When I say, “quick,” I mean it. This one took me twenty minutes, but I think it only took that long because it was my first time. I can see how this whole process, from measuring for cuts to final stuffing taking 10-12 minutes. I followed this tutorial, tweaking it just a bit. Here’s how the process breaks down:
1. Measure your pillow by stretching a tape measure across the center and measure from seam to seam. My pillow is 12″ x 21″.
2. Determine the amount of fabric to cut. This is what makes this envelope pillow so easy. Instead of cutting two pieces for the back, you basically just wrap one long piece around the whole thing. So easy. So fast. For my 12″x21″ pillow, I cut my fabric 12.5″ in one direction and 46″ in the other direction. I calculated this by multiplying the length of the long side (21″) by 2 (to wrap around the front and back), and adding 4″ (for seam allowance and overlap). So I cut my fabric 12.5″ by (21″x 2 + 4″) or 12″ x 46″.
3. Hem the two short sides. Lay the fabric right side down with a short side towards you. For my pillow this was the 12.5″ side. Measure a 1/4 ” hem on each short side and iron them flat. On one short side hem another 1/2″ and iron–this thicker hem is the side that will show on the back of the pillow. Sew both hems.
4. Sew the other side two seams. With the fabric right side up, fold the side with the 1/2″ hem over a little more than half-way and fold the other side over so it overlaps the first side (you’ll be looking at the back of your fabric now). Make sure your fabric measures from fold to fold the same as your pillow. I just tweaked it until it measured correctly. So scientific. Pin each side seam, and sew with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance at each corner so there won’t be extra fabric in your corners keeping you from a crisp corner.
This is easy and fast, and maybe most importantly–empowering. I suddenly feel like, “I can sew a pillow cover!” You can. Quickly–like 5 in an hour! With kids running around! Even if you’ve never sewn one before. Let me know how it goes?
Our wood grain Shaker cabinet fronts were designed for busy, high-traffic homes like ours. Clad with durable textured thermofoils, this line is compatible with Sektion, Akurum, Godmorgon, and Besta cabinets from IKEA. It's the perfect, practical way to add the warmth of wood to all the rooms of your home.
We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.
We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.
SHop all
Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop.
Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
A reader recently asked me if I’m starting to fully embrace traditional style and whether we still consider our house to be a “modern Colonial” and why. It was a really great question and so timely — I had really just been thinking about my approach to this home and how my style has changed […]
We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?
Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
Links
Get Around
Make yourself right at home
Portfolio
Design
Casual Friday
Projects
Lifestyle
Gift Guides
All Posts
Shop
RivrLinks
Links
Get Around
Make yourself right at home
Portfolio
Design
Casual Friday
Projects
Lifestyle
Gift Guides
All Posts
Shop
RivrLinks
Hello people if you can’t earn any money online try – bluehand roulette
system – it earns me extra money everyday, just
google it
If you can learn to do it! I can learn to do it! Put our heads together and we’ll get through it!
~Song from Anastasia… I think.
Hahahahahaha!!!!!!!
I love these! I’ve been avoiding using our sewing machine but maybe it’s time to bite the bullet
I hear you. Pulling out my machine is the most intimidating thing.
Looks good! Envelope pillows are definitely the way to go!
I just keep buying new pillows from Etsy but this makes it seem like I really could make my own! Pinning now . . .
Right!?
I really need to do this for throw pillows in my living room! This has given me the inspiration to do it so thank you! Now if I could just find that perfect fabric!
It’s ridiculously easy. Finding the fabric is definitely the most time-consuming part.
That’s it! I’m getting fabric asap for our living room!!!! I am in love with that Print and wish Ikea was closer! 70 miles for some fabric is still too much.
Do it, Rydog. ;)