How to Sew Crafts with Vintage Pillowcases

Embroidered Pillow Cases make great crafts

Embroidery takes some time to do, but you can sew craft items with pillow cases that are already embroidered. The hard work is already done, and with a little sewing, you can make finished crafts products to be proud of.

Vintage pillow cases can be put to good use, even if there is only one, or if part of the pillow case is damaged. You can recycle the embroidery into another useful product.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• pillow cases with embroidery
• sewing machine and sewing knowledge will help
• thread the color of the pillow cases

1. Make a laundry bag for a girl by adding a seam at the top about an inch above the existing seam to form a casing. Cut a slit at the side seam on the outside. Use cording for strings.

2. Embroidery on pillowcases is work already done

   Make a doll dress for a large doll by using the embroidered edge as the bottom hem. Cut the pillow case about half to three-fourths of the way down (depending on the size of the doll) and use the closed end to make a round double yoke for the dress. Sew the two yoke pieces together and turn. Gather the embroidered half onto the yoke. The hem and design are already in place. You can make a dress for a larger or smaller doll with a little imagination.

3. Your sewing projects can look great with pillow case embroidery

   Cut out the embroidery from a set of pillow cases and applique it onto a blouse or shirt, either with the sewing machine or by hand. You can also use it as embellishment on a sweatshirt. Be creative, and have some fun.

4. Make a purse with a pillowcase by using a purchased handle set. Sew the opening closed and use the embroidered portion of the pillow case for the front of the bag. Use the plain portion of the pillowcase for a lining for the purse so it is double fabric all around.

Tips & Warnings

• Create your craft project based on the pillow case or pillow cases you have. Fabric painted pillowcases are good, too, and whether you have one or two, you can see endless possibilities for crafts.

• copyright 2009 Linda Richard

• Let your imagination run wild.

Resources

• Sew a Purchased Blouse for Less Ironing
• Buy Binding and Fabric for Quilting Crafts
• Make a Fan Quilt Pattern
• How to Sew Yo-Yo Flower Quilting Crafts
• Make a Pattern for a Flower Garden Quilt
• Recycle: Sew Washcloths from Towels
• Make a Pillow from a Man's Shirt
• Analyze a Sewing Machine Problem
• How to Thread a Needle Correctly