Crafting a pillowcase is a simple sewing project suitable for beginners and experienced sewers alike. To make a standard pillowcase for a bed pillow, you’ll need 1 to 1.25 yards (0.9 to 1.1 meters) of fabric, a sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins, an iron, and a ruler or measuring tape. The basic process involves cutting the fabric to size, hemming one edge, and then sewing the remaining sides together. A typical standard pillowcase size is approximately 20 to 26 inches (51 to 66 cm) wide and 30 to 36 inches (76 to 91 cm) long.
Selecting Your Fabric
When choosing fabric for your pillowcase, opt for soft, comfortable, and breathable materials like cotton, linen, or silk. Cotton is especially popular as it’s durable, easy to care for, and comes in an extensive range of colors and patterns. If you’re making a pillowcase for a decorative pillow, consider a fabric that matches or complements your decor.
To start, purchase enough fabric to suit the size of the pillow you’re making a case for. Make sure to wash and dry your fabric before sewing to pre-shrink it and prevent future shrinkage after the pillowcase is made.
Materials List:
- 1 to 1.25 yards of fabric (cotton, linen, or silk)
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Iron and ironing board
- Ruler or measuring tape
Cutting the Fabric
A standard pillowcase size is 20″ x 26″ for a typical pillow. Consider adding a few inches on each side for the hem and seams. For a cleaner finish, you can add a border or “cuff” at the open end, which needs additional fabric.
Measure and mark the dimensions on the fabric using the ruler or measuring tape and a fabric marker or chalk. A standard pillowcase should be cut to 21 inches by 32 inches if you want to add a 4-inch cuff and allow for a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Then, cut the fabric to size.
Sewing the Hem
Start by hemming the edge of the cuff of the pillowcase. Turn the fabric over twice on one of the shorter ends to create a clean hem; about 1/4 inch for the first fold and 3/4 inch for the second fold should suffice. Pin the hem down with your straight pins and press it with an iron.
Stitch close to the inner folded edge using your sewing machine to secure the hem. It’s best to use a straight stitch for this part of the project. Once done, remove all the pins.
Constructing the Pillowcase
Fold the fabric in half with the right sides facing each other so that the two longer edges meet — the hemmed cuff will be at the top. Make sure the hem’s wrong side is facing out.
Pin the side and bottom edges together, leaving the hemmed cuff edge open. Then sew these sides together with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. If you’re adding a French seam, which is a method that encloses the raw edges for a neater finish, first sew the sides with a 1/4 inch seam allowance with the wrong sides together. Trim close to the stitching, then turn the pillowcase inside out so the right sides are inside, press, and sew again with a slightly wider seam to encase the raw edge.
Once the sewing is complete, turn the pillowcase right side out, pushing out the corners for a crisp edge.
Optional Customizations:
- Add lace, piping, or trim along the cuff seam for a decorative touch.
- Embroider or add appliqué designs for personalization.
- Create a contrasting cuff by using a different fabric or color than the main body of the pillowcase.
- For a child’s pillowcase, use fabric with their favorite characters or bright bold patterns.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips that might help you with your pillowcase project:
- Pre-washing fabric: Always wash, dry, and iron your fabric before cutting. This pre-shrinks the fabric and removes any manufacturing residue.
- Measuring: Be precise with your measurements and cutting to ensure your pillowcase isn’t too tight or too loose.
- Ironing: Press your seams as you sew. This will help your pillowcase to lay flat and look professional.
- Sewing machine settings: Use a medium-length straight stitch for most of your sewing. Adjust tension and stitch length as needed based on fabric type.
- Thread choice: Choose thread that closely matches your fabric color for a seamless look, or opt for a contrasting thread for a design element.
Finishing Thoughts
Creating a pillowcase is not only a practical skill but also an opportunity to add a personal touch to your bedroom decor. Whether you’re making a pillowcase for your bed, a gift for a friend, or just to practice your sewing skills, this project offers endless possibilities for customization and creativity. Remember to choose fabric that feels cozy and comfortable against the skin, and don’t hesitate to infuse your style into the design. With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful, custom pillowcases that can add both comfort and charm to any living space.
