Why Sew Your Own Pillow Covers?

Sewing your own pillow covers gives you complete control over fabric choice, size, and finish — and it's one of the most beginner-friendly sewing projects you can tackle. Once you've made one, you'll find yourself making them repeatedly to refresh your home decor each season. This guide covers the classic envelope-style pillow cover, which requires no zipper and is finished in under an hour.

What You'll Need

  • Fabric (cotton, linen, velvet, or canvas all work well)
  • Sewing machine (or needle and thread for hand sewing)
  • Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
  • Pins or fabric clips
  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Pillow insert

Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Fabric

For an envelope-style cover, you'll need one front panel and two overlapping back panels. Here's how to calculate your cuts for a standard 18" x 18" pillow insert:

  • Front panel: 19" x 19" (1/2" seam allowance on all sides)
  • Back panels (cut two): 19" x 13" each

The two back panels will overlap in the middle to create the envelope opening. Adjust measurements proportionally for other pillow sizes.

Step 2: Hem the Back Panels

On one long edge of each back panel, fold the fabric over by 1/2 inch, press with an iron, fold again by another 1/2 inch, press again, and sew a straight stitch along the folded edge. This creates a clean hem on the opening of the envelope. Repeat for both back panels.

Step 3: Assemble the Cover

  1. Lay your front panel face-up on a flat surface.
  2. Place one back panel face-down on top of the front panel, aligning the raw edges on three sides (top, bottom, and one side). The hemmed edge will fall somewhere across the middle of the front panel.
  3. Place the second back panel face-down, aligning the remaining raw edges — the two hemmed edges will overlap in the center.
  4. Pin or clip all layers together around the perimeter.

Step 4: Sew the Perimeter

Sew a 1/2-inch seam allowance around all four sides of the cover. For extra durability, especially on corners, backstitch at the start and end of each seam. If you're worried about fraying, run a zigzag stitch or serge the raw edges before sewing.

Step 5: Clip Corners and Turn

Before turning the cover right-side out, clip the four corners diagonally, cutting close to (but not through) the seam. This reduces bulk and gives your corners a sharp, clean point when turned. Turn the cover right-side out, push the corners out gently with a blunt object (a chopstick or pencil eraser works well), and press the whole cover with an iron.

Step 6: Insert the Pillow

Stuff your pillow insert through the envelope opening in the back. Center it evenly and fluff the corners. No fasteners are needed — the overlapping panels naturally keep the insert secure.

Tips for Great Results

  • Pre-wash your fabric before cutting to prevent shrinkage after the first washing.
  • Choose an insert 1–2 inches larger than your cover for a full, plump look.
  • Press your seams open as you go for a more professional finish.
  • A walking foot on your sewing machine makes sewing thick fabrics like canvas or velvet much easier.

Ready to Try More?

Once you're comfortable with the envelope style, try adding a hidden zipper, a button closure, or experimenting with pieced patchwork fronts. The basic pillow cover is the perfect gateway project to building your sewing skills — and your home decor collection.