How to Sew a Pillow Case

Sewing a pillow case is one of the easiest crafts to do. They can be completed very quickly and extra embellishments will make it a wonderful personalized gift. They are a wonderful gifts for a wedding, housewarming party, teenagers birthday or for a first apartment. There are many fabrics to choose from. Purchase a design that will reflect the recipient style and they will appreciate the thoughtfulness. If making a vintage look pillow case, add recycled and reuse lace and trends from other loved textiles. These instructions are for a basic pillow case with a contrasting cuff.

Things You'll Need

• 1 yard fabric for pillow case body
• 1/4 yard fabric for contrasting cuff
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Straight pins
• Iron

Instructions

1. Cut two pieces 22 1/2 inches wide by 28 inches long from the pillow case body fabric.

2. Cut two pieces 8 1/2 inches wide by 22 1/2 inches long from the contrasting cuff fabric.

3. Place both body pieces on your work surface with right sides together and edges matching. Pin the two long sides and short ends together. Sew a 1/4-inch seam allowance on the two long sides and one short end. Sew an 1/8-inch seam allowance on the same two long sides and short end to reinforce the seam.

4. Place both pieces on your work surface with the right sides together. Pin the short ends together. Sew a 1/4-inch seam allowance on the two short ends of the cuff. Sew an 1/8 inch seam allowance on the same two ends to reinforce the seams.

5. Slip the cuff over the pillow case body. The pillow case is wrong side up and the cuff is also wrong side up. Match the raw edges and pin. Sew the cuff to the pillow case body using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Sew the cuff again using an 1/8-inch seam allowance to reinforce the seam.

6. Turn the pillow case right side out. Iron the cuff seam towards the cuff. Fold a 1/4-inch on the raw edge of the cuff to the wrong side and press.

7. Fold the cuff in half with the wrong sides together. Place the edge over the sewn seam where the pillow case body and cuff meet. Pin in place. Top stitch around the pillow case closing the cuff. Iron the pillow case.

Tips & Warnings

• Add any additional lace or trim to the top stitching on the pillow case cuff.