How to Make a Pillowcase

Do you want to sew unique pillowcases for your bedroom or guest bedroom? It’s quite entertaining and easy to do to give the space a more lively look. Using different materials for pillowcases or changing colors, or patterns will help to match the season or mood.

It does not matter whether it is a linen fabric, cotton fabric, jersey fabric, or any other fabric, any fabric is good for making standard-size pillowcases. The opportunities are limitless; flexibility is provided for redesigning the look at any time.

Envelope Pillowcase

This method is known as the Envelope Pillowcase technique, more precisely the one with the fake cuff to resemble the French seam. The envelope style is how the fabric is sewn together: basically, it provides an opening on one side of the pillow, like an envelope – the flap that holds the pillow inside.

Materials Required for Pillowcase Making

For two pillowcases with cuffs of different materials, use one yard of non-directional material or one and a half yards of directional material for each of the materials you intend to use.

To make one pillowcase you require one yard of the main fabric and one-third yard of the fabric that will be used for the cuff.

It is advised to use quilting cotton, especially for new quilters because it is easy to acquire and manipulate.

These are the basic tools and materials that will enable you to construct a basic, personalized pillowcase!

How to Measure Fabric for Your Pillowcase

First, take an already existing pillowcase to help you decide on the size you want for your project. For instance, the pillowcase 20 inches wide and 30 inches long. A simple examination of standard pillowcase sizes shows that most of them currently in the market are approximately 22 by 32 inches.

Cutting Fabric for Your Pillowcase

Start with making two patterns of the same size, which are 29.5 inches in length and 21 inches in width. This will give you a finished pillowcase size of 20 by 26 inches.

To make the Queen-size pillowcase, use materials measuring 33.5 inches in length and 21 inches in breadth, and you will require two such pieces.

To make a King-size pillowcase, use two pieces each 39.5 inches in length and 21 inches in width.

This is because adjustment of the fabric length makes it possible for a variety of pillow sizes to fit in well.

Creating the Outer Sea for the Pillowcase

Begin by rolling the fabric with the long edge of the fabric folded 3.5 inches (this is going to be the opening end of the pillowcase).

Iron the fold to make it smooth then use the pins to have it pinned on the desired position.

Then, turn the piece of fabric over and sew along the lowest line created by the fold line. This will give the pillowcase this kind of finish as it will resemble a French seam and will at the same time create a faux cuff effect.

Assembling the Pillowcase

Joining the right sides of the two fabric pieces, align the cuffed edge (the opening side of the pillowcase) as in steps 2 and 3.

The remaining three sides are joined by straight pins and the cuffed side is left free (do not pin this area).

Then, using a needle and coordinating thread, sew a straight line around the three sides where you pinned the pillowcase leaving the cuff side open. This will give the pillowcase shape with the cuffed side being the opening of the pillowcase.

Burrito Method for Cuff

Start by cutting your fabric:

Main fabric: 42 inches by 29 inches

Cuff fabric: 42 inches by 9 inches

This will result in a finished pillowcase measuring 20.5 inches by 32 inches.

Then, align the right sides together for both the body fabric and the cuff fabric. Overlap the raw edges along one long side, then pin it to keep all the sides together.

Now it’s time to open both fabrics so that the right side is facing you. Start folding the main fabric upwards until you get to the pin area. After rolling, turn the pinned end upwards to the other raw edge of the cuff material making sure that the right sides are facing each other. This method is much easier explained in the video, so, I recommend watching it.

Stitching the Burrito Pillowcase

You should have three raw edges each layer in a sandwich cuff the main body and the other cuff edge. The rolled-up main fabric (hence the burrito name) is in between those layers. Sew this edge up with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, pin, and then stitch. Remember don’t snag your ‘burrito’ in the seam. Once done, turn the right side out, and you will notice another cuff with all the raw edges of the seam within.

Sewing a French Seam Across the Bottom Edge

Now we will pin and sew a French seam along the bottom (short) edge of the pillowcase. Begin by folding the pillowcase inside out or the wrong side out. For sewing across the short end, you need to sew a seam that is 1/4 an inch away from the edge. Next, align the pillowcase, with the right sides facing each other, pin it, press the seam, and sew a second time, this time with a 3/8 inch seam. The process is further explained in the video above.

Sewing a French Seam on the Remaining Side

Subsequently, apply the French seam finish to sew the other side of the pillow only for the seam. First, it will be wise to fold the pillowcase inside out. Sew across the length with a 1/4 of an inch seam. Next, place the pillowcase right side facing each other, fold the seam, and then sew the two sides again, this time with a 3/8 seam. It may become a bit thick at the corner, so it must be pressed flat before sewing.