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Ornament Embellished Envelope Pillow Tutorial

July 20, 2015

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Looking for an easy and original pillow cover idea?

Make a simple envelope cover and adorn it with wood!

A little unorthodox, but super cute. Check it out.

Red pillow with wooden heart that says SWEET attached with ribbon

I made the sweetest pillow this weekend and I am so excited to share.

I recently refurbished a chair in my kitchen. It's just delicious in every way, except, it desperately needed a pillow.

You see, to me, in the ice cream sundae of decorating, pillows are that ripe, red cherry sitting on top!

Couches, beds and newly recovered chairs are all so obviously unfinished without them. I brought a few from the living room into the kitchen for pictures, but the chair really needed its own...which worked out well, because today is our second Dose of DIY Blog Hop and our theme is, you guessed it, pillows.

So sit back and get ready to enjoy some fluffy fun.

My pillow was free. I had a form, but as usual, no plan.

Big surprise!

Being the thrifty girl that I am (ok, cheap), I wanted to use fabric that I already had on hand. I was also wanted the pillow to tie into the existing theme of the chair.

I decided to use the fabric that served as a partial slipcover, the first time that I redid the chair, since I had actually used some of it in the new skirt. Perfect.

I had to cut away the old trim and rip out a seam or two, but that's ok. It was a quick task.

Pillow form, red fabric, scissors and white cording trim on table

I decided to make an envelope style pillow cover. It's super easy to do, can be done with a machine or with fusible web tape or fabric glue.

How To Make An Envelope Pillow Cover


1. Lay Fabric Out, Pattern Down

Start by laying your fabric right side facing up and place the pillow down on top of it about and inch or two from the edge.

2. Fold Fabric Over Form

Pick up your fabric and bring it toward the center of your pillow, then fold it back about two inches.

red fabric folded over white square pillow form

3. Fold Other Half Over Pillow Form

Grab the other end of the fabric, bring it to the center and, again, fold it back about two inches, overlapping the first fold.

4. Pin In Place

Pull the fabric so there's a very snug fit around the pillow form. Pin the side seams well and carefully shimmy the pillow out the center opening.

Yes, I know that you can measure the pillow and measure the fabric and subtract and inch or two to ensure the proper plumpness, but frankly, I stink at math.

Unless it's balancing my checkbook, with a calculator, I try not to engage.

This way may not be the "right" way, but it works just fine. Trust me.

Inside out fabric folded around a pillow form

5. Stitch {Or Glue} It Up And Stuff

Sew or glue the side seams up, turn the cover inside out ~ actually right side out ~ and pop your pillow back inside!

-->You can grab fusible webbing instead of fabric glue. It's easy to use and works well. 

Hand reaching in to opening for pillow form

It only took me about ten minutes to complete this task and I had a new pillow....but man, was it boring.

Red pillow on table with sewing machine scissors and scrap fabric

I knew that it could be so much more without a ton of effort, so I peeked into my craft closet to see what I could whip up and found a small wooden ornament and some ribbon.

I simply laced the ribbon through the cut outs in the heart, tied a bow and hot glued it to the front of the pillow.

In love.

Sweet wooden tag pillow on red floral patchwork chair

Now, I know what you're thinking. I do.

Wood? Really?

--> I'm a huge fan of wood...and made a wood countertop for my bathroom. Fabulous!

Well that's not going to be very comfortable and you're right, it's not, but it's ok, it doesn't have to be. It's total eye candy.

Think about all those pillows you see in the cute boutiques, the ones with glitter, buttons and broaches attached. They aren't comfortable either, but boy, they are pretty.

So I made myself a just for pretty pillow.

It feels a little naughty to be so frivolous, but it didn't cost me anything and like the sign says, it's sweet.

Just like that cherry.

Now, who wants ice cream?

A Dose Of DIY GraphicLooking for even more pillow inspiration? Well then, pop on over and check out these ideas from my very talented friends.


