How to Make an Envelope Pillow Cover in 10 Minutes

This easy envelope pillow cover is one of my favorite beginner sewing projects. It uses one continuous piece of fabric, comes together quickly, and makes it easy to change your pillows whenever you feel like giving a room a little update.

I’ve made many pillow covers using different methods ever since I started sewing, but this is the one I recommend when someone is learning to sew or wants a simple project without zippers, buttons, or several fabric pieces to line up.

Easy One-Piece Envelope Pillow Cover

I’ve always loved decorating with pillows. They are one of the easiest ways to change the colors or feel of a room without replacing everything around them.

The problem is that buying new throw pillows every time you want a change can get expensive. Not mentioning the storage space needed. Making removable covers lets you keep the same pillow inserts and change only the fabric.

This envelope pillow cover is made from one long piece of fabric. The ends fold over one another on the back, creating an opening where you can slide the pillow insert in and out.

No zipper is needed, and there are only two main seams to sew after the ends have been hemmed.

I can usually sew one in about 10 minutes once the fabric has been measured and cut. Measuring, marking, and pressing may add a little extra time, especially the first few times you make one.

Why I Love This Pillow Cover Method SO Much

This is a great project to start with if you are still getting comfortable with your sewing machine.

• You can use the method with many fabrics and decorating styles.
• It is made from one piece of fabric.
• You only need to sew straight lines.
• There is no zipper or button closure.
• The cover can be removed and washed.
• The same formula works with different pillow sizes.
• You can adjust the fit before sewing the final seams.

You don’t even need a sewing machine. These pillow covers can be hand-sewn as well. It will take a little longer than using a machine, but the construction is simple and very doable.

I know this from experience. Before I owned a sewing machine, I hand-sewed an entire wall diaper stacker for my baby girl. It took more time, but it wasn’t difficult — just slower. The same applies here.

If you’d like, let me know in the comments and I can put together a simple hand-sewing tutorial too.

How to make an Envelope Pillow Cover

The printable how-to card is farther down in the post, but here is how I make the cover step by step.

I can usually make this envelope pillow cover in about 10 minutes on a sewing machine. If you’re sewing by hand, it will take a bit longer — but the steps are exactly the same.

Supplies:

• Your favorite fabric. I prefer using 100% cotton when teaching this project. It stays in place while you measure, folds neatly, and handles pressing well.
• A pillow insert (of course)
• Matching-color thread.

Tools:

• Sewing machine or needle (If you are going to hand-sew)
• Scissors or rolling cuter
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Fabric marker or chalk
• Cutting mat, if using a rotary cutter
• Straight pins or sewing clips
• Iron and ironing board
• Seam ripper

Instructions:

Envelope Pillow Cover Measurements

There is no printable pattern needed because the measurements are based on the size of your pillow insert.

I’ve used this percentage method for years, and it works for any square pillow size.

Start with fabric that is the same width as your pillow insert, plus the seam allowance for the top and bottom edges.

For the length, divide the fabric into three sections:

• The center section equals 100% of the pillow width.
• The first back section equals 75% of the pillow width.
• The second back section also equals 75% of the pillow width.

The two 75% sections include the fabric used for the end hems.

When both ends are folded toward the center, the two back sections overlap and create the envelope closure.

Example for an 18-Inch Pillow

For an 18-inch square pillow insert:

• The center section measures 18 inches.
• The first back section measures 13½ inches.
• The second back section measures 13½ inches.

Together, the three sections measure 45 inches.

For the fabric width, add 1 inch total for two ½-inch seam allowances.

The final cutting size for an 18 x 18-inch pillow is approximately:

19 inches wide x 45 inches long

Example for a 45-Centimeter Pillow

For a 45 x 45-centimeter pillow insert:

• The center section measures 45 centimeters.
• The first back section measures 33.75 centimeters (You can round to 34cm).
• The second back section measures 33.75 centimeters (You can round to 34cm).

Together, the three sections measure 112.5 centimeters (113cm).

For the fabric width, add 2 centimeters total for two 1-centimeter seam allowances.

