Looking for an easy sewing project to practise your sewing skills? Well, in today’s post I have a tutorial on how to make your own envelope pillowcase. The perfect beginner sewing project to style up your bedding!

So, today’s post is a sewing related post, with this easy beginner sewing project. Not only is it a sewing project, but it is also doubling up as a bit of a thrift flip. That is because I am using a blanket/throw to make my own envelope pillowcase.

I have previously flip thrift clothing items, so be sure to check out Turing a dress into a child’s skirt and Turning a dress into Pyjamas, if you fancy more thrift flips!

What is an Envelope Pillowcase?

An envelope pillowcase refers to the type of closing on the pillowcase. This is one of the simplest to recreate for a beginner sewer because it does not contain any zips or buttons. This will probably be the most common style of pillowcase opening/closing that you will see.

Typically an envelope pillowcase will have an overlapping flap style opening that you insert the pillow through. This then holds in place, by enclosing the pillow inside the case.
Now, you can a variety of openings in this style of the pillowcase. At the end or in the middle. The latter is the style I am going to recreate and show you how to make in this post.

Other pillowcases may just have an opening at the end, without any form of a flap. With this style, you may find that the pillow tries to escape the casing because there is nothing holding it in place.

Pillowcases can also have a decorative finish to them too, with the ‘Oxford’ being the most common. This has a wide hem around the outside of the pillowcase, giving it a bit of a flair.

Making an Envelope Pillowcase

Now, making an envelope pillowcase is simple and only requires a few pieces of fabric to do so. Making this out of a throw/blanket reduces the amount of sewing you need to complete too, especially if you are strategic about using the already hemmed edge.

So if you would like to see how to make an envelope pillowcase, then let’s get crafting! You can also jump to the video for this post below too!

What you need:

To make the pillowcase you will need the following items. Some items on this list are affiliate links and will be highlighted with an asterisk(*). This means that I may earn a small amount of commission should you make a purchase through the link. this is at no extra cost to you.

You may also recognise the fabric used in this project, as a few weeks ago, I made DIY Ear-Warmers using the remnants of this blanket. The possibilities are endless with sewing and using various materials!

• Chosen Fabric or Blanket/Throw*
• Existing Envelope pillowcase to use as a guide
• Sewing Machine
• Sewing Pins*
• Matching cotton thread
• Fabric Scissors*
• Tailor’s measuring tape*
• Tailor’s chalk or marking pen*

Step 1 – Measure Out the Fabric

Now, I am following the layout of an existing envelope pillowcase that we have; however, the measurements I use will translate to most standard size.

First, measure the length and width of the front of the pillowcase. To these measurements and 1-2cms for a seam allowance. The standard size of a finished pillowcase is 75cm X 50cm so you can use these measurements and add a cm to each for your seam allowance.

For the back, the envelope opening is in the middle, so I will show you how to make this style. If you already have a pillowcase, follow the pattern to that if it makes it easier.
Measure from the edge of the pillowcase to the edge of the first flap of the envelope. The width should be the same as the front piece. Mine measures at 50cm X 40cm with the seam allowance. This is for both of the envelope pieces.
If you have a pillowcase that has the envelope opening that isn’t equal, then you will have two different measurements for the back pieces of the pillowcase.

Step 2 – Cut out fabric

Once you have your measurements, it is time to mark them onto your chosen fabric. To do this you can use any form of tailor’s chalk/pen. I found on the fleece material the chalk was the better option and marked clearer.

You need to cut one of the front piece measurements. With the material having a tartan check style, this made it easier to cut straighter lines and allow for some semi-pattern matching.

To cut out the two back pieces; I find that it is easier to fold the material and mark from the fold to the edge. Cutting along the fold to separate the two pieces.
If you are choosing to use a blanket like me, then I would recommend marking from the overlocked edge/hem of the blanket. This will make it easier when putting the pillowcase together and will save you a step of sewing a hem. If you are using fabric without an existing hem, then you can follow how to make the envelope flap hems from the DIY Envelope Cushion tutorial.

Step 3 – Sew together

Now that everything is cut out, it is time to head to the sewing machine and stitch it all together.
Place the front piece down, with the right side facing up. Then place one of the back envelope pieces down, right side down on top of the front piece. Ine up the raw edges and place the hemmed part towards the middle. Then place the second back piece in the same manner, but on the opposite end, so that the two hemmed pieces are in the middle.

Use sewing pins or clips to keep everything together for sewing. Make sure the raw edges line up so that pillowcase size isn’t altered.

Then, run a stitch all away around the edge of the fabric, of about 1-2cms, depending on how much you added to your measurements. Make sure to backstitch the start and end of the seam and remove the sewing pins as you go. You also want to backstitch over the parts where the envelope flaps are. This will be the most bulkiest part of your seam because of the three layers of fabric.

When you reach the corners, drop your sewing needle and lift the presser foot. Then turn the fabric into the direction of sewing, placing the presser foot back down and continue sewing. This will give the corners a definition and follow the rectangular shape of the pillowcase.

Step 4 Turn right-side out

The final thing to do before the pillowcase is complete is to trim the seam allowance and cut the corners. Before doing this, test out your pillowcase with your chosen pillow to make sure it is the right fit.

If the pillowcase is too loose, then you need to re-sew the seam deeper. If the pillowcase is too tight, then try sewing a narrower seam, and unpicking the original. Hopefully, you won’t have to do either and the pillowcase will fit first time round.

To cut the corners, all you need to do is cut them off diagonally, making sure that you don’t cut into the seam. This will reduce the bulk to the corners and allow you to push them out fully into the corner point.

Turn the pillowcase right side out, and push out those corners. To do this, use the blunt end of a seam ripper or pen, to really get into the corners and push them out.

Then the DIY envelope pillowcase is complete and ready to use/display!

How easy was that to make? Especially with using the hemmed edge. Let me know what you think of this DIY in the comments below!

How to Make an Envelope Pillowcase Video

Here is the video version of this post. This may help with some of the steps and if you find following a video easier than the blog. Don’t forget to like the video if you have enjoyed and subscribe to my channel to keep up with all my creative antics. I am so close to 1,000 subscribers so I would love it if you could help me reach this goal! I always try to post a video for every post that I make on here.

How to Make an Envelope Pillow Case | Pin It!

If you have enjoyed this post, why not share the love and pin it for later?
Don’t forget to follow my Pinterest too for more creative inspiration!

• 

• 

•