ARE YOU LOOKING FOR EASY WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR ROOMS ON BUDGET AND IN LITTLE TIME? SEW UP THESE SUPER SIMPLE PILLOW COVERS AND ADD A BURST OF SEASONAL CHARM TO ANY SPACE!
In my never-ending quest to update our little home on a budget, I’m always looking for cost-effective ways to add a splash of colour. I’ve worked hard to create a very neutral background palette so that when I want to update things seasonally, it makes a big impact! One of the quickest ways to update a living room is to add cushions. I don’t have room to keep a lot of pillows sitting in our space, so I like to have multiple covers to change out. On that note, I’ve learned how to make simple pillow covers in 15 minutes or less!
What you’ll need for these simple pillow covers
Depending on the season, the possibilities for these super-quick pillow covers are pretty much endless. I absolutely love the grey floral-print fabric that I used in my Quick & Easy Table Runner, so I decided to use it again for these covers.
As I’ve noted below, you’ll need a ½ yard for each cover that you make. Keep in mind that if you choose a print or pattern that requires more perfect placement, such as plaid or stripes, you may need a little more.
So here’s your list of supplies:
- Fabric – you’ll need ½ yard (.5 metres) for each cover you plan to make – and coordinating thread
- Throw Pillow Forms
- Sewing Machine
- Iron and ironing surface
- Measuring Tape
- Pins and Pincushion
- Rotary Cutter and Rotary Mat
and ironing surface
and 
How to make ease pillow covers
The style of pillow cover that I’m using is usually referred to as an Envelope Pillow Case. It does not require a zipper, buttons or closure of any kind, which is really what makes it so quick to put together!
Step 1: Prepare your fabric
ALWAYS pre-wash your fabric! Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way, and it’s NOT fun! Wash, dry and iron your fabric prior to cutting anything – you don’t want to make your pillow covers just to find out they don’t fit your forms anymore!
Step 2: Cut the fabric
If you are using a 16″ pillow, the size that I have, you’ll need a strip of fabric 18″ wide and 42″ long.
Step 3: Iron ends
Measure two folds at each long end of the fabric. I make my first fold at ½”, followed by a fold of ¾”. Press each fold. At this point, you can stitch the folds in place.
Bonus tip – You don’t need to cut off the selvage, as it will be folded under and not visible.
Save time by not trimming the selvage – it will be hidden in the folds!Step 4: Fold and stitch
With the right side facing up, find the centre of the fabric. Fold each end so they overlap over the centre (as shown in the photo below) and the length measures 16″.
Pin in place along the sides. Stitch each side, using a ½” seam allowance.
Fold your fabric so that it is approximately 16″.Step 5: Trim and turn
Clip the corners close to the seam and turn your pillow cover right side out. Press your pillow cover and voila – you’re done!
Trimming the corners will give you nice clean lines once turned right side out!
How easy was that? Insert your pillow form and decorate to your heart’s content! If you’re anything like me, you’ll be making these for every season, simply reusing the same pillow inserts over again. These covers take up so little space in a drawer that you could have different pillow covers for each month of the year. So fun!
For some more simple sewing projects, be sure to check out these posts:
Quick & Easy Table Runner
One-Day Quilt
King Size Pillow Cases
Want to remember this? Save “How to Make Super Simple Pillow Covers in 15 Minutes” to your favourite Pinterest boards!
