Two Ways to Make an Envelope Closure Pillowcase

Let’s make envelope closure pillowcases! Who doesn’t love them? If you like updating your space when the season changes (or for no reason at all), then this tutorial on making easy envelope closure pillowcases is for you. This is a beginner project that you can easily make as this doesn’t require much skill, materials, and time.

You will need:

• Fabric (refer to the tables below for measurements)
• Scissors
• Pins
• Needle and matching thread (if you choose to make this project by hand)
• Sewing Machine with needle and matching thread
• Measuring tape
• Tailor’s chalk or fabric marker

Method 1-Instructions

Follow this method if you prefer to use a different fabric for the back of your throw pillow. A piece of printed fabric for the front and a coordinating plain fabric for the back, what do you say?

Or simply because you do not have a full measure in your stash. So, you just use what’s left of your favorite fabric.

Here’s a little bit of math to help you make the right measurements for this method. Choose the size of your pillow form and the corresponding fabric measurement:

Size of pillow form	Fabric A (Front)	Fabric B (Back)
16×16 inches	16×16 inches	16×24 inches and then cut into half
17×17 inches	17×17 inches	17×25 inches and then cut into half
18×18 inches	18×18 inches	18×26 inches and then cut into half
19×19 inches	19×19 inches	19×27 inches and then cut into half
20×20 inches	20×20 inches	20×28 inches and then cut into half
22×22 inches	22×22 inches	22×30 inches and then cut into half
26×26 inches	26×26 inches	26×34 inches and then cut into half

1. Cut 3 pieces of fabric, A and 2 pcs of B.

2. To fabric B, hem one long side of each piece. First, fold over ½ inch and press. Next, fold again and press. Finally, sew in place.

3. Lay fabric A wrong side up.

4. Lay a fabric B on top of A, right side up, matching the raw edge. Then, lay the second Fabric B on top matching the raw edge of A. It should look like this:

6. You should have about 4- 5 inches of closure overlap in the middle. Secure the 4 sides with pins for the next step.

7. Sew the raw edge leaving ¼ inch allowance. Trim the edge to less than ¼ inch.

8. Turn the pillowcase wrong side out and poke the corners.

9. Sew the sides, trapping the raw edge inside.

10. Turn your pillowcase right side out and insert your pillow form. Your envelope closure pillowcase is done!

Method 2- Instructions

With just one piece of fabric, this method of making an envelope closure pillowcase is super easy!
Here is a little math to make it easier. Just find the size of your pillow form and you are good to go.

Size of pillow form	Size of your fabric
16×16 inches	16×38 inches
17×17 inches	17×40 inches
18×18 inches	18×42 inches
19×19 inches	19×44 inches
20×20 inches	20×46 inches
22×22 inches	22×50 inches
26×26 inches	26×58 inches

1. Hem the two short ends of your fabric. First, fold over ½ inch and press. Next, fold again and press. Finally, sew in place.

2. Lay your fabric wrong side up.

3. Get your pillow and put it on your fabric. Next, mark the left and the right sides where it sits. Measure the distance between two marks. It should be equal to the size of your pillow. There is no hard and fast rule on the position of the envelope closure. If you prefer to have it in the middle, go ahead.

4. Remove your pillow and fold over the left and right sides along your marks. Pin the layers in place.

5. Sew along the raw edge leaving a ¼ inch allowance. Trim to remove frayed edges and reduce the seam to less than ¼ inch.

6. Turn your pillowcase wrong side out. Sew the edge with ¼ seam allowance, trapping the raw edge inside. You have just made a French seam. By the way, I have a little man for an assistant.

7. Turn your pillowcase right side out, poke the corners and then insert your pillow form. Adjust the pillow form to get the perfect fit and your envelope closure pillowcase is done.

Consider making a set of three pillowcases with coordinating fabrics to give your living room an instant upgrade. Watch out for future updates on this project. We will be making ways to level up pillowcases for many occasions. What is your favorite season?

Check our equally easy tutorials on how to make bed pillow cover and fitted sheet with elastic corners.

Write your thoughts below. If you have questions, I am sew-happy to help!