How To Make Envelope Pillowcases

The easy process of making envelope pillowcases allows you to change out your pillow décor as often as you want. Pillows have always been a fast way to mark the seasons or update colors in your room. Even if you love the fabrics and colors of your throw pillows, you may want to remove their covers to wash them occasionally and the use of envelope pillowcases allows them to be easily removed and replaced. Follow these steps to make your own.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Thread
• Straight pins
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Iron

1. Purchase or gather your supplies for your envelope pillowcase. Pillow forms can be purchased in fabric or craft stores. You may choose any size you prefer, however, for the purposes of these instructions a 14-inch pillow form will be used. Purchase ½-yard cotton or cotton-mix decorative fabric and thread to match. Wash and dry the fabric before starting your project to allow for shrinkage.

2. Cut the fabric 14½-inches wide and 32 inches long. This is the length of your pillow, plus 4 inches. These measurements will assure that your pillow will fit snugly into the envelope pillow case when you are finished.

3. Fold under ¼-inch and then ¼-inch again, at one of the 14½-inch sides. Press with an iron. Pin the fabric in place with straight pins. Sew across, close to the inside edge. Repeat this process on the opposite side.

4. Fold your fabric to the shape of the pillow form. Lay the fabric flat, right side up, on your work area. Bring up one short end, folding it on top of the fabric to a measurement of 7 inches. Pull the short end of the opposite side to overlap the other end by 3½-inches. Your folded fabric will measure 14½-inches wide and 14 inches long.

5. Pin both sides of the fabric with straight pins. Sew a ½-inch seam, on each side, over the straight pins. Remove the pins.

6. Turn the fabric right-side-out. Insert the pillow form at the back of the pillowcase where it overlaps at the envelope fold. You have completed your first envelope pillowcase.