Pillowcase Tutorial

Pillowcase Tutorial

Pillowcases make excellent gifts and can be sewn up quickly for those last minute gifting needs.  

Supplies needed for 1 pillowcase.  

  • 27" by width of fabric, w.o.f.,  ( 3/4 yd) of fabric for body of pillowcase for standard size case.  You will need 30" for queen or 35" for king.
  • 2" strip by w.o.f.  of accent fabric
  • 9" by w.o.f. for the band
  • thread
  • sewing machine

 

Once you have your fabric cut, measure each strip to make sure they are the same width from selvage to selvage.  Trim the selvages off and even them up to the same widths.  This is important for sewing the band in place.  

After all pieces are trimmed to the same width, sew with a zig-zag stitch, overcast stitch or serge the side and bottom of the body.  Go back and sew a straight stitch 3/8" from edge.

Now iron the accent strip and band pieces in half.  Sew the short ends of each strip together making sure to sew 3/8" seam allowance.  Overcasting or zig-zag stitching these seams isn't necessary as they will be enclosed.  

Fold and iron in half again and place one looped strip inside the other as shown.  Make sure to match up the seams on each strip and place the raw edges together.

With the body of the pillowcase inside out, tuck the band and accent strip inside the pillowcase as shown, being sure to place the seams of the band and accent strip against the seam of the pillowcase body.  Pin in place all the way around making sure the raw edges of the band, accent strip and body are all lined up.

Sew with a zig-zag or overcast stitch, or serge all the way around.  Go back with a straight stitch 3/8" from edge to secure.  

Turn inside out and use a pencil or chop stitch to push the corners out.  You can top stitch with a coordinating thread color to keep the accent strip in place and to give a more finished look.  The whole project takes about half an hour and will be a well loved gift.  

I love to package them with this sweet card and topper set similar to what is shown below.  It really makes the pillowcase gift special.