An envelope cushion cover is probably the easiest method of making a cushion they are so simple to make. It is really nice to be able to change up cushion covers every so often whether for the seasons or because you are just bored.
But, cushions or throw pillows can be very expensive especially when you need multiples. There is also the issue of storing them if you are changing them regularly. This is where an envelope pillow cover come in, and being able to make your own opens up so many options as to pattern and style.
For this pattern I am going to use a tablecloth that I found in a second hand shop. Tablecloths are perfect for projects like this one. I will easily be able to get two covers out of it and have left over material for another project too.
This pattern is also just a guide it can easily be adjusted for your own needs. I will be making a 19×19 pillow cover that is to fit a 20×20 insert. The rule of thumb is you always want to go down an inch or two with your cover, this will create that over stuffed chunky cushion look.
I also add buttons to my cover. Now this isn’t essential but I have found it holds my cushion cover in place and it looks a lot nicer.
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Materials needed for the envelope cushion cover
- Material. Whether new or secondhand it doesn’t matter. Like I mentioned above I am using a secondhand tablecloth. If you are using new fabric though make sure to wash it first, this allows for any shrinkage.
- Pillow insert. Again this can be a throw pillow you may already own and would like recovered or it could be a new insert that you need a cover for.
- All purpose thread that matches your fabric
- Bobbin for your sewing machine with the matching thread added to it.
- Buttons of your choice. I am using one inch wooden buttons
- Scissors or a rotary cutting blade like this one
- Sewing machine, I am using a Janome my style 100 it is one of their base models but it is a great machine
- Pins or clips I really like using clips I find the very easy to use.
- Measuring tape and/or ruler
- Fabric pen. I use these all the time. I find this makes it so much easier to cut and sew straight lines. Use it if you need the help like I do.
- Iron
- Optional, buttonhole foot for your machine. This is if you want to add the buttons, you can also make a button hole without the foot too.
- Optional, a cutting mat. I actually found mine secondhand.
How to make an envelope cushion cover
The sizes are for a 19×19 cushion cover. Replace these numbers with the the sizing you require. (e.g. if you need an 18×18 cushion cover then cut out 19×19 square.)
Cutting
You want to begin with cutting out all of your pieces. To do this you will need
- One 20×20 front piece, this will allow for an half inch seam allowance all of the way around.
- Two 14×20 back pieces, allowing for a 5.5 inch overlap and a seam allowance.
If like me though and you are using a tablecloth or something similar to make your envelope cushion cover it will already have hemmed edges. For the front piece you will want to cut these hems off first then measure and cut. For the back pieces we can use those hemmed edges, this will save you having to sew any hems on those overlap edges. If you do this then your back pieces will measure 13×20 instead (removing half an inch from the shorter measurement).
You will need to sew hems along one of the 20 inch edges on each of the back pieces, that is if you are using new fabric or fabric with no existing hems. To do this fold it half an inch then half an inch again, folding it with the right side of the fabric facing out. Ironing the hems flat will make this a lot easier for you to sew. Pin the hem in place and sew along the edge.
Buttonholes
We now need to mark out where we would like the buttons to be. Lay the two back pieces together with the six inch overlap, it should be a 20×20 square. Place the buttons where you would like them to be and measure. For my cover I measured 6 inches in on each side and 3 inches up from the seam, make a mark with your pen. My buttons are one inch in size so I will draw a one inch horizontal line through the mark, with the mark being in the middle of that line.
Using the buttonhole foot if you have chosen to use one, sew your buttonhole along the line you have made. Honestly, this isn’t my favourite thing to do. If you are like me and struggle with buttonholes, I suggest practicing first on a scrap piece of fabric. I find this helps to make sure all of the settings are correct, or if I am doing it free hand without the foot my technique is good. Once it is sewn then very carefully cut the buttonhole open.
Sewing the cushion cover
Now we are going to sew the cushion together. Lay the front piece down with the right side facing upwards.
Take the back piece with the button holes and lay the onto the front piece with the right side facing downwards. So the wrong side should be facing up.
Take the second back piece and place it in place again with the right side facing down. The hemmed edge should overlap the other back piece.
Pin all of the pieces in place using either pins or clips, making sure the overlap edges are securely in place. Sew around all four edges.
Turn the envelope cushion cover the right way out. It is pretty much compete all that is needed now is to sew on your buttons.
To sew on the buttons lay the cover out flat. Where the button holes are use your pen and make a mark in the hole. This should show you where the buttons need to go on the other side. Sew the buttons in place.
Insert your pillow insert and there you have it an envelope cushion cover.
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