The final cutting size for a 45 x 45-centimeter pillow is approximately:

47 centimeters wide x 112.5 centimeters long

You can round the fabric length up to 113 centimeters to make measuring and cutting easier.

Another Way to Calculate the Fabric Length

You can also look at the length formula this way:

Multiply the pillow width by 2.5.

For an 18-inch pillow: 18 x 2.5 = 45 inches
For a 45-centimeter pillow: 45 x 2.5 = 112.5 centimeters

Both methods give you the same result.

Use the percentage method if it helps you see how the front and two back sections are divided. Use the multiplication method when you simply want to calculate the full fabric length.

Step 1: Measure the Pillow Insert

Measure the width and height of the pillow insert itself.

Don’t measure an old pillow cover. The fabric may have stretched, shrunk, or been made using a different seam allowance.

For a square pillow, the width and height will be the same.

For a rectangular pillow, use the pillow height to calculate the fabric width. Use the pillow width to calculate the three folding sections.

Step 2: Calculate and Cut the Fabric

Use the formula above to calculate the fabric length.

For the fabric width, add the top and bottom seam allowances to the height of the pillow insert.

Mark the measurements on the wrong side of the fabric using tailor’s chalk or a washable fabric marker.

Cut the fabric as straight as possible.

Step 3: Mark the Three Sections

Lay the fabric flat with the wrong side facing up.

Starting from one short end, mark the first 75% section.

Next, mark the center section, which should equal the full width of the pillow.

The remaining fabric will form the second 75% section.

These marks show you where the fabric will fold to create the front and overlapping back panels.

I recommend marking the fold lines lightly on the wrong side of the fabric. This makes it much easier to check the finished pillow width before sewing.

Step 4: Press the Fabric

Iron the fabric before sewing. You can technically skip this, but I don’t recommend it. Wrinkled fabric makes measuring less accurate and can cause the hems or envelope opening to look crooked. Trust me, I learned the hard way.

Pressing also helps the marked fold lines stay easier to see.

Step 5: Hem Both Short Ends

The two short ends will become the finished edges of the envelope opening.

Fold one short edge toward the wrong side of the fabric.

I like a slightly wider finished hem, so I usually make mine just under 1 inch. Fold the raw edge under once, then fold it again so the cut edge is completely hidden.

Press the fold with the iron and hold it in place with pins or sewing clips.

Repeat the same process on the opposite short end.

Before sewing, place both hems next to one another and check that they are approximately the same width.

Sew a straight line close to the inner folded edge of each hem.

Both short ends should now look clean, with no raw fabric edges showing.

Step 6: Fold the Envelope Shape

Lay the fabric right side up.

Fold one 75% end section toward the center.

Fold the second 75% section over the first one.

The right sides of the fabric should now be facing one another, and the two finished hems should overlap across the back.

Use the marks you made earlier to guide the folds.

Check that the overlap is centered and that the final folded width matches the width of the pillow insert.

For an 18-inch insert, the folded cover should measure approximately 18 inches wide before sewing the top and bottom seams.

For a 45-centimeter insert, it should measure approximately 45 centimeters wide.

This check matters. It is much easier to adjust the folds now than to unpick the seams later.

Step 7: Pin the Top and Bottom Edges

Once the folded width is correct, pin or clip the top and bottom raw edges.

Make sure the fabric remains flat and that the back panels do not shift while you pin.

Place a pin near each finished hem. Those areas move the most when the pillow is inserted and removed, so they need to stay lined up.

Step 8: Sew the Top and Bottom Seams

Sew a straight seam along the top and bottom edges using your chosen seam allowance.

I normally use a ½-inch seam allowance, which is close to 1 centimeter.

Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam.

I also backstitch over the areas where the finished hems meet the top and bottom seams. Those points receive the most stress when you open the cover and push the insert inside.

That extra reinforcement only takes a few seconds and helps the cover hold up much better.

Step 9: Finish the Raw Edges

Finish the top and bottom raw edges to help prevent fraying.

I usually sew a zigzag stitch close to the raw edge. A serger also works if you have one.

This may not be strictly necessary with every fabric, but I prefer finishing the seams because the cover will be removed and washed over time.

