You may have noticed that most of the pillowcases in homeware shops come with a pretty border along the edge. Now you can learn how to make a pillowcase with a tailored border and durable French seam. Best of all it won’t take much more than 15 minutes of your precious time. You can make one for the whole family while your little one naps!
Ready to learn how to make a pillowcase? Let’s get started! If you would like to make some different styles of pillowcases here are some other styles on my blog. See more styles and links at the end of this article.
How To Make a Pillowcase Tutorial
Pillowcases come in 3 common sizes – Standard, Queen, and King.
There are some slight differences in sizing between countries but this how to make a pillowcase tutorial should fit most pillow inserts. Some of you, like me, might call them pillowslips or even pillow covers.
How to Make a Pillowcase Size
Here are the dimensions of the 3 sizes of pillow inserts. Most of you will have a standard-size pillowcase.
The finished size of the pillowcase, of course, is larger than the actual inserts. This pattern gives you a nice loose cover. You can adjust it if you like a tight cover.
Supplies for Making a Pillowcase
- FABRIC – You will need 1 yard of fabric that is at least 44 inches (112cm) wide.
- BASIC SEWING SUPPLIES – Sewing machine, thread, pins
- MEASURING TOOLS – Ruler or tape measure
- CUTTING TOOLS – Scissors, or rotary cutter, and cutting mat.
Which Fabric is Best for Making a Pillowcase?
Pure cotton woven fabric is best as it will breathe and give you a great night’s sleep. Choose bright contrasting fabrics for the border and trim for a modern stylish look that matches your bedroom decor.
The fabric chosen should be light to medium weight. I like using quilting cotton.
Cutting Instructions
Start by cutting out your fabric in rectangular pieces in the following sizes. You will need to cut the main fabric, border and trim.
Here is a photo just so you can visualize what you are cutting.
How to Make a Pillowcase – Video Tutorial
Here is a video I made for you to see the whole process of how to make a pillowcase. It really is quite easy!
I add new sewing and craft videos to my YouTube channel weekly so don’t forget to subscribe.
Apology – at 0.36 in the video I incorrectly labeled the main and border and the text shows the reverse. This is a fairly obvious mistake but once you load a video it can’t be changed. If you have any doubts refer to the photo directly above this section.
How to Make a Pillowcase – Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Trim
Press your trim in half lengthwise with the WRONG sides together matching the long raw edges.
Step 2 – Layer the Main and Border
Layer your main and border pieces with RIGHT sides together with the trim sandwiched in between.
You will be matching the 43 inches (109cm) side of each piece.
Make sure the border is on the bottom layer as this will make the next step easier. Pin along the top raw edge so the pieces don’t move.
Step 3 – Roll up the Main
Now roll up the main piece of fabric almost to the top of the border.
This is the view from the side.
Step 4 – Pin the Border
Wrap the border around the main fabric and match all the raw edges. This is called the burrito method of making a pillowcase.
It is easy to see from the side view why it has this name. Remove your original pins and repin through all layers.
Step 5 – Stitch Across the Border
Stitch across the top raw edge with a ½ inch (12mm) seam allowance.
Pull the main fabric through the end of the roll to turn your pillowcase the right way out.
Give your border a good press. Most cotton fabrics will press nicely at the seam but you can topstitch across if you wish.
If you are going to embroider the border, now is the easiest time to do it.
Step 6 – How to Make a Pillowcase with a French Seam
Fold your pillowcase in half with the WRONG sides together and the raw edges matching. Stitch along the side and bottom, ¼ inch (6mm) from the edge.
Trim the seam to ⅛ inch (3mm) and clip the bottom corner.
Turn the pillowcase the WRONG way out and press the seam.
Now stitch around the seam again ¼ inch (6mm) from the edge. This will completely encase the seam and prevent it from fraying in the wash.
This is how your inside seam will now look. See how the raw edges are all enclosed giving you a durable seam.
Turn the pillowcase the right way out again and give it a good press.
How to Make a Pillowcase – In Conclusion
All finished and looking good! I hope you enjoyed this how to make a pillowcase series. Make one in a fun fabric to match your family’s personalities.
PIN IMAGE FOR LATER
More How to Make a Pillowcase & Cushion Tutorials
Now you have beautiful pillows for the bed, why not learn how to make curtains?
This tutorial shows you how to make a basic pillowcase with French seams but I have more pillow and cushion patterns. Here are 10 more pillow patterns!
