As seasons change it always has me wanting to freshen things up around the home or RV. I was making the bed this morning I realized that two of our pillowcases had holes in them. This inspired me to change up our pillowcase and share with you how to sew a pillowcase tutorial. As with all my projects choose a fabric that goes with your tastes or decor. The best part is since you are sewing them you can always make a few sets and change it up when you want to. I always try to have extra pillowcases anyways for when guests visit.
There are different types of pillowcases you can make but this one is my go-to pattern for a pillowcase as it is fast and really easy. There are more complex pillowcase patterns but for this first sewing tutorial, I wanted to keep it simple enough a beginner can sew it easily. Let me show you how to sew a pillowcase in a matter of fifteen minutes.
Supplies for Sewing a Pillowcase
- Fabric of your choice (cotton and flannel are great choices!) Buy a little over a yard to ensure you’ll have a full yard after squaring your fabric
- Thread
- Scissors
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Sewing Pins
- As with most sewing projects you will need an iron, ironing board, and sewing machine.
Outside of the yard of fabric, you are wanting to use for the pillowcase, you should have everything else on hand. Some of us may even have the yard of fabric but if not it gives you a great reason to run to the store or shop online to grab the cute pillowcase fabric you will want.
How to Sew a Pillowcase
The first thing you will want to do when sewing a pillowcase this way is to wash, dry, and iron the fabric you have decided to use. This will ensure you have a clean and crisp material to work with. Plus when you pre-wash and dry it, the fabric won’t be shrinking and pulling causing issues later.
Now you will need to cut your fabric into a 36″ to 41″ or 42″ rectangle. This will be much easier if you have the right materials from the material list.
In this step in how to sew a pillowcase, you will need to choose one of the long sides, fold the fabric down 1/2″ and press well.
Next, along the same (now folded) side, fold the fabric down 4″ and press well.
The next step in how to sew a pillowcase is to stitch along the folded edge. This will be where the ½” fold is under the 4” fold. You’ll want to stitch close to the folded edge, with between 1/8” and ¼” inseam. This creates the folded open cuff of the pillowcase.
Now you will want to create a French seam to encase the raw edges inside of the pillowcase. Fold your fabric with the wrong sides together (right sides out). Pin along the raw edges.
Stitch along your pinned edges with ¼” inseam. You’ll be sewing along the raw edges, which will be in an “L” shape.
As we continue in our how to sew a pillowcase tutorial, you will carefully snip off the corners of the fabric to allow for easier pressing of corners.
Now you will want to fold the pillowcase inside out and press the newly sewn edges. Pin a few times to hold if desired.
We are most of the way through the sew a pillowcase project and need to stitch around the previously sewn “L” shape with ¼” inseam.
We are almost done just one more step to go! Go ahead and turn the pillowcase right side out and press around all edges for crisp folds. Now you just have to insert your favorite pillow into the pillowcase and give it a test run, or should I say nap. I love how this sewing project came out.
Now you have a completely custom and new pillowcase that you created yourself! It will take a little bit of time and effort but it will be worth it to have this sewing project complete. Plus it is custom to your tastes and a lot cheaper to buy the fabric and make it than to spend more money on a pre-made pillowcase.
If you loved this how to sew a pillowcase tutorial, be sure to pin it to your favorite sewing projects board on Pinterest! If you make the pillowcase make sure to tag us on social media so we can see the fabric you use.
How to Sew a Pillowcase
Want to learn how to sew your own pillowcase? We will show you step-by-step how to make your own pillowcase using a yard of fabric and materials you may have laying around the house.
Materials
- Fabric - 1 Yard of your choosing
- Coordinating thread
- Sewing Pins
Instructions
- Wash, dry and iron fabric.
- Cut your fabric so that it is a 36” x 41” or 42” rectangle.
- Along one long side, fold the fabric down ½” and press well.
- Along the same (now folded) side, fold the fabric down 4” and press well.
- Stitch along the folded edge. This will be where the ½” fold is under the 4” fold. You’ll want to stitch close to the folded edge, with between 1/8” and ¼” inseam. This creates the folded open cuff of the pillowcase.
- You will want to create a French seam to encase the raw edges inside of the pillowcase. Fold your fabric with the wrong sides together (right sides out). Pin along the raw edges.
- Stitch along your pinned edges with ¼” inseam. You’ll be sewing along the raw edges, which will be in an “L” shape.
- Carefully snip off the corners of the fabric to allow for easier pressing of corners.
- Fold the pillowcase inside out and press the newly sewn edges. Pin a few times to hold if desired.
- Stitch around the previously sewn “L” shape with ¼” inseam.
- Turn pillowcase right side out. Press around all edges for crisp folds.
- Insert a pillow into your new case and enjoy it!
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This was perfect!! I was looking for a pattern with a french seam plus a cuff and since it was my first project in 12 years, I wanted very specific instructions!