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Buttoned-Up Envelope Pillow Case TUTORIAL

Earlier this year I shared a super simple, easy envelope pillow case tutorial HERE.

Today, I am tweaking that tutorial by adding buttons!

It’s still simple, we are basically adding just a couple more steps, and your pillowcase won’t end up with a “wrong” or back side when you’re finished. Cool right?

The buttons also add a nice touch of texture and interest without a whole lot of effort.

The fabric I am using today comes from a new fabric company called Modern Yardage. They aren’t your typical fabric shop. They have a panel of designers who add new designs to their shop almost weekly. You choose the design you like AND the scale you like and they print it up for you in the quantity that you need.

Get 1/3 a yard of this, 2 yards of that all on the same piece of fabric…and they never run out of what you want. Get the same fabric in different scales, etc. I can picture this being a quilter’s dream (even though I’m not a quilter).

The finished fabric is still your typical 44 inch wide cotton, but it’s printed on 58 inch wide fabric, so you won’t lose any fabric to selvage or fraying. They also use the extra fabric space to add fun sneak peeks into up and coming designs as well as some freebie patterns from shops and bloggers you know and love. You can read more about their fabric HERE.

Oh and it’s pre-washed and pre-shrunk so you can start sewing once you get it! Plus, what you order is what you get. You don’t have to worry about shrinking!

Modern Yardage asked if I would create a tutorial using their fabrics. After browsing their site, I knew I had to say yes! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on their beautiful, unique stuff.
I chose the Laid Back in Black & Cream at a medium scale and the Teardrops in Black & Cream in large scale, both by the fabulous designer Karen Harris. I instantly gravitate toward most of her designs whenever I am browsing the site. I love her aesthetic!
If your aesthetic isn’t modern, they have designs to suit many styles. Go HERE to see more.
I love their selection, the uniqueness of the designs and really the whole printing process. My only caveat is that the printed fabric is more delicate in terms of washing. Expect to wash everything on gentle cycle to maintain the color fastness of the fabric. The black also prints up in a softer black than you find in dyed fabric. It’s not too noticeable, but be aware of it.
I had been wanting to do a buttoned-up pillowcase for a while and thought it was the perfect project to let these stunning fabrics shine.

Let’s get started.

MATERIALS

20″ pillow form
2/3 yard main fabric
1/2 yard contrasting fabric (*these fabric allowances are generous to account for shrinking – if you don’t use Modern Yardage fabric – and design flexibility when deciding which button panel you want for which fabric)
desired amount of buttons
matching thread
Please note: The measurements I share in this tutorial are for a 20 inch Ikea pillow form. Ikea pillow forms can be a little flatter than others, so I offer measurements for a finished pillow case that is about 19 inches by 19 inches so that it fits more snug. My original basic envelope pillow case tutorial shares a slightly looser pillow case. You can use those measurements if you prefer that look. Either should work fine.

 

CUT YOUR PILLOW PIECES

You need:
1- 19.5 x 19.5 inches (main)
1 – 16 x 19.5 inches  (main or contrasting)
1 – 11 x 19.5 inches (main or contrasting)
You decide which panel you want to be larger and more dominant.

You can also choose three different fabrics for more interest.

HEM THE BUTTON PANELS

Fold and iron under one long side 1.5 inches and then 1.5 inches again so that the raw edge is enclosed.
Repeat with the other panel.

Sew the hems down close to the edge of the tucked under folded edge.

ADD BUTTONS AND BUTTONHOLES

Decide the lay out of your buttons and which panel you want to overlap on top. Mark your buttonholes on the piece that is going on top.

Make sure they are evenly spaced and mark where they each need to go with a washable fabric pencil or marker.

Sew your buttonholes. Go HERE for a detailed tutorial on how to do this.
Cut your buttonholes open and line the panel up over the other button panel. You want just the hems to overlap. Measure it against your 19.5 x 19.5 inch piece if needed to make sure they match up in size.
Mark where the buttons need to go on the other panel. Sew on your buttons and we are ready to assemble the pillow!

 

ASSEMBLE PILLOWCASE

Button the two panels together.
Pin the buttoned pillow piece to the whole pillow piece right sides together.
Sew around the perimeter of the square with 1/2 inch seam allowance. Don’t leave any openings.
Finish the raw edges with a zig zag stitch or an overlock stitch (serger). You can clip the corners first if you are zig-zagging all the edges. This will help the corners lay flat when you turn it right side out. If you are using a serger this is not necessary.

Un-button the panels and turn your pillow case right side out.

Using a chop stick, a dull pencil or the end of a thin paintbrush work those corners so they are nice and flat.

Pop in your pillow, button it up and you are done!
Totally easy right? If you have been wanting to learn how to sew buttons and buttonholes, this is a great project to practice on!
I made another pillowcase using some black slub linen from JoAnn for the contrasting panel and some light, minty teal buttons from the Ribbon Retreat.
Then I found a baby to test drive them for me. 🙂

Yep. Snuggable, huggable and baby approved. 😉

And seriously, where else can I find awesome fabric like this!? I am so head over heels over that Tear Drop fabric especially.

Thank you for the lovely fabric Modern Yardage!
Disclaimer: Modern Yardage provided the fabric for this project, but my opinions are 100% my own.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  9. I also wanted to add that I think that is such a fun idea for the fabric shop! What great choices too. Would you think it is too stiff for little girl apparel? Also, wear did you get your swimsuit from? I loved it on you:).

    Reply

  13. amazing fabric choices and tutorial! Timely too, as I've always been scared of home dec projects but we have no pillows on our couch now.

    Reply

  14. I am SO glad I came across this tutorial !!!! I have been torn between 3 fabrics for pillows for our new motorhome and I really didn’t want to make a ton of pillows just to use them all ! TFS These are beautiful !

    Reply

  15. I have never made pillow covers. Going to try today after feeling confident from your tutorials. I was thinking this one could have the French seam all around it as well, like your other tutorial.

    Reply

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