When I first started sewing, one of the skills I wanted was to make my own throw pillows for my couch. But pillow covers remained a mystery to me until three or four years into my sewing experience. I guess what kept me from it was fear of zippers. I have, amazingly, inserted zippers before without any formal training. But I was always hesitant to begin a pillow project knowing the zipper was looming ahead. Then I saw an online tutorial for an envelope style pillow cover, and voila!, my fear of pillows ceased to exist and I have made tons of covers since then! The measurements were tricky for me at first, but I have done the math and the measurements are provided for making a cover with different back fabric that will fit an 18x18 pillow insert. These measurements will yield 2 matching pillow covers.
Materials:
· 19 inches of fabric for the front
· 14 inches of fabric for the back
· Thread
· 18x18 pillow insert (you can buy them at Joanns or make your own)
Directions:
1. From the front fabric—fold in half and cut out two 18.5” squares.
2. From the back fabric—fold in half and cut out four 18.5” x 13” blocks.
3. Fold one long edge of the back fabric ¼” and press. Fold again ¼” and press. Pin into place and then topstitch close to the edge of the first fold. Repeat for all the back pieces.
4. Place the front square right side up on a flat, hard surface. Place the two back pieces right side down aligning the edges and keeping the folded edges in the center of the pillow. Pin in place and then stitch completely around the perimeter. I reinforce my corners and the seam over the folds by backstitching in each of those places. Then zig zag around the perimeter to reduce fraying. You could skip this step if you just serge the seams.
5. Press the seams, then turn right side out. Poke out the corners using a chopstick. Then press again. Stuff with an 18 x 18 pillow form. You can make your own pillow following this post.
This is the back of one of the pillows. The covers are removable and machine washable, a must with kids or pets!!!
