Improv Quilted Pillow Covers

Pillow covers can be such quick, satisfying projects. The improv quilted pillows have certainly proven to be just that.

After I trimmed and squared up the fronts, I made a simple envelope style back.

I had only purchased one yard of the circle fabric so I didn’t have quite enough to make the entire back out of it, but I did have a 22”X24” scrap of the beachy fabric that was leftover from making this and this to make the upper half of the envelope back.

The beachy fabric was cut into two pieces 12”X19” (one for each pillow.) Then I cut 2 pieces of the circle fabric 14”X19”. I sewed each of those onto lining fabric cut the same size, folded them wrong sides together then pressed and top stitched the folded edge.

Next, it was a simple matter of pinning the three pieces right-sides together and sewing all the way around the four sides  (see the quick tip at the bottom of this post.)

Then I turned them right sides out, inserted the pillow forms to check to see if it fit the way I wanted it to.

The pillows weren’t quite a full as I like pillows to be, so I removed the insert, turned them wrong side out and sewed them another ½” smaller all the way around, trimmed the seams to ¼” then turned them right side out once more. This time before inserting the pillow forms I gave them a good pressing on both sides.

I really like how the improv quilting turned out.

This is the first time I’ve used the envelope style for the back of the pillows covers. Usually if I’m making a removable cover, I make a concealed zippered back. I have to say that I much prefer the more fitted look that is achieved by having a zipper closure.

But for ease and speed or for those who don’t like inserting zippers, the envelope style back would be a good option.

Quick Tip:  When pinning the back pieces to the front, place the upper half right-side down first and the then lower half right-side down on top of that.   This will make sure that everything is in it’s proper place after you’ve turned the pillow cover right-side out.

As well, if you have measured and cut the pieces big enough, they will overlap by at least a few inches.

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