How to Sew a Pillowcase
Pillowcases are one of the easiest and most inexpensive methods to do this. Making your own pillowcases is a great way to save money. When it comes to creating pillowcases, there are a lot of options.
Table of Contents
How to Make Pillow Cases: Supplies, Tools & Materials
Supplies
To create your own pillowcase, you’ll need the following sewing supplies.
Tools
- A ruler or a measuring tape.
- Something to mark the cloth when measuring, such as a fabric marker or marking pencil is recommended.
- A cutting instrument, such as a pair of scissors or a rotary cutter, to cut the fabric.
- A flat iron.
- A sewing machine.
Materials
- Cloth in the following sizes: 3 pieces of fabric in each of the following sizes:
- A piece of fabric measuring at least 27″ x 40″ will be required for the main body of your pillowcase.
- It is necessary to use cloth that is at least 9 inches by 40 inches in order to make the cuff.
- A piece of cloth measuring at least 2″ × 40″ will be needed for the ornamental trim on the table.
- Colored thread that coordinates with the fabrics you’ve selected
You should have all of your materials ready by now, so you can begin making your pillowcase.
Instructions: How to Make a Pillowcase
Decide on the fabric you want
There are three sections to your pillowcase:
- This is the bulk of the structure.
- Wrap the opening with the cuff.
- The embellishment.
All three parts may be made from the same fabric. Alternately, you may make the body of the pillowcase from one patterned fabric and the cuff and trim from two solid-colored fabrics that go well with one other. Maybe you’d prefer to experiment with a different mix.
Cut your fabric pieces
To create a pillowcase, cut out three pieces of cloth. The following are the dimensions:
- The main body is made from a 27″ x 40″ piece of fabric.
- cuff: 9 inches by 40 inches of fabric.
- The trim fabric is 2 inches wide by 40 inches long.
Make sure that your trim fabric is ready to go
Place the trim fabric right side down on a flat surface. This means that the side of the pillowcase that you want to be seen after it’s done should be facing down.
The trim cloth should be folded in half lengthwise, then ironed to remove any wrinkles. You’ll end up with a 40-inch-long piece of cloth that’s 1 inch wide.
Combine the trim fabric with the fabric for the cuffs
Place the cuff fabric right side up on a flat surface. In this situation, the side that you want to be displayed after the pillowcase is done is facing upwards.
The cuff fabric should be placed on top of the trim fabric strip. Using pins, connect the raw edges of the trim and cuff fabrics, each measuring 40 inches.
To add the third piece of fabric
Lay the cuff/trim combination on top of the fabric you’ll be using for the main body of the pillowcase. Right-side-up fabric is what you’re after.
Check that all three pieces of fabric have 40-inch raw edges that line up. After that, use pins to join the three pieces of cloth.
Wrap your cloth in a sleeve
As you roll up the main fabric piece, begin at the bottom and work your way to the very top. Consider rolling the dough into cinnamon buns if it helps.
Stop rolling when you get to the center of the cuff cloth.
Take the cuff fabric’s bottom border and wrap it around the roll.
Allowing for a 3/8″ seam allowance, align the fabric’s top and bottom edges and pin them together.
At this point, your product should resemble a 40-inch-long burrito made of cloth.
Sew the raw edges of the cuff fabric with a 3/8″ seam allowance in mind.
Pull out the roll
Pull the cuff on the “fabric burrito” back to reveal the roll within at one of the open ends. Pull the roll out one piece at a time.
Correct after the roll is liberated, lay it down on a level surface with the right side facing up. When you’re done pressing the cuff and trim, do so with your iron.
Get ready to stitch
Right-side down, place your unfinished pillowcase on a flat surface.
Fold the piece in half, so that the “wrong sides” face each other, and you’re done.
Set the 27-inch rough edges in place. Make sure the cuff and trim seams are aligned. Make sure the trim fabric on the upper half of the garment is placed squarely on top of the lower half’s trim fabric at the absolute least.
Press all three pieces of cloth to remove any creases if desired.
Using a 14-inch seam allowance, pin the two sides together, making sure to leave enough space.
Pin the raw edges together at the bottom of your unfinished pillowcase, but leave a 14-inch seam allowance.
Sew the pillowcase closed
While keeping that 14 inch seam allowance in mind, stitch the raw edges of your pillowcase on both the side and the bottom together.
Lastly, and certainly not least, is this optional step. The two bottom corners of the pillowcase may be trimmed off to save space. Make diagonal cuts using a well-polished cutting tool. Also, avoid cutting the threads.
Make your pillowcase to completion
Invert the pillowcase so that the right side is facing out. Then, using your finger, gently push out the bottom corners of the pillowcase.
The seams should be pressed with an iron.
Once you’ve done that, stitch a line down the middle of the pillowcase. To finish the pillowcase, repeat the process.
Stitch the pillowcase’s sides and bottom, allowing 12″ seam allowance.
Finally, flip the pillowcase over so that the side you want everyone to view is on the outside. Also, give the seams one more thorough push with your iron.
And that’s all there is to it. This is the end of the process for your new, personalized pillow case.
It’s likely to be just the beginning. Because it’s difficult to quit making your own pillowcases once you discover how simple it is.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How much material do you need to make a pillowcase?
In order to accommodate fill depth, seaming, and an estimated 4-inch hem, a completed standard pillowcase should measure about 22.5 inches by 31.5 inches when done. If the fabric is pre-shrunk, one yard of 45-inch-wide cloth should be sufficient to produce one standard case, according to the manufacturer.
What kind of cloth is used to make pillowcases?
In terms of fabric choices for a pillowcase, there are just a few conventional alternatives. Known for being soft and breathable, cotton may frequently provide the appearance of a high-end product while being reasonably priced. Microfiber and polyester are additional low-cost and wrinkle-resistant fabrics to choose from. Opt for silk or linen for a more opulent look and feel.
What is the best way to create a pillowcase without using a sewing machine?
To make a burrito out of your already-covered pillow (or pillow form), all you need is fabric from a craft shop. Then you just take a piece of cloth and lay the cushion in one of the corners before wrapping and tying it.
How much fabric do I need for 2 standard pillowcases?
A total of 2 yards (1.9 meters) of fabric for standard and queen size pillowcases (20′′ x 30′′) is required to construct two pillowcases. Two king size pillowcases (20 x 40) may be made using 2.5 yards (2.3 meters) of cloth.
What are the measurements for a standard pillowcase?
Generally, standard pillow sizes are 20″ x 26,” and standard queen pillow sizes are 20″ x 28.”
