DIY: Velvet Cross Pillow Cover

I’ve been itching to update a few pillows around our house and wanted to start with our beloved white couch which now resides in the master bedroom.  This giant cross (or plus sign?  not sure) is a simple but classic design, so I thought I’d share with you all.  It’s just like piecing a quilt, but if you’ve never pieced a quilt it might seem a little intimidating–but it’s super easy once you have the math figured out.  Also, we had some chairs recovered shortly before we left San Antonio in a beautiful navy velvet and I’ve been wanting to use some of the left over velvet in a project.  I really love how this pillow came out!  Also, I’m loving navy and black these days and remember when that combo was a big fashion no-no growing up, but now it’s so sleek.

This is a 20×20 pillow cover.
For the front you’ll need:
1 8 1/2″x20″ fabric for the cross
2 8 1/2″x6 1/4″ fabric also for the cross
4 6 1/4″x6 1/4″ fabric for the corners
For the back (not pictured):
2 20″X13″ fabric in the same color as the corner pieces

1.  Sew 2 of the corner pieces to the top and bottom of each of the smaller cross pieces,  by placing the right sides together and lining up the 6 1/4″ sides.  (If using velvet, pin this mother good…that stuff gets really shifty under a sewing machine unless you have double feed dogs.  I should have used my serger.  Still turned out well though.)
2.  After you have both of those pieces sewn together, sew each one on either side of the long cross piece.  Again place right sides together, line up the sides and pin, then sew.  **If using velvet it’s important you make sure the nap is going the same way.  Simply brush your hand over the velvet to feel for the nap and place all the pieces so they’re going the same direction.**
3.  Now the front should be finished.  Next take the two 20″x13″ pieces and sew them on the sides.  Again, place right sides of fabric together, pin and sew.
4.  The final step before making the envelope part of the pillow case is taking the two short edges and ironing a 1/4″ seam, then sewing.