Kristi - Chatfield Court - No Sew Tie Dye Pillow
Sarah - Creative Ramblings - Nautical Burlap Pillow
Jill - Sew A Fine Seam - Vintage Truck Pillow
Michele - Shelstring - Adding Textured Pillows
Kim Signature


Post a Comment | 88 Comments

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  1. Ivy, Phyllis and Me!July 20, 2015 at 7:20 AM

    Good Morning Kim, Your cushion is so sweet. I agree with you, there really is no right or wrong way to make a cushion cover, I really think it is whatever you are comfortable with.
    I smiled when you said you added the little wooden heart, because I love hearts, but I did think maybe it would be a tad too hard... but you are absolutely right, it is eye candy. I have beaded cushions which really are uncomfortable to lean against, but they really do look fabulous on a chair, so all I do is flip them around when I lean against them and flip them back when I have finished reading the paper or drinking my coffee.
    Best Wishes to you.
    Daphne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 10:07 PM

      Hello Daphne! It's lovely to hear from you. Thank you for your suggestion. I never even thought about turning it around. I am going to have to give that one a try...if I decide to let anyone use the chair...maybe someday soon! :)

      Delete
  2. Chatfield CourtJuly 20, 2015 at 7:37 AM

    Love for sweet little pillow Kim. Most of my pillows end up being eye candy anyway so your pretty pillow would fit right in. Thanks for sharing a tutorial that can be done without a machine, because I'm hopeless at sewing. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 12:25 PM

      Thank you, Kristi! I agree, I have tons of pillows that you can use, but I would't want you to! ;)

      Delete
  3. Tessa~ Here there be musingJuly 20, 2015 at 8:07 AM

    "Eye Candy" rocks!!!!

    "Eye Candy" of any sort.

    And you again, did it yourself!

    Not much which is better than this.

    Gentle hugs,
    Tessa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 12:39 PM

      Thank you, Tessa! That’s the attitude I need…eye candy rocks! Forget about practicality! I like the way you think! :)

      Delete
  4. BenitaJuly 20, 2015 at 8:19 AM

    I love this pillow and you make it look so easy, but I know it isn't. I could only imagine what a hot mess I would end up with since I don't have a sewing machine. Gluing is one of those things I have to stay away from...LOL. It's dangerous...my photo would be my head glued to that cute little heart! This is just so, so pretty!! The color blends perfectly with the chair colors! Hope your week is off to a good start!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 12:42 PM

      Oh my gosh, I am laughing hysterically at the visual of your head stuck to the pillow. You are a funny, funny girl. I told you, I am sending you a Michael's gift certificate. I could use a little comic relief! ;)

      Delete
  5. One More Time EventsJuly 20, 2015 at 8:51 AM

    Kim, This is the sweetest pillow ever! I love how it looks on the chair...Perfect!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 12:37 PM

      Thanks so much, Tammy! I do think it’s sweet! ;) I appreciate the visit…Happy Hopping!

      Delete
  6. StaceyJuly 20, 2015 at 9:26 AM

    That is just adorable! You know I love that fabric and have it in my kitchen too. You give me great ideas. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 12:35 PM

      Thank you! We apparently share the same good taste and enduring love of red, Stacey! ;-) I'll trade you a few ideas for a little bit of your green thumb!

      Delete
  7. Julie's LifestyleJuly 20, 2015 at 9:41 AM

    I love your pretty pillow Kim! Great job making it and I love it on your pretty chair!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 12:34 PM

      Thanks Julie! I like this pillow a lot. Now everyone is giving me flack because I won’t let them sit in the chair or use the pillow just yet! I just want to look at it a while longer! ;)

      Delete
  8. Daytona DamselJuly 20, 2015 at 9:58 AM

    Oh how pretty and 10 minutes to make! Right up my alley. Debbie H

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 12:32 PM

      It's a quick one Debbie, especially if you know how to really sew...that's not me! ;)

      Delete
  9. JennyJuly 20, 2015 at 10:20 AM

    I am a pillowaholic! My family gets so tired of all the pillows everywhere. I'm not very good about refreshing them though. The envelope pillow looks so easy, I really must try making one.

