The fabric used for this project was provided by Hoffman Fabrics and Karianne from Thistlewood Farms . Hoffman Fabrics sent me some of the fabrics and I have several projects to share with you. This is the first one. For my full disclosure policy, CLICK HERE.
I never use patterns for my sewing projects and I usually make the whole thing up as I go along. Okay I admitted it, and I feel better. I just figure it out as I am making it.
My pillow for this project is a 18″x18″. I decided to make an envelope (super easy) pillow cover so I cut one piece of fabric that was 18 inches by 46 inches. That way the fabric overlaps on the back and you don’t have to add a zipper or button. The pillowcase is removable for cleaning.
After I cut the fabric, I finished the edges on the short ends. Basically, I folded the end over 1/2 inch, pressed it, then folded it 1/2 inch again, and pressed it again. I finished it with a straight stitch. I repeated that process on the opposite end. Actually the selvage edge shown on the right (below) was not going to fray so I just folded it once. The other side I folded over twice.
Now I placed the fabric right side up. Then folded over the long sides. I folded the fabric so that the width of the pillowcase would be 17 inches.
I sewed a seam at the top and bottom 1/2 inch wide. The standard is 5/8″ but I always use 1/2″. That’s just me.
After sewing, I trimmed the threads, and turned it right side out.
For the vintage pillow part, I had this old pillowcase I wanted to use. It had apparently come apart, and so someone before me had cut it. I trimmed it some more so it was the right size for my project.
Then I sewed the opening closed making a small pillow case.
I put it on m pillow inside out. It was too loose. I pinched the edges and pinned those. After I took it off, I sewed where the pins were. See what I mean? I just make adjustments as I sew.
Now it fits snugly. Here is the pillow without the vintage piece.
And here it is with the vintage crocheted piece on top.
The colors on the pillow are so happy and cheery.
I have some fabric left over, so I will have to figure out what else I am going to make. I’ll be showing you how I made that little pillow and I have a lined tote bag project coming soon.
To purchase the fabric, CLICK HERE.
Remember every time you leave a comment you are entered to win my giveaway. For the fine print, click here.
I really like the addition of the vintage pillowcase top! I’ve made those super easy covers before but never thought to add the topper! Off to my stash and sewing machine!
Hi Anita, that is the sweetest pillow – the pattern on the blue fabric and the vintage topper is beautiful… I also enjoyed re-reading the dining room post…I love larger tables that do not have leaves…beautiful room ! When we downsized recently I insisted on a built in plate rack in my dining area…you were my inspiration ! A thousand thank you’s ……Smiles…Anne
I love this idea of using old linens. I have so many of my grandmother and I’m just getting ready to make some living room pillows for my new sectional. Thank you for sharing!
Grace, that sounds like such a special thing to do.
What a lovely pillow. I have just recently found your blog and look forward to your posts. Keep helping us all to add the beautiful French touch.
Thanks Pat, welcome, welcome.
Love all your pillows, but never thought to put a decorative edge on one. Have you ever added crochet cotton doilies / shapes? I have a few of those but would love to do something with them.
I have Jan. I love those old pieces.
I noticed another Wanda has already posted, but I promise, I’m a different person. I enjoy your blog, and ‘loved meeting you at The Compound. I was wondering if you are going to have a booth there next month?
Your pillow turned out beautiful! I love the blue color and the gorgeous vintage pillow case topper. It looks very designer- so pretty! You did a wonderful job!!!
I’ll be using a few of my mother’s hand crocked pillowcases to make some of your precious pillows very soon!
What a great idea Karen!!
love the pillow topper…it’s kinda like a necklace for a pillow!
I hadn’t thought of that Terri.
Anita…Your talents never cease to amaze me…your pillows are so lovely!
Smiles
Victoria Silva
I love the way the pillow turned out! The pillowcase topper is a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Deb.
I Love the way you made your Envelope Pillow Case with just one piece of Fabric, Love this idea!!!
Thanks!!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your pillow!!! What a cute idea! Thank you for the tutorial! It’s so easy to understand.
Love your style for a Vintage look! I have some very old fabric that I really haven’t thought about in a long time……….My next project beckons!
Yes Donna.
Love the cute pillow!
Such a great idea for a pillow case that has stains and torn on the body of the case but the edging is good. Thanks for Sharing! I have a twin to Your edging. I have followed you for a long while but my first time to comment.
Joyce, you are so kind to say hi. Thank you.
Oh I love your sweet pillow. I love to use vintage linens for projects. I made a chair cover from my mother-in-law’s old bedspread and think of her everyday when I see it. Thank you for sharing and for the very nice giveaway.
thank you for sharing this pillow idea. I have several old pillow cases with beautiful crochet edges, but the rest of the case fabric doesn’t look so good. What a great way to save the good parts of them and make them into something even more beautiful!
I love saving old vintage pieces Terry.
Love the blue fabric and your vintage piece.
Thank you Carolyn.
I have been thinking of making some fall pillow covers like these to cover my summer pillows on my porch. Had not thought to use the vintage pillow cases like you did, but have several and will be copying you (for inside). Love your style!! Hope you are staying cool in this Houston heat!
Copy away Lynn.
I love “recycling” the old and giving it a new fresh look!
Me too Jan.
Love your blog…awesome giveaway!
Thanks Rachel!
Hi Anita..Even I can sew straight lines..thank you..I will send you a pic of my finished pillows..so pretty
I hope you do Shirley.
Lovely color combo and what a great way to reuse something with perhaps a memory attached to it.
What a cute way to add charm to a new or existing pillow!! I have a lot of vintage pillowcases that I’ve found here and there…some are damaged and I think this is a perfect way to give them a new life!
It works very well Jen.
I gotta go check out that fabric ,,,so pretty ..Thanks for the great article.
Hi Anita… love this idea. I am on a seriously limited budget and it is so refreshing to see projects that don’t require a ton of money. I actually think it forces a person to be more creative. I love the older pieces our grandmothers owned but I don’t want my home to look out-dated. Using bits of things from a bygone era is a great way to see things in a fresh light. I enjoy your talents. I haven’t received a copy of your book from my library yet (a previous comment) but I am really looking forward to reading it.
Looks like something I could do! Can’t wait to give it a try
It’s SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for creating the project!
You are so talented!
Happy day friend!
karianne
I love this simple pillow cover, make it all the time.
Don’t think you can have to many throw pillows…
I love that the pillow is so easy to make–you have inspired me to try some. Yours turned out so pretty, especially with its little jacket. I also have some old, embroidered pillowcases. I’m excited to see what I can make with them.
The topper is a great idea I am going to try. I love love old linens period! The blue fabric on the pillow is pretty, too. Thanks!
The vintage piece elevates that pillow from “sweet” to WOW”! I have several pieces of vintage crochet, and now I know what I’m going to do with them. Thanks!