How do you measure an envelope pillow?

Now that you have your measurements, you will need them to determine how much fabric to cut.

One length will be the length of one side of the pillow. The other length will be the 2 times the length of the pillow side + 6 inches.

So for my 16 inch pillow, I cut my rectangle 16 inches x 38 inches (16 x 2 = 32, 32+6 = 38)

Here are a 2 quick measurements for you for standard pillow sizes:

17 inch pillow -  Cut the fabric 17 inches by 38 inches

18 inch pillow - Cut the fabric 18 inches by 40 inches

It might be helpful to cut the fabric if you mark the measurement on the wrong side with a pencil about every 4-6" so  you have a line to follow to cut.

You are working with the shorter ends of your fabric right now. In my 16 inch pillow, I am sewing the 16 inch side.

All you do is fold the end over. Then fold it over again, so the wrong side is inside.

Then pin it and sew it. Do the exact same for the other end and the bottom edge.

Now that your hems are done,  lay the fabric with the right side up with the long side towards you.  Fold one side a little more than half-way.

Fold the other side over so it overlaps the first side (like the picture shown above).

How are pillow covers measured?

I have a 3 inch overlap with my fabric when I am done.  Make sure your fabric measures from fold to fold the same as your pillow - in my case, 16 inches.

Pin each side seam, and sew with a 1/2" seam allowance.  Trim the seam allowance at each corner.

After you have sewn your edges, you are ready to slip your pillow cover right side out. Make sure you poke out the corners so they look nice.

Then insert your pillow into finished pillow cover.