How To Sew An Envelope Pillowcase Video Tutorial

An envelope pillowcase is a pillow cover that has an envelope style (overlapping) back so you can insert the pillow into it easily. This allows you to swap out your pillow covers seasonally or take them off for washing. It’s easy to learn how to sew an envelope pillowcase!

There is NO ZIPPER in these pillowcases. That’s what makes this project perfect for beginners!

I’ve found my favorite THREE envelope pillowcase tutorials for you. These are all easy to follow. Choose the one you enjoy the most! 

What sewing level is an envelope pillowcase?

It’s is easy to learn how to sew an envelope pillowcase. It is one of the easiest beginner projects out there. Grab some fabric and your basic sewing supplies, a sewing machine and you’ll be ready for this tutorial to learn how to sew an envelope pillowcase from these great video tutorials.

What size pillows do these work for?

Envelope pillow cases can be used with any size pillow form. Just adjust the size of the pillow case accordingly. Use these on your sofa so it’s easy to wash or change out by season. Or use them as decorative pillows on your bed.

You CAN use them for circle or cylinder pillows, though that’s a bit more difficult and not what is covered in these videos. 

Why do I need more pillows?

Sometimes, when I’m picking pillows up off the floor for the tenth time in a day, I wonder why I need pillows. 

This is a really economical way to change up your decor a little bit whenever you feel like it. I love how the pillows in this living room add a lot of character. Imagine this room without pillows. 

How do I add pillows to a room to make it more inviting?

I have 3 tips for using pillows to make a well decorated, stylish room while still maintaining an inviting atmosphere.

1. Use coordinating and complimentary colors. Don’t worry about them being the same fabric. Coordinating or even contrasting colors sometimes make a room more interesting than all matching pillows.

2. Layer pillows of different sizes and shapes. They don’t have to be all the same size or all square. Mix us square with rectangular.

3. Add a little personality! If you have a Cricut or Silhouette you can add vinyl. If not, buy fabric that says something about yourself. 

You could even go old school and stencil or paint cute designs on your pillow with fabric paint. 

Number 1 reason to learn how to make envelope pillowcases?

You can wash them! Most pillows you buy in a store have no way of removing the cover so once they’re dirty you’re stuck!

But if you have those don’t throw them away! Make an envelope pillowcase to cover it! 

Gather Envelope Pillowcase Supplies

• Quilting cotton (1/2 yard) (wash the fabric before sewing)
• Thread, Pins, Fabric scissors 
• Sewing Machine (this is my favorite machine under $200)
• Cutting mat, acrylic ruler & rotary cutter
• Seam ripper

My tips before you begin

For beginners, always use 100% cotton quilting fabric. This will be the easiest to work with. I know faux fur pillows or fleece pillows are cute but wait until you’ve got a bit more experience before you tackle those.

Use a rotary cutter, acrylic ruler and a cutting mat. You’ll be tempted, if you don’t have those, to just cut with scissors but trust me when I say your life will be eminently better if you splurge for this rotary cutter kit. It’s really worth it.

Watch all 3 videos first. Everyone learns and works a slightly different way. They’re all short enough that you can watch quickly and gain skills from each one.

Start with a fresh sewing machine needle. A dull needle can cause all sorts of problems. Use a new needle that’s sharp and made for regular quilting cotton.

Use new thread. Old thread that your aunt gave you when she found it in your attic will cause you problems. Use that in a craft project (make a wreath!) but don’t sew with it.

Have your seam ripper handy. Everyone has to use it every now and then. Some of us more than others!

Video 1. Learn to sew a pillowcase cover tutorial by School of Decorating

In the first video, she shows us two different ways to sew these easy envelope pillowcases. The first method is to use one continuous piece of fabric. She’ll teach you to hem each end then sew up the sides. It’s so easy anyone can do this.

The second method will use two different types of fabric. This will make it so the back of your pillowcase has a contrasting fabric to the front. It’s got a couple more straight seams but no harder to sew at all! Maybe try this method after you’ve tried the first method.

Thanks for the great tutorial from the Youtube Channel School of Decorating. 

---

2. Pillowcase tutorial by MADE Everyday

This next video is from Dana (MADE Everyday). She has a wonderful YouTube channel and blog. I highly recommend scrolling around her videos. She also shows you two ways of making envelope pillow cases.