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Sometimes a favorite fabric needs very little help to turn it into something special. An envelope pillow allows fabric to shine on its own, whether that is a neutral fabric with lots of texture or a special print you've been saving.
This pillow cover has an overlapping back instead of a zipper and requires only three fabric rectangles, a few straight seams, and a final press.
What you’ll need
- 1 yard of 44–45" wide woven cotton or cotton/linen. You need a usable area at least 38" across × 25" along the length after washing. Choose a non-directional print or check the orientation before cutting.
- One 18" square pillow insert, purchased separately.
- Matching thread, needle or sewing machine, ruler, scissors, pins or clips, and iron.
Cutting list
All measurements are in inches. Cut measurements include the stated seam allowances. Measure fabric after washing and pressing.
| Piece | Quantity | Cut size |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 1 | 19" × 19" |
| Back panels | 2 | 19" wide × 12½" high |
Right sides together means the fabric faces you want to show are touching. Secure the beginning and end of each assembly seam.
Let’s make it
1. Cut the three pieces
Wash, dry and press the fabric. Cut the front square and two back rectangles. The cutting layout puts the 19" square in one column and the back rectangles one above the other beside it. Their combined height is 25". If your print has a top and bottom, mark the top of each piece on the wrong side.
2. Hem the overlapping edges
On one long, 19" edge of each back panel, fold ½" to the wrong side and press. Fold another ½" so the raw edge is hidden. Stitch close to the inner folded edge. Each back panel now measures 19" × 11½". These two hemmed edges will form the opening across the center of the pillow back.
3. Layer the cover
Lay the front right side up. Place one back panel right side down on top, aligning its unhemmed 19" edge with the front’s top edge. Put the other back panel right side down with its unhemmed edge aligned to the bottom. The hemmed edges face the middle and overlap by 4". All four outer edges should align with the front square.
4. Sew the perimeter
Pin around the outside, especially where the back panels overlap at the sides. Sew all four sides with a ½" seam. Do not leave a turning gap: the envelope opening is already there. Secure the seam ends. Finish the raw seam allowances together with a zigzag or overcast stitch.
5. Turn and press
Trim a little bulk from the corner tips without cutting the stitches. Turn the cover right side out through the overlapping back opening. Gently ease out the corners with a blunt point, then press the edges. Avoid forcing a sharp tool into the corners.
6. Add the pillow insert
Fold the insert slightly and ease it through the back opening, filling each corner. Smooth the overlapping panels over one another. Your cover is ready for the sofa, the reading chair, or a particularly good afternoon nap.
A note on fit
This pattern makes a cover about the same size as its insert. The look will vary with the firmness of the insert and the fabric’s thickness.
Make it yours
Add a few rows of hand stitching to the front before assembly, or use a contrasting fabric for one back panel. Follow the fabric’s care instructions when laundering the removable cover.
A little more making
There's no need to save your favorite fabric for a bigger occasion. Let this small project become part of the everyday.
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