Guys, this is my fourth post ever in the “homemaking” category. I’m not sure whether to celebrate that or be embarrassed by it. You may not have even realized I used to have “homemaking” as one of my blog categories, along with education, parenting, food, and marriage. That’s because one day, I realized that I had dozens of posts pertaining to my other passions, but only three– yes, 3– on homemaking. And that’s when I realized I’m nowhere near expert at making homes. But HEY, I got my craftsy on today, and I made the home look brighter and fresher with these new envelope pillow cases!! Isn’t that a remarkable face-lift?!
We’ve had these pillows for ages, and I kept wanting to replace them with something more bright and fun. I found some pretty pillows online…
…which also cost a pretty penny. At $70 a pillow, upgrading four throw pillows would have cost me $280! How is there even a market for this?!? (Not to mention options for a $249 pillow. Not even joking.)
But I was inspired. Every trip to Home Goods found me browsing the pillow aisles, overflowing with delightful textures and designs that were sure to make our home even more warm and happy. But every time I brought one of those $22 pillows home, the $88 investment seemed like less of a steal when Ben pointed out that our original pillows has been about 1/4 the price at Costco. So back to Home Goods they went.
Well, folks, today was the day. What originally started as a trip to Joann’s for terry cloth to make washcloths turned into an afternoon project of upgrading our family room pillows. The process turned out much simpler than I expected. For one pillow cover, all you really have to do is 1) Cut out three pieces of fabric, 2) iron and then hem two edges, 3) pin the three pieces together, and 4) sew one big square.
Voila! You are done! If you use regular cotton fabric, the process is markedly easier, especially for a relative sewing novice like me. However, I had picked up some super plush and soft stuff in the “soft and comfy fabrics” section (IT EXISTS) which was a little stretchy and much harder for me to sew evenly. Luckily, pillows are, by nature, very malleable and forgiving, so they fit into my covers just fine.
I used this tutorial as a guide for my 20″ x 20″ pillows. If you really do this project, you should give it a read (and not just follow my basic 5-step process– that exists to give you an overview of the process!). It was a good tutorial, and I’m not going to try and re-explain something someone else has already done such a good job explaining. I’m just gonna say this: if you find the prospect of sewing to be daunting, this is a GREAT starter project. You cut straight lines, sew in straight lines, and man it is SO satisfying to stuff that old pillow into a fresh, fun new fabric and give your space a face-lift! Picking out fabrics is also pretty delightful so go for it! Treat yourself and your home!
Nothing makes me feel like I’m doing Ben right like cutting us a super deal. Like the time I sold my wedding gown for more than I paid for it. He was so proud of me he was fit to burst. Well, today, instead of spending $1,000 on four gorgeous new pillows, I spent two hours and $30 on fabric and made something our family will be sure to contentedly flop on in the years to come. Plus, by doing it yourself, you get to customize the patterns and colors for your space, and you can also guarantee that they will be the right texture. Mine are really snuggly and soft, which I’m not sure those online options with linen fabrics are anyway!
All you teachers freshly on summer break, here’s something for you to add to your “TRY THIS SUMMER” Pinterest board ;). (Happy summer, by the way! :))) I am seriously happy for you!!!). Hope you are all inspired to try out this satisfying project! Send me pictures if you do give it a go! =D
6 responses to “How to Sew an Envelope Pillow Cover”
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oh, looks so easy the way you explain it! Love it. thanks
Thanks, Jill! This was the overview I wish I could see months ago, because I think I would have attempted the project much sooner if I’d understood the basic steps :).
Thanks! I’ve been staring at my pillows and fabric for months because I didn’t know what to do!!
Sweet! Hope you get some good nap time stretches (like I did yesterday!) and get to tinker around with the sewing machine! 😀
Good job! Those look great! (It’s how I made my pillow covers too. So simple!) 🙂
Thanks! Yes, it is simple! Sometimes I feel like picking out the fabric takes longer than making the actual project… haha.