A DIY Tutorial: How to Sew a Pillowcase

Happy Monday, friends!

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2A DIY Tutorial: How to make a pillowcase.

I tried something new this weekend. πŸ™‚ I have had some of this black and white Sommerville fabric in my stash for a few years now. I have wanted to incorporate it into Case’s bedroom for a while, but I wasn’t sure how.

I continue trying new projects right now. I have learned over and over that my love of sewing stems from creating patchwork quilts, but sometimes a quick project is a good feeling.

My Saturday morning was spent making a new pillowcase for our three year old’s bedroom. There are a few things I will change when I make another, but this is a great tutorial for dimensions and a good place to start.

1. I measured a pillowcase we already use on Case’s bed. It measured 29 inches by 19 1/2 inches. I decided I would shoot for a 30 inch by 20 inch pillow case.

3. A DIY Tutorial: How to make a pillowcase.

2. I wanted to sew a pillowcase with multiple panels. I wanted a wide panel at the opening with a large hem. Since I used the same fabric for this entire pillowcase, the panel at the end is not as defining as I’d hoped it’d be, but this gives me good measurements for another pillowcase where I will combine multiple fabrics.

I cut four panels.

Two panels are 22 1/2 inches by 20 1/2 inches.
Two panels are 12 1/2 inches by 20 1/2 inches.

Pictured below are the larger panels. They measure 22 1/2 inches by 20 1/2 inches. Once I cut one panel, I laid it on top of the fabric to use it as a template to cut a second panel the same size.

4A DIY Tutorial: How to make a pillowcase.

3. I then cut two more panels: each measuring 12 1/2 inches by 20 1/2 inches. These panels will need to be hemmed to create a finished edge. They will be the opening of the pillow case.

To create the hemmed end, I folded over four inches of fabric. Then I ironed that hem before stitching it down.

5A DIY Tutorial: How to make a pillowcase.

4. I sewed the four inch hem down to keep it secure. I used a quarter of an inch seam allowance.

6A DIY Tutorial: How to make a pillowcase.

5. Below is the finished end panel.

You can see the finished edge from the hem. If you look carefully, you can see the stitching where I secured the hem. Then you can also see the unfinished edge that will soon be sewn to the larger panel of the pillow case.

7A DIY Tutorial: How to make a pillowcase.

6. Putting the right sides of the fabric together, sew the end panel together with the larger panel. This creates one side of the pillowcase.

Repeat this step to create the other side of the pillowcase.

8A DIY Tutorial: How to make a pillowcase.

7. Iron your seams.

9A DIY Tutorial: How to make a pillowcase.

8. Pin the two sides of the pillowcase right sides together, and sew around the perimeter of the pillowcase. (Be sure to leave the hemmed end open.) That’s where you slip the pillow in. Also be sure to back stitch at the ends to secure your thread.

10A DIY Tutorial: How to make a pillowcase.

9. Turn your pillowcase inside out and put your pillow in!

11A DIY Tutorial: How to make a pillowcase.

You can see the seam where the two panels meet in the above picture. Like I said, next time I think I would enjoy using a second coordinating fabric for the end panel.

12A DIY Tutorial: How to make a pillowcase.

My three year old likes his new pillowcase, and this entire project took about an hour and a half. I used up some fabric that I have had for a couple years, and I was able to add a fun new pattern to Case’s bedroom.

My time was well spent Saturday morning. πŸ™‚

13A DIY Tutorial: How to make a pillowcase.

4 thoughts on “A DIY Tutorial: How to Sew a Pillowcase

  1. Hi Kelli,

    I just joined today and I can’t wait to get started. God has and is blessing you with knowledge of sewing and helping others, I am truly inspired and ready to go..

    Thanks you so much for sharing.. I love all the information I have received..

    Mattie

    1. Hi Mattie! You make me smile.

      Isn’t all the inspiration in the online world so fun! I’m glad you were able to find a bit of inspiration here too. πŸ™‚ I’m thankful you stopped by!

      Have a great weekend!

  2. I am in love with that fabric!! And great tutorial–the steps are easy to follow and the pictures really help. Can’t wait to hear what’s coming up!

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