Step 10: Turn and Press the Cover

Turn the pillow cover right side out through the envelope opening.

Gently push out the four corners. You can use a blunt corner tool, chopstick, or the closed end of a pen, but do not push so hard that you poke through the fabric.

Press the cover flat, paying particular attention to the seams and back opening.

Step 11: Insert the Pillow

Fold the pillow insert slightly and push one side through the envelope opening.

Work the remaining corners into the cover, then adjust the insert until it sits evenly.

The back panels should overlap neatly without pulling open or exposing the pillow insert.

Now you have a removable throw pillow cover made from one piece of fabric.

Once you’ve made one, it’s easy to make several more and start playing with different fabrics, stencils, or trims—just like I did.

I made another one stenciled and then another one part stripped and part solid with a cute tassel ribbon in between. SOOO cute!

Isn’t it pretty and easy?

You should try. I’ll be sharing the tutorial for these cute pillows and also how I make zipper pillow covers! So, stay tuned!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple pillow cover can turn out crooked or loose if a few important steps are skipped.

• Forgetting the Seam Allowance. The fabric width needs to include the seam allowance for both stitched edges. Without it, the finished pillow cover will be smaller than the insert.
• Measuring an Old Pillow Cover. Measure the pillow insert itself, not another cover Old covers may have stretched, shrunk, or been made to fit differently.
• Hemming the Ends After Folding. Hem both short ends before creating the envelope shape. Once the top and bottom seams are sewn, it will be much harder to finish those edges neatly.
• Using Too Little Overlap. The overlapping panels should cover the back of the insert without pulling open. The 75% sections create a generous overlap, which is one reason this formula works so well.
• Skipping the Final Measurement. Measure the folded cover before sewing the top and bottom. A small fold adjustment can fix the size without needing to recut the fabric.
• Pulling the Fabric While Sewing. Let the feed dogs move the fabric through the sewing machine. Pulling the fabric from behind can stretch the seams and make the cover look uneven.

Easy Ways to Change the Look

Once you know how to make the basic cover, you can use the same construction with different details.

Mix Two Fabrics: join two coordinating fabrics before cutting the final rectangle. This can create a color-blocked or pieced pillow front while keeping the same envelope construction.

Add Trim to the Front: sew pom-pom trim, tassel ribbon, lace, or another decorative trim across the fabric before folding the pillow cover. Keep the trim away from the seam allowances so it does not create too much bulk.

Add a Stenciled Design: stencil a design or simple phrase onto the center front section before assembling the cover. Let the fabric paint dry completely and follow the manufacturer’s heat-setting instructions before sewing.

Use Seasonal Fabric: keep the same pillow inserts and make covers for different seasons or holidays. The covers take up far less storage space than complete throw pillows.

How to Wash an Envelope Pillow Cover

Remove the pillow insert before washing.

Wash the cover according to the care instructions for the fabric you used. Cotton covers can often be machine washed in cool or warm water, but printed or decorated fabrics may need gentler care.

Turn the cover inside out before washing to protect the outer surface.

I prefer air-drying handmade pillow covers when possible because high dryer heat can shrink cotton and make the cover fit more tightly.

Press the cover before putting the pillow insert back inside.

How to Store Extra Pillow Covers

Wash and dry the cover completely before storing it.

Fold it flat and keep it in a drawer, basket, or fabric storage box.

I like to store seasonal pillow covers together so I can find the whole group when I am changing decorations.

You can also place a small label on the folded cover with the pillow size. That saves you from trying several covers on the same insert later.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Sewing Projects to Try

Like this Envelope Pillow Cover project? You might definitely love these other sewing project ideas too:

Once you make your first envelope pillow cover, the next one will probably feel much faster.

It is a useful project for practicing measuring, hemming, pressing, and straight stitching without adding complicated sewing techniques.

Do not forget to grab the free Pillow Cover Size Calculator before starting your next cover.

If you make one (or a few), I would love to see it. Tag me on Instagram or Facebook or leave a comment below and tell me which fabric you used. A rating star and review help me reach more pillow lovers!

✂️ Tutorial

If you like this simple yet super fun and decorative project please share it with your friends!