Who doesn’t love switching up throw pillow covers to give a room a fresh look for the season? It’s one of the quickest ways to refresh your space without breaking the bank. But did you know that you don’t need to wrestle with patterns or zippers to get the job done? One of my all-time favorite styles is the envelope style cover. It's quick to sew, beginner-friendly, and so easy to slip on and off that even your pillow will thank you. Let’s make some fun and fuss-free stylish throw pillow covers!

Step 1. Gather Your Materials and Supplies

• Pillow insert. You could also use throw pillow that's sitting on your couch and save on the money.

• Beautiful Fabric. Decorator fabric is heavier, and therefore, more durable than regular quilting cotton. It's the logical choice for sofa use. But I use both depending on the vibe I am looking for.

• Sewing Machine.

• Iron.

• Sewing Supplies: Thread, pins or plastic clips, quilting ruler, rotary cutter and mat (or large scissors, measuring tape).

Before You Cutting Your Fabric

First things first: grab your measuring tape and measure your pillow insert. Start at the middle of one side edge and wrap the tape around to the middle of the opposite side. No need to flatten the pillow—just follow its natural curve for the most accurate measurement.

Here’s how to determine how much fabric you’ll need:

• Width: Take the width of your pillow and double it (this accounts for both the front and back pieces). Then, add an extra 6 inches for the “envelope” overlap.

• Height: Add 1 inch to the pillow’s height to allow for seam allowances.

For example, my pillow form measures 16 inches square. That means my fabric needs to be 17 inches high and 38 inches wide (16 inches x 2 + 6 inches for the overlap).

Step 2. Hem the Wide Ends.

Place your fabric right side down on your work surface. Starting at one short end, fold the edge over by 1/2" and press it with your iron. Then, fold it over again by 3/4" and press once more. Use clips or pins to hold the folded edge in place.

Repeat the same process on the opposite short end of the fabric.

Step 3. Sew the End Seams.

Sew the seams on both ends using a straight stich.

Step 4. Bring Over a Hemmed End.

Take one short end of the fabric and fold it toward the center. Use a ruler to measure from the edge of the seam to the fabric’s midpoint. In Photo 4, you’ll see my finger pointing to the 4" mark on the ruler for reference.

Step 5. Create the Envelope.

Take the other hemmed edge and fold it over the first one until it lines up with the 4" mark on your ruler. You’ve just created the envelope closure!

Step 6. Clip or Pin Top and Bottom.

Use plastic clips or pins to keep your fabric placement secure.

Step 6: Sew the Top and Bottom

Using a 1/2" seam allowance, sew along the top and bottom edges of your pillow cover. For added durability, finish the raw edges with a zigzag stitch or a serger to prevent fraying during washes.

Step 7: Turn It Right Side Out and Stuff!

Flip your envelope cover right side out and slip your pillow form inside. Ta-da! You’ve just made a removable pillow cover that’s not only uniquely you but also practical. Now you’re ready to create a variety of covers to keep your home decor fresh for every season or holiday!