How to Make a Pillow Case
A sewing project that is easy and fun to do is to make a pillowcase. Even if you're new to sewing or have years of experience, you'll enjoy making a pillowcase in many different fabrics and material designs. Handmade pillowcases are also wonderful gifts for all occasions. The following directions are for a set of two pillowcases.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Fabric 45 inches wide - 2 yards standard, 2 1/4 yards queen, 2 ½ yards king
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Straight pins
- Large sewing ruler or yardstick
- Fabric marking pencil
- Iron
- Lace or satin ribbon (optional)
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1
Decide on the pillowcase size that you want to make, and purchase the fabric and matching thread.
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2
Measure and cut the correct amount of fabric for the size pillowcase you are making. See "Tips" for the size fabric pieces you'll need for your pillowcase project.
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3
Fold the fabric piece in half lengthwise, with the finished side of the fabric on the inside. You will now have a long piece of folded fabric.
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4
Sew the fabric together along the long side and on one of the short ends. Turn the pillowcase so the right side is now facing out.
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5
Use a zigzag or serge stitch around the entire open end of the fabric to stop the edges from fraying. Make sure not to sew the top of the pillowcase closed.
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6
Make a ½-inch hem on the open side of the pillowcase, by folding the fabric down toward the inside of the pillowcase. Iron the hem flat and sew a straight stitch to keep the hem in place.
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7
Pin a four-inch hem that you have folded down toward the inside of the pillowcase. Sew around the bottom edge of the pillowcase, using top stitching, which is also called a straight stitch. Add lace or satin ribbon over the hem stitching if desired.
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1
Tips & Warnings
A standard size pillow case measures 21 by 32 inches. For one set of pillow cases, you will need two yards of fabric that is 45 inches wide.
A queen size pillow case measures 21 by 36 inches. For one set of pillow cases, you will need 2 1/4 yards of 45 inch wide fabric.
A king size pillow case measures 21 by 42 inches. For a set of pillowcases you will need 2 ½ yards of fabric that is 45 inches wide.
It is much easier to sew if you take the time to iron the hems.
Remember to always end your sewing with a backstitch.
Try to use natural fabrics for pillow cases, such as cotton, silk, or linen. These fabrics will feel better then rayon or polyester.
A nice personal touch to add to your pillow case is embroidery or applique. Sew this over the hem on the finished lippow case.
If you purchase fabric that think will shrink when washed, , buy a little more then you need and wash it before you make the pillow case. This will preshrink the material.
Always be very careful when using a hot iron.
