Find yourself with a ton of pillowcases but not quite sure how to use them? Due to their size and shape, they’re actually really useful! All you need to do is follow the simple tutorial below on how to make a bag out of a pillowcase. With a few easy steps, you’ll have a brand new “new to you” bag that is actually used out of something not so new! (but that’ll be your little secret!)

Since this easy tutorial will show you how much fun it can be to upcycle a pillowcase and turn it into something useful, you just might find yourself doing this with more of your pillowcases as well. It’s really fun to make this simple craft and it’s actually a great one for beginners.

This project is also great for kids to join in on the sewing fun, too. They can make their own bag for books, toys, or a fun overnight bag to take with them to sleepovers. Just be certain that you’re helping with the sewing of this project in case there are any issues that need to be fixed. It’s also a really fun way to use up a cool pillowcase with a fun graphic or picture on it as well. The kids will love knowing that they have their pillowcase with them that they’ve rested on and slept with for years.

What You’ll Need:

HOW TO MAKE A BAG OUT OF A PILLOWCASE

I would suggest if the pillow case is not an old one that you wash and dry it first. This will help prevent any pulling on the stitches you sew when you wash and dry the pillowcase bag in the future.

Cut your pillowcase down to 14”x11”. I’ve found this is a good size for more items and books. Then, cut a 1.5” square from each bottom corner. This will give you bag box corners in a later step. Pin or clip along the sides and the bottom.

Time to sew! Using a ½” seam allowance, sew along the sides and the bottom. This is a pretty straightforward sewing project, perfect for beginners and children.

pinning to corners of the pillowcase bag

Next, you can make the box corners we talked about earlier by pinching the opening of the corners and lining up the seams. I’ve made this easier to see with the dotted lines in the photo above.

Using a ¼” seam allowance, sew the opening closed. The body of your bag is done! Now we just have to add the handles to your pillowcase bag.

For the straps, I used 1” pink grosgrain ribbon on top of 2” white grosgrain ribbon. I pinned them in place and using a ¼” seam allowance, sewed them in place on either side of the pink ribbon. You can use just the 2” ribbon on its own as well, I just added the pink ribbon to give the bag handles some variety.

To attach the ribbon straps, measure in 3” from each side and mark with your fabric marker. Pin the ribbon to the inside of the bag with the right side of the strap facing out. Repeat on the other side.

Sew into place with an “X”. This type of stitch will give your pillowcase bag handles the strength to hold up to the weight in the bag. You don’t want them coming off!

Using a pin, mark the middle of the bag to determine your snap placement. Adding a snap closure will help keep your stuff in the bag. I wish all my tote bags had this.

Following the directions in whatever kit you have and attach your snap to the bag. You’re done! Now you are ready to head to the library and use your new bag!

See how simple it is to make this simple pillowcase bag?! All you need are a few simple supplies and this easy tutorial and you’ll be able to make your own bag with ease.

What are some fun ways to use this simple pillowcase bag?

To be honest, there are so many ways that you can use this bag. You can make it and keep it for yourself or you can easily give it as a gift to others. Other fun ways to use this simple DIY bag is that you use it as a library bag, a bag for stuffed animals or a way to keep track of books and toys for the kids when you’re traveling in the car.

Is this pillowcase bag easy to care for?

This is one of the great reasons for this pillowcase bag. All you have to do is wash it like you would a regular pillowcase. You can turn it inside out just to be careful with it but besides that, there are no worries at all.

How long does this pillowcase bag take to make?

As long as you don’t have any distractions while making this simple bag, you can start and finish it within 30 minutes or less. And the more you make, the faster you’re going to get! It is a fun and easy sewing project because you are using a pillowcase that already has some of the seams in place.

Would this be considered an upcycle project?

It would! Anytime that you take something that is intended for one purpose and reuse it for something else, you’re basically upcycling it so that it lives to see another day. People typically do this with home decor projects as well as many different sewing projects, too.

If you liked how to make a bag out of a pillowcase, make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board or share it with friends on social media. If you decide to make this simple project on your own, make certain that you take a picture afterward and tag us on social media as we love seeing the fabrics and color choices that people use!

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How to make a bag out of a pillowcase

Wondering how to make a bag out of a pillowcase? We've got you covered! This easy tutorial will have you making your very own bag in no time! You finally have a use for those old pillowcases.

Active Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $5.00

Materials

Tools

Instructions

Cut your pillowcase down to 14”x11”. Cut a 1.5” square from each bottom corner. Pin or clip along the sides and the bottom.
Using a ½” seam allowance, sew along the sides and the bottom.
Make a box corner by pinching the opening of the corners and lining up the seams.
Using a ¼” seam allowance, close the opening.
For the straps, I used 1” pink grosgrain ribbon on top of 2” white grosgrain ribbon. I pinned them in place and using a ¼” seam allowance, sewed them in place on either side of the pink ribbon. You can use just the 2” ribbon on its own as well.
To attach the ribbon straps, measure in 3” from each side and mark with your fabric marker. Pin the ribbon to the inside of the bag with the right side of the strap facing out. Repeat on the other side.
Sew into place with an “X”
Using a pin, mark the middle of the bag. Determine your snap placement.
Following the directions, attach your snap to the bag.
Enjoy your new pillowcase bag!

How To Make A Bag Out Of a Pillowcase