Envelope Pillow Back: The Fastest & Easiest Pillow Finishing Method

Updated at: 21/02/2025

Creating beautiful, comfortable pillows often involves a daunting finishing process. Many methods are time-consuming and require specialized sewing skills, leaving even experienced crafters feeling frustrated. But what if there was a faster, simpler way to achieve professional-looking results? Introducing the envelope pillow back – a revolutionary technique that drastically reduces the time and effort involved in pillow construction. This method eliminates the need for zippers, invisible closures, or complex seams, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned sewists alike.

Forget struggling with fiddly zippers or intricate piping; the envelope pillow back is truly a game-changer. Its straightforward design allows for quick assembly and a clean, polished finish. This simple yet effective technique relies on cleverly overlapping fabric panels to create a neat and secure closure. Ready to learn how to make your pillow-making process significantly easier and faster? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Sewing machine
  • Iron
  • Ironing board
  • Clover Wonder Clips
  • Purple Thing Corner Tool (optional)
  • Scissors
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use sharp sewing machine needles and appropriate thread weight for your fabric to prevent skipped stitches and fabric damage. Dull needles can cause the fabric to snag and break.
  • Ensure your seam allowances are consistent throughout the process for a neat and professional finish. Inaccurate seam allowances can lead to uneven pillow dimensions and a sloppy look.
  • Carefully check your measurements before sewing the final seam to ensure the pillow insert will fit snugly. A too-tight or too-loose casing will affect the final pillow's look and feel.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Measure and Cut

    • Measure your pillow front. This example uses a 12-inch by 25-inch pillow.
    • Cut two backing fabric pieces. Each piece should be the same width as your pillow front (12 inches in this case) and 16 inches long, creating a generous overlap.
    Cut two backing fabric pieces. Each piece should be the same width as your pillow front (12 inches in this case) and 16 inches long, creating a generous overlap.Cut two backing fabric pieces. Each piece should be the same width as your pillow front (12 inches in this case) and 16 inches long, creating a generous overlap.
    Measure and Cut

  2. Hem Backing Pieces

    • Hem one short edge of each backing piece by pressing under ¼ inch, folding again, pressing, and sewing a seam.
    Hem one short edge of each backing piece by pressing under ¼ inch, folding again, pressing, and sewing a seam.
    Hem Backing Pieces

  3. Assemble Pillow Layers

    • Place the pillow front right side up. Position the two backing pieces right sides together, aligning the hemmed edges with the pillow front edges and ensuring even overlaps. Secure with Clover Wonder Clips.
    Place the pillow front right side up. Position the two backing pieces right sides together, aligning the hemmed edges with the pillow front edges and ensuring even overlaps. Secure with Clover Wonder Clips.
    Assemble Pillow Layers

  4. Sew Pillow Layers

    • A slightly larger seam allowance (½ inch) is recommended for some pillows for extra stability but not needed in this case. Sew with the pillow front on top to help guide the fabric and ensure all edges are within the seam allowance.
    Sew all around the pillow with a ¼-inch seam allowance. Note: A slightly larger seam allowance (½ inch) is recommended for some pillows for extra stability but not needed in this case. Sew with the pillow front on top to help guide the fabric and ensure all edges are within the seam allowance.
    Sew Pillow Layers

  5. Clip Corners

    • Clip the corners to reduce bulk. Be careful not to cut the seam.
    Clip the corners to reduce bulk. Be careful not to cut the seam.Clip the corners to reduce bulk. Be careful not to cut the seam.
    Clip Corners

  6. Turn and Shape

    • Turn the pillow right side out. Use fingers or a corner tool to push out the corners neatly.
    Turn the pillow right side out. Use fingers or a corner tool to push out the corners neatly.Turn the pillow right side out. Use fingers or a corner tool to push out the corners neatly.
    Turn and Shape

  7. Press Pillow

    • Press the pillow from the front to create a crisp finish and prevent the pillow back from showing through.
    Press the pillow from the front to create a crisp finish and prevent the pillow back from showing through.Press the pillow from the front to create a crisp finish and prevent the pillow back from showing through.
    Press Pillow

  8. Insert Pillow Insert

    • Insert the pillow insert through the opening.

Read more: King Size Quilt Tutorial: Efficient Chain Piecing Method

Tips

  • A generous overlap (about 4 inches in this example) on the back pieces prevents the pillow from poking through the seam.
  • If quilting the pillow back, consider binding the edges instead of hemming for a cleaner finish.
  • Use a corner tool to help create sharp corners. It can help to insert the corner tool inside to push them out.
  • For a perfectly neat finish, you can add small pieces of batting to the corners if needed after pressing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Envelope Flap

Reason: Inconsistent seam allowance or inaccurate measuring leads to one side of the envelope flap being longer or shorter than the other.
Solution: Carefully measure and cut fabric to ensure consistent seam allowances and accurate flap sizing before sewing.

2. Pillow Insert Too Large or Too Small

Reason: Incorrect calculations of pillow dimensions result in a pillow insert that either doesn't fit comfortably or is too loose within the envelope back.
Solution: Double-check your calculations and measurements for both the pillow cover and the pillow insert before construction.

3. Gaps or puckering at the envelope closure

Reason: Insufficient or uneven easing of fabric, especially along the curved edges, during assembly causes the envelope closure to appear messy and uneven.
Solution: Ensure proper easing and matching of seam lines along the curved edges of the envelope closure for a smooth, even finish.

FAQs

What type of fabric is best for an envelope pillow back?
Almost any fabric works! However, fabrics with some body, like cotton or linen, are easier to work with than very lightweight or slippery materials. Avoid overly stretchy fabrics as they might make the closure less secure.
How much extra fabric do I need for the envelope flap?
You'll need enough extra fabric to create a flap that's approximately 4-6 inches wide. This allows for sufficient overlap to secure the pillow insert and create a neat finish. The exact amount depends on the size of your pillow.
Can I use this method with a patterned fabric?
Absolutely! Just be mindful of matching patterns when you sew the front and back pieces together to ensure a cohesive look. Consider using the extra fabric for the flap to highlight a particular design element.