I have made them with and without the iron on pellon. I prefer to made pillow covers so they can be removed for laundering. I made one for my grandson from his favorite shirt which he had outgrown without the iron on so it would be nice and soft. I used the back of the shirt for the pillow backing and inserted a zipper so it would stay securely closed. He loved it and carried it with him to college for his dorm. When I made one with the iron on I secured the opening with velcro. Good luck which ever way you choose.