My grandmother didn’t do too much sewing for the home, but she did manage more than her fair share of pillows and curtains and taught me a few things along the way.
This method for sewing simple envelope pillows is a bit different than the traditional method which uses three separate pieces of fabric. By using only one piece, you’re cutting down on the time it takes to measure all three pieces, which for me is nirvana. Measuring has always been my Achilles heel, so whenever I want to sew a pillow fast, this is my method of choice.
There’s a great fabric store in my area that I don’t typically buy fabric at, but love to look nonetheless. They’re a bit pricey, with most fabrics starting at $30 a yard and up, but I found this fabric remnant for $4. At around 42″ long, it wasn’t ideal, but I could make it work. I also picked up a smaller piece of genuine leather fabric for the same amount and figured I would find a use for it.
Let’s get started!
You will need an 18″ square pillow if you want to use the same measurements I did. If you don’t have a pillow that size, the general rule of thumb is this:
Cut your fabric width 1″ larger than your pillow size. For the length, multiply your width measurement by 2 and add 7″. This will allow for the overlap. If you don’t have 7″ (I didn’t) you can get by with as little as 4″. Not ideal but it will be ok.
If you’re using an 18″ pillow, cut your length 43″ at this point. Now you have the one and only piece that will become your pillow in around 15 minutes.
Turn the pillow inside out, push out the corners with something flat but small like a pencil eraser, stuff and admire your handy work!
Here’s that leather piece of fabric I told you about. I added it to some leftover fabric I had from the porch curtains to get the length I needed. I lucked out with that button, don’t you think? I had a few left over after making this button bouquet. It matches perfectly!
I also used this method to make a burlap pillow from some fabric we received from Ballard’s at Haven. This had a couple of extra steps sewing the ribbon and buttons, but it’s still super easy to do and you can still use the ‘one piece of fabric’ method. Just sew the ribbon on before you sew the edges, making sure it’s positioned where you want it.
If you like this tutorial and want to give something a teeny bit more involved a try, check out my ruffled pillow post. You can do it!!
Sharing At
Posed Perfection
Throwback Thursday
Angela says
Very pretty! I love the fabric! Can you please come and teach me how to sew?? 🙂 Have a great day!!~~Ang
Peggy @The Decorating Files says
Even though I’ve been sewing for years, I still love easy-peasy sewing projects. This one is fabulous, Doreen! Thank you for sharing it with us. I always look forward to your fun projects! 🙂
Doreen Sargente says
So glad you like it!
If you’ve been sewing for a long time Peggy, you will be able to whip this out in 20 minutes. No kidding.
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Cynthia says
Doreen these look so pretty and I would love to be able to make these. Now if I just knew how to sew, LOL!!
Cynthia
Doreen Sargente says
Cynthia!!!! Just follow the instructions and I promise you will be able to make these. If you don’t have a machine, get an inexpensive one. You don’t need anything fancy at all. Give it a go, and I’m always here to help.
Cynthia says
Thanks Doreen maybe I will try??
Dawn @ We Call It Junkin says
Thanks for this, it turns out so pretty. I really like the one with the plaid and the button.
Andi says
This is AWESOME! I’m always looking for an easy pillow pattern. These are perfect!
-andi
Nici ~ Posed Perfection says
Great tutorial, Doreen! You make it look so easy! I’m pinning it to try for myself. Thanks so much for linking up to All Things Thursday! Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Nici
Carrie says
I’m a new follower. Great site! Carrie, http://www.amothersshadow.com
Lavender Dreams says
You did a fabulous job showing how to make these! I’ll pass it along to a friend! Love your pretty pillows!
Sandi says
Hi Doreen,
What darling pillows and wonderful fabric too. The leather one is cute as a button. Thanks for sharing this at my HOME and enjoy your weekend.
Blessings,
Sandi
Katherines Corner says
beautiful! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop. xo
Nici ~ Posed Perfection says
Hi Doreen!
I just wanted to let you know I featured these pillows today from last week’s All Things Thursday Blog Hop. I hope you’ll be by again tonight to link up more great projects!
Blessings,
Nici
Doreen Sargente says
Thanks so much Nici! That is so sweet of you :). I just linked up again. It’s not a project, but a change of pace for me.
I appreciate the reminder about your party. I’m terrible at being organized with these things so I really need a nudge now and then.
And I can’t wait to hear about your venture!!
Amy @ StowandTellU says
This is a great tutorial for a quick pillow. I’ve always loved the envelope style. How cool that you learned this from your grandmother (they were much smarter back then, right??) Stopping by from Throwback Thursday – Have a great night ~ Amy
fariba says
Thank you,Your pattern is very pretty ,I love it.
Doreen Sargente says
Thank you fariba! I appreciate you stopping by.
self sagacity says
it looks great! I love the look, and how you’ve turned it inside out?