Easy Envelope Pillow Case

I've been doing a little spring cleaning, but not in my house (I wish!)... Just on my computer. I found this little tutorial that I made when I sewed a bunch of throw pillow covers for my couches at the end of last summer.

It's very basic, very easy...

It's a great first sewing project, because it's all just straight lines yet gives you a nice, functional end result which you can enjoy instantly and often.

If you are brand new to sewing, I recommend using a solid fabric first. A bold print like this stripe is a little trickier because you have to match the stripes up from the cutting stage through the sewing stage (and a couple of my seams are still slightly off - the lazy perfectionist in me feels the need to mention it but not take the time to unpick and resew. ;))

What you need:
For the purposes of this tutorial, I am using measurements for a 20 inch IKEA pillow form and 5/8 of a yard of fabric.

FIRST, cut your fabric. You can either:

a. cut one piece 20 inches wide and 52 inches long
b. cut three pieces - one 20x20 inches, two 20x17 inches

I will show pictures for option "a" and explain more about "b" at the end.

You may be wondering why I cut my fabric to the exact width of the pillow form, rather than adding extra for seam allowance. The pillow form is 20 inches, but you want to sew it slightly tighter than 20 inches so that your pillow will look clean and snug rather than loose and floppy.

SECOND, press your fabric with a hot iron. Fold the short ends under about an inch and then again another inch. Sew the double folded hem down with a top stitch close to the folded open edge. (oh and you pre-washed your fabric right? :))

THIRD, fold the ends of the fabric over with right sides together (or on the inside) and overlap them about 4.5 inches.

FOURTH, sew or serge up the sides. Use 1/4 inch seam allowance. If you serge, leave the tails. That way you won't have to worry about the seam coming undone and no one except your laundry fairy will see it. ;)

FIFTH, turn it right sides out and don't forget those corners! I have a point turner tool, but a semi blunt pencil works great. If your pencil is too sharp you may puncture a hole into the corner of your pillow case. Not that I know anything about that. :)

And that's it! Now make 10 more. :) You can certainly dress your pillowcases up. I kept it simple for a fast sewing project and comfier results.

Option "b": 

*If you decide to use a stripe fabric or want to match up your prints, you may need to follow option "b" when cutting your fabric (see the first step). You will need 1 - 20x20 inch piece and 2 - 20x17 inch pieces. Be sure to match the stripes when you cut, when you pin, and when you sew. You will also need to sew the top and bottom edges in addition to the two sides ones (so you are basically sewing a square).

**You will also need to use option "b" if the fabric you use doesn't come wide enough (it needs to be at least 52 inches for a 20 inch pillow form)

Option "b" requires a couple more steps, but is still super easy to do.

I actually made so many pillow cases because our new couches (older model West Elm) are not super cushy. They are firm, sturdy and great for kids (other than being white) but definitely needed some pillow love.

We have since gotten covers for the larger couches and I have been pleasantly surprised at how well the scotch-guarded white armchair has stayed clean. Our pillow covers however have been washed more than a few times. They are my boys' favorite "weapon"/makeshift bag/squirrel stash/fort building block/ TOY!

Fabrics I used -
- Black and white stripe is from IKEA.
- Mustard yellow solid is a linen look fabric from Jo-Ann.
- Joel Dewberry Sunflower in Sunglow (my favorite) can be found here from my sponsor Lily Bella.

*For my post about slip-covering this chair (below) go HERE.
*For my post about the hymn wall art you see in the background (above) go HERE.

I am excited for Natalie's party this weekend. It will consist of her blowing out a candle, eating cake, and having a bath. We are fancy up in here. :)

I hope you have bright happy weekend!