    Love the colors & the heart on this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 12:29 PM

      It is so easy, Jenny, I say try. I am not an accomplished seamstress. I totally flub my way these pillow redos, if I can do it, anyone can!! :)

      Delete
  10. RURAL July 20, 2015 at 10:26 AM

    It's adorable...and a very nice eye pleasing shade of red...and again...I think it would look lovely with black and white Bootsie fur brushed up against it...lol.

    Of course you know that my cat would head straight for that cute chair, and probably claim the pillow as his...cats after all know what's cute, and comfy.

    Jen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 11:50 AM

      Jen, I am going to have to make a black and white version and send it to you, just for your cute kitty! Of course, in perfect cat style, he will shun it in favor of something in a bright yellow! ;-) Thanks for the visit!

      Delete
  11. CookieJuly 20, 2015 at 11:28 AM

    so darn cute

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 11:48 AM

      Thanks so much, Cookie! That’s what I thought, too! ;-) Thanks so much for the visit and for you comment.

      Delete
  12. LorriJuly 20, 2015 at 11:48 AM

    Your pillow is so cute. The size is just the right scale for your chair. I agree with other commenters that the heart can be turned to the back when needed for comfort. Now, off to check out the other pillows.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 12:27 PM

      I just may turn it around, Lorri, it's a good idea...if I decided to let them use it at all! ;-)

      Delete
  13. Blondie's JournalJuly 20, 2015 at 1:14 PM

    Very cute!! The wood ornament and ribbon really are the crowning touch. I love bling on pillows and my hubby just does NOT get it!! Ha! Great job again!

    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 10:05 PM

      My husband was completely perplexed as well. He just kept saying, "But it's wood..." Ah men! ;)

      Delete
  14. Vel CristeJuly 20, 2015 at 3:19 PM

    I totally agree Kim, very sweet! Love that wooden heart you added. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaJuly 20, 2015 at 3:38 PM

    Love your sweet pillow! I have been sewing for 30 years and never learned how to make an envelope pillow! It is too easy! Easier than the way I usually make a pillow. Looks so fabulous on your chic boutique looking chair!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 9:56 PM

      Thank you AnnMarie! I really am a terrible seamstress. I wing it and it’s not always pretty. I would really like to learn how to make a pillow with a zipper, but I’m afraid that’s way beyond my very limited skill set!

      Delete
  16. ibshellJuly 20, 2015 at 6:52 PM

    LOVE the mix of patterns with that sweet pillow on that chair. Perfect touch! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 9:57 PM

      Thank you Michele! I'm kind of a red addict, if you hadn't noticed! ;) Happy Hopping!!

      Delete
  17. Cheryl @ Artzzle.comJuly 20, 2015 at 7:25 PM

    Another cute one! So is it the pillow form from the blue flowered patio pillows?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 10:04 PM

      Nope, I haven’t gotten to those yet! I went to purchase some outdoor fabric and I was less than pleased with the patterns, so I am holding off until I find something I love. In the meantime, they’re kind of growing on me!

      Delete
  18. JunkchiccottageJuly 20, 2015 at 7:55 PM

    Ok here comes more !!!!! love the new pillow you made for that awesome chair. You are rockin girl.
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 20, 2015 at 9:52 PM

      You are just so nice to me, Kris! You know when I was making this, I was thinking of all your pretty lace and button adorned pillows and I thought, why not? You, my friend, are inspirational! ;)

      Delete
  19. SarahJuly 21, 2015 at 12:24 AM

    I could really go for some ice cream right now! Love this pillow, it's totally ok to have eye candy pillows, I have them and they are my favorite!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 25, 2015 at 9:55 PM

      This one is fast becoming my own favorite, Sarah!! :)

      Delete
  20. Art and SandJuly 21, 2015 at 1:54 AM

    Great pillow, but I was struck by the ottoman with the floral print. I had that print on our sofa and the matching chair had buffalo checks in red. I loved that combo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 22, 2015 at 8:35 PM

      Thanks Carol. I remember seeing it, before you slipcovered it, yes? I just used it to repair a chair in my kitchen. I love it!

