How to Make an Envelope Pillow

An envelope pillow is a great way to spruce up an old throw pillow or fill it with stuffing or a pillow insert. It can be made as a pillow cover that is easily removed and washed or the envelope flap can be tacked closed for a more permanent cover. An envelope pillow is a fabric pouch with an envelope flap on the front. Pillows are wonderful starter projects for kids who are learning to sew.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/2 yard fabric
• Matching thread
• Stuffing or 14-inch pillow insert
• Ruffled eyelet trim
• Rick rack
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Pins
• Iron
• Hand sewing needle

1. Cut one 15-inch square from the fabric for the pillow front. Cut one 15-inch by 22 1/2-inch piece of the fabric for the pillow back.

2. Fold the back piece in half, with the right sides together, to measure 7 1/2 inches by 22 1/2 inches. Sew across one 7 1/2-inch end using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

3. Turn the back piece right side out with the bottom measuring 15 inches and the top forming a point. The back piece should resemble a house with a peaked roof.

4. Iron the folded sides of the point for the envelope flap.

5. Lay the pillow front on a flat surface with the right side up. Pin the ruffled eyelet along the folded edge of the envelope flap. Top stitch the ruffled eyelet.

6. Pin rick rack over the top stitch on the ruffled eyelet. Top stitch the rick rack.

7. Lay the envelope pillow back piece on a flat surface with the right side up.

8. Lay the envelope pillow front square piece on top of the back piece with the right sides together. Match the 15-inch square to the bottom squared end of the back piece.

9. Pin the sides and bottom of the envelope pillow edges. Sew a 1/2-inch seam allowance on the sides and bottom, leaving the flap side open.

10. Trim the corners and turn the envelope pillow right side out.

11. Stuff the envelope pillow cover with stuffing or a 14-inch pillow insert.

12. Fold the flap over the front of the pillow like an envelope.

13. Tack the tip of the envelope flap to the pillow front.

Tips & Warnings

• Two contrasting fabrics can be used: one for the front of the envelope pillow and one for the back.
• Experiment with different trims for different decor styles and consider adding a button or tassel over the envelope flap point.
• If you would like a removable envelope pillow cover, sew a 1-inch piece of Velcro under the flap point and to the front of the pillow.