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Home » Crafts » How to Make Decorative Pillows

How to Make Decorative Pillows

April 14, 2014 by KC Coake 10 Comments

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You may have figured out that I’m on a quest to make my house pretty and cute, but I don’t have a huge budget. That doesn’t stop me. I don’t mind a little fun crafting, sewing, or DIYing. I wanted to add a little something to our living room that made it feel like spring. I figured out a super simple pattern for decorative pillows.

Tutorial on how to make decorative pillows. This is a pattern for a simple envelope pillow cover. #Sewing #Pattern #Pillows #RealCoake

By purchasing fabric with a 40% off coupon, I was able to get a great deal on some cute and spring like fabric. I knew adding extra pillows to the living room would be a fun and easy way to change things out for each season. I didn’t want to spend a long time making these though, so I came up with an easy and quick pattern to make envelope pillow covers. I put them on the IKEA hack pillows I showed you last week.

You ready to have some fun with the seasons in your house? Let’s get to this easy sewing project.

Tutorial on how to make decorative pillows. This is a pattern for a simple envelope pillow cover. #Sewing #Pattern #Pillows #RealCoake

Start by measuring the width and length of the pillow forms for your decorative pillows. I have two sizes of pillows. The smaller pillow is 11.5″ x 16″ and the larger pillow is 15.5″ x 24″.

Tutorial on how to make decorative pillows. This is a pattern for a simple envelope pillow cover. #Sewing #Pattern #Pillows #RealCoake

You will need to cut out three pieces for each pillow. The largest piece (pictured at the bottom) will be the front of your pillow cover. The two smaller pieces will create the envelope on the back of the pillow. You will slip your pillow form into the cover this way.

To get the correct cut for your the largest piece, add 1″ to the measurements you took. For example, my smaller pillow is 11.5″ x 16″. I cut that larger piece out at 12.5″ x 17″.

The two smaller pieces(pictured at the top) should be cut at the full width + 1″ and 1/2 of the length + 3″. Let me give you an example. My smaller pillow is 11.5″ x 16″. I cut out two pieces at 12.5″ (the full width + 1″ or 11.5″+1″) by 11″ (1/2 the length + 3″ or 16÷2 + 3=11).

Tutorial on how to make decorative pillows. This is a pattern for a simple envelope pillow cover. #Sewing #Pattern #Pillows #RealCoake

Once you have the math and cutting out-of-the-way, press a 1/2″ seam into one side of both of the smaller pieces of fabric. Make sure you press this into the correct side. It should be the width side not the length side(or the 12.5″ side in my example). Sew the seam.

Tutorial on how to make decorative pillows. This is a pattern for a simple envelope pillow cover. #Sewing #Pattern #Pillows #RealCoake

Place the largest cut right side up on a flat surface. Line the two smaller cuts right side down on top of the largest cut. Make sure your pressed and hemmed sides, of the smaller cuts, are toward the center of the fabric as picture above.

Tutorial on how to make decorative pillows. This is a pattern for a simple envelope pillow cover. #Sewing #Pattern #Pillows #RealCoake

The second of the smaller cuts will also go right side down with the seam side toward the center. They will overlap with the finished seams in the center. Pin and sew around the entire pillow cover using a 1/2″ seam allowance.

Tutorial on how to make decorative pillows. This is a pattern for a simple envelope pillow cover. #Sewing #Pattern #Pillows #RealCoake

You are almost done. Before you turn your pillow cover, cut the corners and press the seams. I cheat a bit when I press the seams. I usually just press one side up and figure it has gotten the seam open and exposed. I feel like it does a fine job once the item is turned.

Tutorial on how to make decorative pillows. This is a pattern for a simple envelope pillow cover. #Sewing #Pattern #Pillows #RealCoake

Using the large opening, turn your pillow cover. Slip your decorative pillows inside the envelope covers and you are done! See, I told you this was easy.

Want to make this but don’t know how to sew? Try this Online Sewing Class (affiliate link) course from Craftsy. It goes through the basics which should be enough for this pattern.

Tutorial on how to make decorative pillows. This is a pattern for a simple envelope pillow cover. #Sewing #Pattern #Pillows #RealCoake

Because I made the cheap pillow forms, I can easily and inexpensively change the pillows out in my living room for each season or holiday! Yay! I’m looking forward to doing so! I’m sure I’ll show you some more ideas along the way. 🙂

How do you like to add a seasonal touch to your living room? I’d love to hear your ideas. It would make me so happy to hear other ideas! Do tell. Leave a comment below. Thanks!

More fun for your house:

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Hi! I'm KC. I'm a single mom of 2 girls who loves all things creative. Whether it's making something crafty or tackling that DIY project, I'm gonna have some fun and stay organized in the process. 😊 Read More…

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Previous Post: « IKEA Hack ~ Turn 1 Pillow Into 2 Pillows
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Comments

  1. Cher @ Designs by Studio C says

    April 14, 2014 at 6:33 pm

    Great tutorial! Really cute fabric – Love it!

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      April 15, 2014 at 7:32 pm

      Thank you! My girls helped me pick out the fabric…they did good! They also tried to convince me to buy the $8,000 sewing machine. Thank goodness I resisted that idea! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Elisabeth Harrell says

    April 15, 2014 at 12:11 am

    Your pillows look great! The fabric is a wonderful choice. I plan on making some pillows. What I’ve done is bought some stray pillows that are firm from flea markets and thrift stores. I plan to cover them with envelope back covers. For one on my bed, I put some old mix-matched pillows inside the cases that do match. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Summer says

    April 16, 2014 at 2:03 pm

    Adorable! I’ve been looking for a pillow tutorial and was happy to find yours (on Sits link up).
    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      April 16, 2014 at 8:09 pm

      Thanks. So glad I could help you out!

      Reply
  4. Johnnie Lanier says

    April 18, 2014 at 11:46 am

    These pillows are beautiful! I love the fabric you used. Pinning!

    Reply
  5. Pamela Michelle says

    April 19, 2014 at 8:13 pm

    This is great! I love changing out decorations for the holidays! I’m thinking I should make decorative pillowcases a part of my summer to do list!

    Reply
  6. Marti says

    April 19, 2014 at 11:05 pm

    I love the pillows and the fabric you used! I’d LOVE for you to share it at our craft party!

    Have a great weekend!
    Marti

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      April 21, 2014 at 8:32 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  7. Sprout's House says

    April 21, 2014 at 6:38 am

    So pretty! I have lots of old cushions that could do with a new cover! Visiting via Sunday Soiree. xox

    Reply

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