What is a envelope pillow
Emma Valentine
Published Feb 27, 2026
An envelope pillow cover is a pillow case that has an envelope style (overlapping) back so you can insert the pillow into it easily. This allows you to swap out your pillow covers seasonally or take them off for washing. It’s easy to learn how to sew an envelope pillowcase!
What is an envelope sham?
Each sham features an envelope closure, making it easy to slip on and off inserts (not included) and hide the seam from view. Advantage: Ultra-soft; good sewing stitch; exquisite workmanship.
How do you make an envelope pillow cover with one piece of fabric?
- Wash the fabric.
- Cut the fabric to pillow size.
- Create a double-fold hem on smaller ends of cut fabric.
- Overlap the fabric to give you the size of the pillow form, pin, and sew a 1/2″ seam.
- Trim corners then turn fabric right side out. Then insert the pillow form into the pillow cover and enjoy!
How do you close a pillow case?
Grab the top of the pillowcase just above the seam. Tuck the top of the pillowcase in on itself, like folding a letter into an envelope. Fold the bottom seam into the top seam, creating a snug fit around the end of the pillow.How do you measure fabric for envelope pillows?
- 16″ x 16″ measure fabric 16″ x 38″
- 17″ x 17″ measure fabric 17″ x 40″
- 18″ x 18″ measure fabric 18″ x 42″
- 19″ x 19″ measure fabric 19″ x 44″
- 20″ x 20″ measure fabric 20″ x 46″
What is French closure pillow?
Frenchback is a style of pillow case with a tucked, envelope closure. This style offers a neat and tidy look for the bed. Bagstyle has fabric that extends past and overhangs the end of the pillow. This is a more traditional style with a simple, draped look.
How much do you overlap envelope pillows?
Basic Instructions: For this easy envelope pillow cover, we are going to fold one long piece of fabric to create the front and back. The ends will overlap approximately 3″ at the back when finished. This extra fabric is to ensure that the pillow form will be hidden when the pillow cover is in place.
How are pillow covers measured?
Pillow covers are measured from seam to seam for the most accurate measurement. To measure, remove the pillow cover from insert / filler, turn the cover inside out, lay the cover on a flat surface and measure from the inside seam to seam.What is the standard size of a pillow sham?
These “false front” pillow covers became known as pillow shams! A sham is a decorative pillow case that transforms normal sized pillow fills into useful accessories for one’s bedding set. Pillow shams normally come in traditional pillow sizes: Standard Sham (26″ x 20″), King Sham (36″ x 20″), and Euro Sham (26″ x 26″).
What is an Oxford pillowcase?Oxford pillowcases, have a wide stitched hem around the edge to create a border which is usually between 5-10cm. Housewife pillowcases have a sewn edge which fits neatly to the pillow.
Article first time published onHow do you make a simple pillow case?
- Cutting your fabric. Start by cutting two identical size pieces of fabric, that are each 29.5 inches long and 21 inches wide. …
- Fold fabric, iron, pin, and sew. …
- Repeat step 2 with the second piece of fabric.
- Pin the pieces together and sew. …
- Flip the pillowcase right side out and it’s ready to use.
What are the different types of pillow cases?
There are three primary types of pillowcases – housewife, oxford, and bag. The housewife and bag are most commonly used as regular pillowcases, while the oxford is often used for sham pillows.
What size fabric do I need for a 16 inch pillow?
fabric {1/2 yard is good for a 16 X 16 or smaller pillow}
How much bigger should a pillowcase be than the pillow?
Opt for a pillowcase measuring 1/2 to 1 inch longer than the pillow length and 2 1/2 to 4 inches wider than the pillow width, if you’re buying a ready-made pillowcase.
How much fabric do I need for a 20x20 pillow?
Dimensions (Length by Width)Amount of Fabric Needed for 1 Pillow Cover (Using 54-inch Wide Fabric with No Pattern Matching)16 x 16 inches1/2 yard18 x 18 inches5/8 yard20 x 20 inches3/4 yard30 x 30 inches1 yard
How much should the back of a pillow sham overlap?
The two hemmed edges should overlap about 8-10″, and all the other raw edges should line up with the pillow front panel. Next, pin all the way around the pillow sham. (TIP: be sure to pin all the layers together where the two back panels overlap to ensure you catch the inside panel in your stitching!)
How do I put a zipper on an existing pillow?
Place the zipper a half inch beyond the ends of the pillow opening on both sides. Line up the edge of the zipper teeth with the seam and pin in place. Using a zipper foot, sew along the edge of the zipper teeth, but take care not to sew into the teeth as it will effect your zipper re-zipping.
What is a European closure pillowcase?
Instead of being exposed at the end (like most pillowcases in the US), European pillowcases cover the end of the pillow. An approximately 9-inch flap wraps into the case, holding the pillow in place and neatly covering the end.
What will you do first in sewing the envelope pillow case using French seam?
A French seam is different because it encloses the raw edges and creates a ravel-proof seam. This is done by stitching the seam twice. Begin by pinning your fabrics Wrong Sides together. Stitch together using a 1/4” seam allowance.