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Three examples of different pillowcases laid out.
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How To Sew A Pillowcase For Any Occasion

This DIY pillowcase tutorial will teach you how to make a pillowcase with a contrasting band for any style, season or for a personalized gift for someone special.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Simple Homemaking
Keyword: DIY pillowcase, how to sew a pillowcase, sewing tutorial
Yield: 1
Author: thirdblessedfarmhouse

Equipment

  • Rotary Cutter Set (Cutting Mat, Ruler & Rotary Cutter)
  • OR Fabric Shears & Ruler to measure
  • Fabric Shears
  • Sewing Machine

Materials

  • 25 inches 45 width cotton/cotton blend fabric for a standard pillow usually this is white or a solid color
  • 10 inches 45 width cotton/cotton blend fabric
  • 3 inches 45 width cotton/cotton blend fabric
  • 1 Spool of thread

Instructions

  • Assemble all of the supplies needed and cut fabric to the specific lengths needed for the size of pillow you are making it for.
    The contrasting band being cut on the cutting matt.
  • With right sides out, fold the trim and contrasting band/cuff in half and press.
    The three pieces of pillowcase lined up after cutting them to the specific measurements.
  • Line the edges of the trim to the right side edge of the pillowcase body fabric.
    The pillowcase body fabric with the trim matched up to the edges.
  • Over the top of the trim, line up the contrasting band. (The trim is sandwiched in the middle of the pillowcase body and contrasting band).
    The three pieces of fabric for the pillowcase matched together to show how to match them together.
  • Pin all three edges (pillowcase body, trim and contrasting band) together.
    A close up showing the constrasting band, trim and pillowcase body all pinned together.
  • Sew the three pieces together following the presser foot, or 1/4" guide.
    The contrasting band, trim and pillowcase body being sewn together on the presser foot edge of the sewing machine.
  • Zigzag stitch along the edge of the fabric edges that were just sewn together. This will help prevent any fraying when are using the pillowcase.
    The contrasting band, trim and pillowcase body being zigzagged stitched at the edge of the seam on the sewing machine.
  • Press the trim and contrasting band out, away from the pillowcase body.
    Note: If the trim, contrasting band, or pillowcase body don't all line up evenly, trim it evenly across at this time.
    The contrasting band and trim after it is pressed away from the pillowcase body.
  • Fold the pillowcase body, trim and contrasting band in half with right sides together. Match the all fabric edges and seams together; pin in place. Once this step is finished, you can see pillowcase starting to take shape.
    The pillowcase folded right sides together and pinned, with instructions at the top.
  • Sew the pillowcase edges together, along the presser foot or 1/4" guide. Backstitch at the beginning and edge; pivot in the corner.
    A close up of sewing the pillowcase together and showing the process of pivoting.
  • Zigzag stitch close to the sewed edge to prevent fraying.
    A close up of the zigzag stitch sewed along the the pillowcase edge with instructions at the top.
  • Press along the seam.
  • Turn the pillowcase right side out, and make sure to poke out the pillowcase corners.
  • Press one final time to make sure the pillowcase and seam lay flat.
    A close up of ironing the contrasting band and trim away from the pillowcase body after it has been sewn together.

Notes

1. For a Queen sized pillow, increase the pillowcase body fabric to 27"; King sized: 33".