Quick Pillowcase
Learning to make a pillowcase is a simple, beginner-friendly project which will open a world full of creative possibilities with your fabric & trim choices! Our tutorial provides information for three pillow sizes: Standard (Twin), Queen & King.
Difficulty Level: Easy
What you need:
Fabric Recommendations
Lightweight to medium weight woven fabrics such as:
Note: These recommendations are for a queen size pillow. Before buying fabric check the measurement chart.
Measurements
If you want to adjust the pillowcase you are creating to meet your pillow needs, follow this measurement guide to determine your cutting sizes.
| Measurement Chart | |
|---|---|
| Finished Pillowcase Measurements | |
|
Standard (Twin) Queen King |
20.5”L x 27.5”W (52cm x 70cm) 20.5”L x 31.5”W (52cm x 80cm) 20.5”L x 38.5”W (52cm x 98cm) |
| Fabric Requirements | |
| Standard (Twin) Main Fabric Cuff |
23.5” x 43.2” (59.5cm x 110cm) 11.2” x 43.2” (28.5cm x 110cm) |
| Queen Main Fabric Cuff |
27.5” x 43.2” (70cm x 110cm) 11.2” x 43.2” (28.5cm x 110cm) |
| King Main Fabric Cuff |
34.5” x 43.2” (87.5cm x 110cm) 11.2” x 43.2” (28.5cm x 110cm) |
| Fabric Strip for all sizes | 2.2” x 43.2” (5.5cm x 110cm) |
| Ribbon for all sizes | 43.2” (110cm) |
Tips before you start
- It’s a good idea to pre-wash and press your fabric before you start, especially with natural fibres due to shrinkage. However, some fabrics are not machine-washable, so follow the care instructions for your chosen fabric.
- Press using a pressing cloth to prevent damaging your fabric. Test your iron settings on a scrap piece of fabric before you start your project.
- On lightweight flowy fabrics, fabric weights work well, instead of pins, to hold your fabric down while you cut. A rotary cutter is also recommended for these types of fabrics.
- Decide on the size of your pillowcase before you cut and measure your fabric.
- Try sewing on a scrap piece of fabric before sewing your project pieces. Adjust your tension, stitch length, and needle type accordingly.
- The fabric strip can be substituted with fabric covered piping or ribbon.
Step 1: Cut Out Pieces
Cut out the main fabric, cuff and fabric strip (or ribbon) by following the measurement chart. Use a ruler and a rotary cutter or scissors.
Step 2: Iron Fabric in Half
Fold the width of the cuff and fabric strip in half and press with a hot iron.
Tip: If you are using ribbon as an alternative for the fabric strip, you can skip this step.
Step 3: Sandwich the Fabric
Lay the cuff out flat & right side up. (a)
Place the main fabric right side up on top of the cuff. (b)
Then, place the folded fabric strip on top. (c)
Note: The raw edges should be lined up together.
Step 4: Roll the Edge
On the opposite end of the main fabric, away from the layered raw edges, roll the edge toward the layered raw edges.
Step 5: Fold the Cuff Around
Fold the cuff around the rolled main fabric. You will be placing the cuff edge on top of the folded fabric strip which is placed on the raw edges of the layered fabric. Pin along the raw edge.
Step 6: Sew Along the Raw Edge
Sew 5/8" along the raw edge, through the layers, to make a tube shape. Backstitch at the beginning and end. Make sure you don’t sew the main fabric roll inside. Sew only the pinned edge.
Step 7: Turn the Tube Inside Out
Now that a tube has been created, reach inside and pull out the main fabric. This will turn the tube inside out. Unroll the main fabric to lay all fabric flat.
Step 8: Make a French Seam
Now that the fabric is laying flat, fold the fabric wrong sides together (a) so that the cuff is lined up perfectly. (b)
Pin (c) (d) and sew across the raw edges 3/8". (e)
Trim the seam allowance in half. (f)
Turn inside out so that right sides are together and fold along the seam. Finger press and pin along the seam. (g)
Stitch again, using a 1/4" seam allowance. This will encase the raw edge. (h)
Turn the fabric inside out and the pillowcase is complete! (i)
The Pillowcase is Complete!
Enjoy your new pillowcase! Pillowcases can be customized for any aesthetic! Have fun and be creative!
