings

• Create striking patchwork pillow cases by combining fabric in different colors and patterns and sewing them together to make front and back panels.

• If the fabrics you want to use are delicate, strengthen them by sewing them to a backing fabric of the correct size.

• Add a personal touch to your envelope pillow cases with appliqué or embroidery.

References

• The DIY Dish: Episode 9: Freezer Paper Stenciling and How to Make Envelope Pillows