      Delete
  21. ConnieJuly 21, 2015 at 10:42 AM

    Good morning Kim, I love your pillow and it looks so sweet on your chair . . . a bit of perfection, I would say:) I do love red and all of the red touches around your home. You have created and lovely and cheerful home.
    Have a wonderful day and thank you for entering my Give-A-Way.
    Connie :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 22, 2015 at 8:34 PM

      Thank you, Connie. It was a simple one to make! I like easy. ;)

      Delete
  22. Celestina MarieJuly 21, 2015 at 9:10 PM

    Hi Kim, LOVE this pillow and the addition of the sweet ~heart, is adorable. It just looks perfect on the chair. Thank you for sharing your wonderful tutorial. Have a great evening. cm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 25, 2015 at 9:48 PM

      Thank you, Celestina Marie. This was an easy one, glad I explained it well! I'm always afraid that something will get lost in translation.

      Delete
  23. Carla from The RiverJuly 21, 2015 at 10:55 PM

    Hi,
    I love the pillow. And I had to laugh about your math skills, yep, that is the same as me. :-)
    The pillow is so cute and you really added the perfect touch to it. Well Done! And as always, a great job on the tutorial.
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 22, 2015 at 8:33 PM

      I am so bad at math, Carla! I avoid it at all costs. Good thing I taught kindergarten and first grade. That's about all the math I could handle! ;)

      Delete
  24. BlogorattiJuly 22, 2015 at 10:05 AM

    That is a great pillow. Well done. Greetings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 22, 2015 at 8:30 PM

      Greetings to you and thank you for the visit and the comment!

      Delete
  25. Helen PhilippsJuly 22, 2015 at 11:53 AM

    Gorgeous pillow, with the perfect decorative finish! I love envelope pillows, they are my favourite to make, and your tutorial was very well written. And how pretty the pillow looks on your lovely newly covered chair :)
    Helen xox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 22, 2015 at 8:28 PM

      Thanks Helen! Oh don’t look too close at my stitches, I am not the pro you are for sure! ;)

      Delete
  26. AnonymousJuly 22, 2015 at 1:42 PM

    Your pillow is definitely the cherry on top, a beautiful, sweet and delicious cherry! Great work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 22, 2015 at 8:29 PM

      Thank you Gigi, it is a tasty addition to the room! ;)

      Delete
  27. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesJuly 22, 2015 at 9:21 PM

    This is so charming...the embellishment is perfect!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 22, 2015 at 10:35 PM

      Thank you, Linda! I appreciate the visit and the sweet comment! :)

      Delete
  28. AnonymousJuly 23, 2015 at 1:55 AM

    What a sweet cushion!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonJuly 23, 2015 at 2:07 PM

    I am such a pillow addict! Have tons and anymore I always make them so I can slip them off and on. A lot easier to swap them out for the seasons and not have so many pillows to store. The little heart is sweet. Cherry on top for sure and now I'm ready for my ice cream! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 25, 2015 at 8:53 PM

      I agree, Jann, the covers are a space saver and so much fun to swap out. Come on over, the ice cream is cold and I’ve got the cherries! ;)

      Delete
  30. Laura of Harvest Lane CottageJuly 23, 2015 at 5:45 PM

    I see lots of red on your site. I like it already! I'll be back!

