How to Make a Pillowcase With an Opening on the Back

Pillowcases with an opening on the back are perfect for covering throw pillows or for making decorative pillow shams. This technique works best for square or rectangular pillows. You can buy inexpensive pillows and cover them or buy pillow forms at a fabric stores. For the pillowcases, you can use a simple cotton fabric (or even cut up old sheets) or fabric that's especially made for home decor. Unless the fabric is dry clean only, make sure to wash, dry and iron it before sewing the pillowcase.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pillow or pillow form
• Measuring tape
• Fabric
• Matching thread
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Sewing machine

How to Make a Pillowcase with an Opening on the Back

1. Measure the width of the pillow or pillow form from one side seam to the other. Measure the height of the pillow or pillow form from the top seam to the bottom seam.

2. Add 1 inch to each of these measurements for seam allowance and design ease.

3. Cut a piece of fabric using the dimensions from Step 2. For example, if the pillow measures 18 inches square, cut the fabric 19 inches square. This will be the front of the pillowcase.

4. Cut a piece of fabric the same width as the pillowcase front, but 2 inches taller. Then cut the fabric in half widthwise. These pieces will be the pillowcase back.

5. Hem the top edge of one piece of the pillowcase back by folding it over 1/2 inch toward the wrong side of the fabric, then folding it over another 1/2 inch. Press the folds flat, then stitch them in place using matching thread. Do the same for the bottom edge of the other piece of the pillowcase back.

6. Lay the pillowcase front with the fabric right side up, and place the pieces of the pillowcase back right side down on top of it, lining them up along the outer edges, so that the hemmed edges of the pillowcase back overlap by about 1 inch.

7. Pin the outer edges of the pillowcase front and backs together, then stitch around the edges of the pillowcase.

8. Turn the pillowcase right side out and insert the pillow or pillow form through the opening in the back.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to add decorative trim around the edges of the pillowcase, you can pin it between the front and back of the pillowcase before sewing them together.
• Use caution when working with scissors, pins, irons and sewing machines.