How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | i should be mopping the floor
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How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover

This shop and tutorial for a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. 
All opinions are mine alone. #FreeToBe #CollectiveBias

I'm super excited about this tutorial today, y'all. I made two of these Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Covers and can't wait to make a few more (I have big plans for some holiday ones, too). Check out the entire process below...it's very simple to duplicate.

How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.

How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
The beauty of an envelope pillow cover is that it doesn't have to be sewn closed by hand...and it's easy to take it on and off of the pillow form for washing. I actually didn't even use a pillow form for mine...I used old throw pillows that I had on hand already. These are perfect for changing out the look of your decor seasonally. Using a drop cloth for the fabric makes them quite budget-friendly, too. Check them out below.

How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
Like I said, I totally couldn't stop at just one...these are addictive to make. 

How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
Supplies to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover:
  • standard canvas drop cloth
  • thread to match (a khaki thread worked well for me)
  • heat transfer vinyl or a precut heat transfer object (these are widely available at craft stores and online craft/maker websites)
Not pictured (but also needed):
  • throw pillow to cover or pillow form
  • straight pins
  • sewing machine
  • scissors
  • iron
  • measuring tape

How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
I started by washing my drop cloth with all® free clear liquid detergent. My son and I deal with a whole slew of allergies. Being able to wash pillow covers (and all of our linens and clothing) is essential this time of the year...especially with a detergent that helps to remove allergens from the fabric*.

You'll want to prewash your drop cloth to also prevent shrinking later. Drop cloths do tend to shrink up in their initial wash, so don't skip this step. If you get your pretty pillow cover all put together without initially washing the drop cloth, it would shrink the first time you washed it and not fit back onto your pillow or pillow form (sad face). 

How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
I keep all® free clear liquid, as well as all® free clear mighty pacs® within reach for all of our wash loads for those of us with allergy issues in the house. Actually, all® free clear is the #1 detergent recommended by dermatologists, allergists, and pediatricians for those with sensitive skin. Even thought it's gentle, all® free clear still fights tough stains, whitens whites, and brightens colors beautifully. Using all® free clear in the laundry helps to remove 99% of the top everyday and seasonal allergens*, pet dander, dust mite matter, ragweed pollen, and grass/tree pollen.
*This detergent is not intended to treat or prevent allergies.
How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
I have a sanitize cycle on my machine, so I like to run my drop cloths through using that. My drop cloths are often sitting in the garage for a bit...before they're destined to be covered in paint or sewn into something fun. Washing them on sanitize, as well as with all® free clear liquid, is a great way to ensure their cleanliness before starting a project.


How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.

How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
I grabbed my all® free clear liquid, as well as all® free clear mighty pacs® at Target.

How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
Directions:
If you're using an existing pillow, measure from seam to seam and add one inch for a seam allowance. My pillow is that nice, fluffy kind so I needed that seam allowance. If you prefer a taught pillow cover, you can just use your measurements for your drop cloth cuts.

My pillow was 22", so I used 23" for my cuts.

Be sure to dry and then iron the entire drop cloth before making your cuts.


How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
Cut one square to the dimension I mentioned above (I cut a 23" square, based on my pillow size and seam allowance).
For your two back pieces, you will first take your initial measurement and add 6 to it. So, for me, it was 22"+6", equalling 28". Then divide that in half (14). So, my two back pieces were 14"x23". If you'd like your flaps a little longer, you may add an inch to that smaller number. Don't make the flaps too long or you will have a hard time getting your pillow into the cover.


How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
Take one side of each of your back flaps and sew a 1/4" hem. I did this by ironing out a 1/2" seam and then, tucking it under itself to make the 1/4" seam (I pressed it into the 1/4" seam before sewing). Folding it twice gives you a really nice, clean edge. I just used the basic stitch on my machine here. Again, you'll do this on one of the long sides of both of the back flaps.


How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
After those two smaller pieces each have the 1/4" hem on them, lay them down onto your larger square. You'll lay the square first. Then one of the smaller pieces with the hem towards the middle of the square gets laid down and aligns with the bottom of the larger square. The other piece is laid on top (hem side towards the middle of the larger square) and lined up with the top part of the larger square. 


