Sewing a pillow cover is a simple sewing project — perfect for beginners! Below is a clear step-by-step guide for a basic envelope-style pillow cover (no zipper needed), as well as an optional zipper version if you’re ready to level up.
🧵 ENVELOPE-STYLE PILLOW COVER (Beginner-Friendly)
✅ What You’ll Need:
- Fabric (cotton, linen, canvas, or outdoor fabric depending on use)
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pins or fabric clips
- Sewing machine
- Matching thread
- Iron (optional, but helpful)
- Pillow insert (standard sizes: 16″x16″, 18″x18″, 20″x20″)
✂️ Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Measure & Cut Your Fabric
For a square pillow, cut:
- 1 front panel: Same size as your pillow (e.g., 18″x18″)
- 2 back panels: Same height, but each should be about ⅔ the width (e.g., two pieces 18″x13″)
📝 This overlap creates the envelope opening on the back.
2. Hem the Back Panels
- Fold one long edge of each back panel over ½ inch twice to hide the raw edge.
- Iron the fold flat.
- Stitch along the fold to hem.
3. Assemble the Pillow Cover
- Lay the front panel right side up.
- Place the back panels right side down, overlapping them (hemmed edges toward the center).
- Pin or clip all sides.
4. Sew the Cover
- Sew all the way around the edges with a ½ inch seam allowance.
- Backstitch at the corners for strength.
5. Trim & Turn
- Trim corners at a diagonal (not into stitching) to reduce bulk.
- Turn the cover right side out through the envelope opening.
- Push out corners neatly with a blunt object (like a chopstick or eraser end).
- Press seams if needed.
6. Insert Pillow
- Stuff the pillow insert inside and smooth out the edges.
🧷 OPTIONAL: ZIPPER CLOSURE STYLE (Intermediate)
Changes from above:
- Cut 2 equal panels (same size as pillow).
- Install a zipper on one side (center or bottom edge).
- Sew around the other three sides after installing the zipper.
Let me know if you’d like a template, printable PDF, or how to add piping or decorative touches like buttons or tassels!