    Visiting from Harvest Lane Cottage
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  31. An Oasis in the DesertJuly 23, 2015 at 10:37 PM

    Cute, cute, cute pillow, Kim! How clever to use that sweet little wood veneer to decorate the front.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 25, 2015 at 8:56 PM

      Thanks Carol. I’ve had it stashed away for a while and this just seemed like a perfect fit! :)

      Delete
  32. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowJuly 24, 2015 at 11:26 AM

    It's pretty AND sweet :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Judy at GoldCountryCottageJuly 24, 2015 at 1:26 PM

    Hi Kim. You are so right! That really is a sweet pillow and I love the fabric. I have just signed up to follow you by e-mail so will be checking in from time to time..Happy Friday..Judy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 25, 2015 at 8:57 PM

      Thank you, Judy! I am so glad you stopped by and liked what you saw here. I look forward to chatting in the comments! :)

      Delete
  34. TammiJuly 24, 2015 at 6:22 PM

    Love the pillow! I really like that it is an easy and quick process. I tend to lose interest if it is too complicated. I have made several pillows and used a brooch from my grandmother as the decoration. Pretty and sentimental at the same time. I can't wait to try this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 25, 2015 at 9:13 PM

      I bet your pillow is just gorgeous, Tammi. Plus, there's nothing better than a sentimental heirloom! :)

      Delete
  35. Marilyn @ MountainTopSpiceJuly 24, 2015 at 6:33 PM

    What an incredibly fun pillow, and it looks perfect for your amazing redone chair! I love how you take elements of things around you, and create something beautiful out of it! You are the REDO QUEEN in my eyes :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 25, 2015 at 9:17 PM

      Thanks! A title, huh? Not bad! I'll take it! I'm not sure I'm really all that deserving, though, they were very easy projects! ;)

      Delete
  36. Brenda PruittJuly 24, 2015 at 10:07 PM

    I've been so busy and missed this one till now. That pillow is just adorable! Pinned!
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 25, 2015 at 9:20 PM

      Thanks Brenda! You know I love getting pinned! ;)

      Delete
  37. Ronda@islandmotherJuly 25, 2015 at 11:12 PM

    Kim it's very cute and your very resourceful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 28, 2015 at 12:57 PM

      Thanks Ronda! I try! ;) I like a crafting challenge!

      Delete
  38. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseJuly 26, 2015 at 1:43 PM

    This is an adorable pillow!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 28, 2015 at 12:59 PM

      Thank you, Magali! I won’t let anyone use it yet! ;)

      Delete
  39. JaybirdJuly 27, 2015 at 12:22 PM

    OF COURSE I think it is absolutely beautiful!!!! You can't get any better than hearts and RED ;^)
    Have a great week,
    J

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 28, 2015 at 12:55 PM

      Thanks J! I really like this one, too! :)

      Delete
  40. UnknownJuly 27, 2015 at 4:19 PM

    Cute! No matter how you do it, do whatever works for you. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  41. KimJuly 28, 2015 at 8:22 AM

    I like the way you think, Kim! The way you do your pillow is my way, too. I am good at math, but I stink at getting the right exact measurements and a straight cut. I'm a bit sloppy that way. So I like how you did your's! Beautiful job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim July 28, 2015 at 12:54 PM

      Thank you! I always say, just don’t look too close to my seams and we’re all good! ;-)

      Delete
  42. My thrift store addictionAugust 7, 2015 at 11:23 AM

    I love this Kim--thrifty, cute and of course...SWEET!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim August 7, 2015 at 6:02 PM

      Thanks Cecilia! This was such an easy one! :)

      Delete
  43. HomeroadJanuary 26, 2019 at 6:33 AM

    Such a sweet little pillow and I love the way it matches the chair!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Linda at Mixed KreationsJanuary 27, 2019 at 11:15 AM

    What a beautiful pillow! Love the fabric and the eye candy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim February 14, 2019 at 9:11 PM

      Thanks Linda...I really like the material, too.

      Delete

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