How to Pin Flanges on a Pillow Case

Flanges are decorative fabric borders that look great on throw pillows for the living room or bedroom. You can add flanges to any pillowcase, but they work especially well with pillow shams that open in the back. You can make the flanges from the same color fabric as the pillowcase, or use a contrasting or complimentary fabric to help accent or tie in other colors in the room. If you like, you can also sew a decorative ribbon or trim to the edges of the flanges for an extra finishing touch.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pillowcase or sham
• Fabric
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Iron
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Ribbon or trim (optional)

Cut the Flanges

1. Measure the height and width of the pillowcase. For example, 12 inches by 18 inches.

2. Cut two strips of fabric that are 7 inches wide and 7 inches longer than the height of the pillowcase. For example, 7 inches by 19 inches.

3. Cut two strips of fabric that are 7 inches wide and 7 inches longer than the width of the pillowcase. For example, 7 inches by 25 inches.

4. Fold each long edge of each strip 1/4 inch toward the wrong side of the fabric. Press the folded edges to hold them in place.

5. Fold each strip of fabric in half lengthwise and iron it flat.

6. Cut the short ends of each strip at a 45 degree angle.

Pin the Flanges to the Pillowcase

7. Unfold one short strip and one long strip and place them right sides together, lining up the notches in one end.

8. Sew the strips together along the notch using 1/4 seam allowance.

9. Sew the other short strip to the other end of the long strip the same way.

10. Sew the remaining long strip to the ends of the short strips.

11. Refold the flanges in half, with the seams on the inside, and press the flanges flat again if needed. The flanges should form a rectangle like a picture frame.

12. Overlap the open edges of the flanges with the edges of the pillowcase. (If you are using a pillowcase that opens on one end rather than in the back, overlap the flange on that side with the top layer of the pillowcase only, so that you don’t pin the pillowcase shut.)

13. Pin the flanges to the edges of the pillowcase. Make sure you catch both the front and back of the flange in each pin.

Tips & Warnings

• Now that the flanges are pinned in place, they’re ready to be topstitched to the pillowcase.
• A quilting ruler can give you a guide for cutting fabric at a 45 degree angle. Or, look online for directions for sewing mitered corners.
• Always use caution when working with sewing machines, irons and sharp objects such as scissors and pins.