How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
Use straight pins to pin all the way around.

How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
Sew around the entire perimeter, removing the pins as you go.

How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
Ta da! Turn this inside out to see your completed pillow cover.

How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
To apply the heat transfer object, be sure to follow the directions on the type of product you purchased for this. I like to warm up my fabric before applying the heat transfer to it.


How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
My particular heat transfer didn't call for a piece of fabric between my cover sheet and the iron, but some do (again, read your packaging directions...I have messed this up before and ruined either a fabric creation or a good iron). Apply your object and then peel off your backing.


How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
Allow the pillow to cool after you transfer the object to it. Then stuff your pillow inside.

How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
I'm seriously so in love with these pillows! 

How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
They look great paired up with a nice fall throw.

How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
Again, don't forget to remove your pillow covers and wash them often with all® free clear. It's so nice to be able to enjoy loads of cozy fabrics this time of the year without the worry of allergens and yuckies trapped in them! I wash all of our throws, blankets, and bedding at least once a week with all® free clear on the sanitize setting, especially during allergy season.

For more great ideas using all® free clear, click here. And don't forget to input your name here for that awesome coupon for all® free clear products.


How to Make a Drop Cloth Envelope Pillow Cover | Simple beginning sewing project with step-by-step photo tutorial. These pillow covers are perfect to give ordinary pillows a festive look for the holidays.
Speaking of allergens, *someone* had to get in on this photo shoot. 
She's a big part of the reason we have allergies, but we love her!





14 comments:

  1. Those pillows are so dang cute! I need to get more fall decorations for my apartment, I just moved in and have absolutely nothing to decorate with for fall! I love the pumpkin outline!

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  2. I am in love! Throw pillows are such a simple way of changing out decorations for the season. I love the neutral look of the drop cloth with the added punch of the heat transfer design. The pumpkin design is super cute!

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  3. We don't have All in Denmark, but I totally miss it from my US days... it got out even the most impossible stains, and the Free version was awesome for my asthma and allergies. I adore those pillows! I'll be moving soon, so I've pinned this idea for mhy new place, thanks for an awesome idea.

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  4. Your doggie is adorable! Definitely worth being allergic..haha. I love envelope pillows too. They're great because you can throw them in the wash without the inserts. I love the patterns you chose to transfer to the cloth.

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  5. I use all to launder all of our fabrics, too! Great idea to make covers - less to store and makes it easy for seasonal decor! #client

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  6. I love it...the leaf (I'm Canadian), the leopard print, and the colours!! And on a side note, I can't get over the pic of your dog, lol!! Would you believe I gave the sewing machine away that was left in pout house when we moved in?!? Bad mistake!

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  7. I was not a fan of gold until recently. My Happy Planner has it on some of the pages and now I am in love with the color. I can't wait to make me a gold lined pumpkin pillow.

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  8. Such great ideas. I love doing crafts and I will be sharing this with my mother. She loves to sew everything and make things from scratch. Great ideas to change the look of your home. Im allergic to just about about everything so I love detergents that are free of scents.

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  9. Love this DIY because there are just so many you could make and I love metallic colors! I recently learned a similar quick hack using velcro to make the pillows since I don't have a sewing machine.

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  10. Love the way these pillows came out and the leopard leaf is so unexpected!
    Kate | TheOrganizedDream.com

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  11. Now this is a DIY article that's timely! Thanks for sharing these easy to follow steps. I have some covers that need designing ;)

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  12. What an awesome DIY project! I love this! So fun and simple, it seems like the perfect project when you have a few hours to kill! I'll definitely be trying this out to add to my fall decor! Love All detergent too! Great post! -Jennifer

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  13. I love your pillows and the patterns are lovely. So creative and I enjoyed visiting your lovely blog. I would love it if you would share this awesome post at a link party I am co-hosting. I hope to see you there. Have a great week.
    http://diy180site.blogspot.com/2016/10/dishing-it-and-digging-it-link-party-116_2.htmle

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  14. Hey Kristi! Here I go again! I love this idea. It's one of my features for the upcoming Funtastic Friday Link Party. Thank you for linking up.

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