Pillow Cover Pattern Using Fabric Scraps
Sew a scrap buster pillow cover using this quick and easy sewing tutorial including step-by-step instructions with pictures.
This pillow cover sewing pattern is an envelope style and perfect for using up those fabric scraps. In this tutorial, I’ll be creating a cover for a pillow form, similar to my envelope pillow cover sewing tutorial, except I’ll be using scrap fabric for the front panel and coordinating cotton fabric pieces for the back.
I am using strips of fabric scraps for this envelope pillow cover to keep the pattern simple and a 20”W x 12”H pillow form. Feel free to mix and match any scraps! Just make sure your final sewn front panel matches the pillow size (plus 1″ for seam allowance).
This post contains affiliate links. Please see below disclosure for more information.
***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 9 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Pillow cover sewing supplies needed:
- Fabric scraps for the front of the pillow – enough for 21″W x 13″H
- Coordinating fabric – (2) 15″W x 13″H – my favorite fabric shop
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- Clear ruler
- Pillow form – 20″W x 12″H
- Fusible interfacing – Pellon P44F Fusible Interfacing
- Sewing scissors
- Sewing machine
Measure and cut your fabric
Using your cutting mat, clear ruler, and rotary cutter, cut your strips of fabric 13”H in varying widths for the front panel. You’ll want the finished panel width to measure at least 21″W. You can add fabric strips or trim down if needed.
For the back of the pillow cover, you’ll be cutting two pieces of fabric that will be hemmed and overlapping to create the opening for the pillow insert.
Cut two fabric pieces each measuring 15”W x 13”H.
13”H (same height as your pillow + 1-inch seam allowance)
15”W (half the width of your pillow + 5 inches)
Sew fabric strips together
Use a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Place the second fabric strip on top of the first fabric strip, right sides together.
Sew down the right hand side using a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Then place the third piece of fabric on top of the second piece, right sides together.
Sew down the right hand side using a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Continue down the line with the rest of the fabric strips.
Press the seams flat.
Check out these instructions on how to make your own mini ironing board.
Once I had the fabric strips sewn together, I measured the width and was just short of 21″W. I added another strip and then trimmed down to 21″W.
The above pictures show the strips sewn together and the two cut fabric pieces for the back of the pillow cover.
Attach the fusible interfacing
My go to interfacing is Pellon P44f Fusible Interfacing but any lightweight fusible interfacing will work. The interfacing provides more durability.
Cut one piece of fusible interfacing measuring 21″W x 13″H and two pieces each measuring 15″W x 13″H.
Attach the fusible interfacing to the wrong side of all the fabric pieces following the package instructions.
Hem the fabric
Now you are going to hem one 13″ side of each back fabric piece.
If you are using directional patterned fabric, you are going to hem one of the 13″ sides on one piece and the opposite 13″ side on the other piece.
Place one of the fabric pieces right side down on your ironing board. Fold over one of the 13″ sides 1/2-inch and press.
Fold over again and press.
Top stitch along the hem.
Sew the pillow cover together
Use a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Place one of the back fabric pieces on top of the front fabric piece, right sides together, lining up the unfinished edges.
Next place the other back fabric piece on top right side down on the other end of the front fabric piece, lining up the unfinished edges.
Be sure the fabric is going in the correct direction.
Pin to hold in place. Sew around the perimeter of the pillow cover using a 3/8″ seam allowance. Sew over the hems a of couple times for extra durability.
Clip the corners using your sewing scissors.
Turn right side out
Through the opening in the back, turn the pillow cover right side out. Carefully push out the corners.
Insert your pillow form.
Pin for later!
***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 9 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
You are finished!
I hope you enjoyed using up some fabric scraps by sewing an envelope pillow cover. Happy sewing!
Other sewing projects for the home:
- Fabric Baskets Sewing Tutorial – Three Sizes
- Mini Fabric Storage Baskets – Two Sizes
- Fabric Tray Sewing Pattern
- Large Square Storage Basket Sewing Project