How to Make a Standard Pillowcase

Making your own pillowcases has become a popular thing to do for DIYers and crafters. Pillowcases are not only a functional bedding item, but they also add style to the room. This does not only protect your pillows from dirt and oils, but they also help you sleep better by making your bed a comfortable and breathable sleeping environment. With so many fabrics and designs to choose from, making your own pillowcases can be a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your bedding.

However, instead of buying pillowcases, I love making them myself. There’s something satisfying about creating a unique and personalized item that I can use every day. Plus, it’s a great way to unleash my creativity and experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and designs. When I make my own pillowcases, I have complete control over the fabric’s color, texture, and size. I can choose a luxurious silk for a touch of elegance or a soft flannel for a cozy and warm feel. I can also mix and match patterns and colors to create a one-of-a-kind look that reflects my personality and preferences. Making my pillowcases is also an affordable and eco-friendly option. Instead of spending money on expensive designer pillowcases or contributing to the landfill with cheap and disposable ones, I can upcycle old fabrics or use organic and sustainable materials to create something new and beautiful.

My sewing skills are very less, but this sewing pattern is all in straight lines, so it is a super easy task. All you need is about a yard of fabric for making a pillow case. I was thinking about this project because I was shifting gears to the master bedroom, with a few projects and this is one of them, starting with the sewing of some pillow cases. This project is a great task for the beginners who are interested in learning how to sew some simple things. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete a task. I know it is weird, but to oblige your kids you should use the fabric of good attractive color and prints also.

Materials you need

Choosing the right materials is very important. The materials you choose will not only affect how the finished product looks but also how durable and comfortable it is. When selecting materials for a pillowcase, you must consider its exterior and interior.

On the exterior, you should choose a fabric that is both soft and sturdy. Cotton is a popular choice because it is soft, breathable, and easy to take care of. You can also choose linen or silk for a luxurious feel, but these materials may require more care to maintain their quality.

When it comes to the interior, the stuffing you use will also affect the overall comfort of the pillowcase. Some people like natural fillings like down or feathers, while others like synthetic ones like polyester or foam.

Poor-quality materials may result in an uncomfortable pillowcase that easily wears and tears, leading to more expenses in the long run. By taking the time to select high-quality materials, you can create a pillowcase that you will enjoy using for years to come.

Furthermore, here are the basic materials that you will need for your DIY pillowcase project:

1 to 2 yards of fabric or cloth.
Iron.
Thread.
Sewing machine.
Straight pins.
Scissors.

Instructions

When making a DIY pillowcase, it’s important to follow the instructions. This ensures that the finished product will function properly and be of good quality. By following these instructions step by step, you can be sure that the measurements are right and that the fabric is cut and sewn correctly. Moreover, this will keep the seams from being uneven or the edges from fraying, which could cause the pillowcase to come apart or not fit right on your pillow.

Also, following the instructions can help you avoid making mistakes that could ruin the fabric or waste material. By reading and understanding the instructions before starting the project, you can save yourself time and frustration in the long run.

These are the measurements of a simple size pillow case. On the other hand, if you want to make alterations in its size to make a king size or a queen size of it, you can easily do that. Adjustments will be minor, and the measurements will differ to a small extent.

Follow these steps

Pick out the fabric or cloth

For making the pillowcases the fabric you should use should be comfortable against the skin, like soft satin, cotton, flannel, or a jersey knit fabric.
Pick the fabric that matches the color scheme of your bedroom, your bed covers and sheet spreads.
To make a pair of identical pillowcases, you will need 2 yards of 1.8 m of fabric.
You should use a washable fabric, if you want to sleep on pillowcases.
To fill in the purpose of making decorative pillowcases, choose the fabric which is not soft and is easy to wash.
You should choose any type of fabric, that should complement the color scheme of your bedroom.

Cutting the fabric

Use a scissors or rotatory cutter to cut out the piece; 45 inches in length and 36 inches in width for making a pillowcase.
You should take care of fabric while cutting that print should be straight, if you are using a patterned fabric or printed fabric.
Start by measuring the dimensions of your pillow and adding seam allowances before cutting the fabric.
Always double-check the measurements before cutting to avoid any mistakes.

Folding of fabric in two equal halves

With its finished sides, fold it lengthwise or the right sides of the fabric together.
You should be careful that the unfinished sides or the wrong sides should be facing outside.

Stitch the one short side and long side

Use a threaded needle or sewing machine to sew a straight stitch up the long side of a fabric.
Continue stitching one of the short sides, and turn the fabric.
Turn the fabric right side out, when you are finished with your task.
To add a little flair and attraction in your pillow, you may use a same color of thread that matches with your fabric or you may also opt for the thread of some other contrast color.
On the other hand if you are stitching the pillow with your hand, make sure that the seam should be completely straight.
You can also pin up your fabric with the straight pins, if necessary, to help and guide yourself.

Open sides should be hemmed

Start by folding the fabric back for the creation of 1.5 hem.
To create the crease iron the fabric.
You should create a 3 inch hem this time, fold the fabric again to back side.
Now use your sewing machine or a needle and thread to stitch around the base of the hem because you have it keep it in a place.
Iron the fabric again.
You can also add the decorative laces, ribbons and other decorations when the pillowcase is finished.

For decorative pillowcase follow these steps

Picking out the fabric

For sewing the decorative pillowcase , you need three different fabrics of different colors.
For making the main section of pillow case, and a second fabric for the hem around the open side, and a third accent side.
You should take three different prints with same color or three solid colors fabric.
The fabrics should not match exactly but it will be helpful if they share one or two colors.
The attractive prints and colors of pillowcases makes excellent gifts.

Cutting the fabric

Use scissors for cutting the fabric of a right size.
Cut the main piece of fabric to 26 inch and 44 inch.
Cut the second piece of fabric to 12 inch and 44 inch.
Cut the last piece of fabric to 2 inch and 44 inch.

Iron the fabric

Use the iron to remove the wrinkles, for preparing the fabric for sewing.
Iron the large and medium piece to flat.
Fold the trim in half in lengthwise with wrong sides together and iron it.

Spread the fabric

Medium piece of fabric should be placed right side up on your work place.
With the edge of medium fabric, line up the trim fabric so that the raw edges are at the outside and folded side is on inside.
Lay the large piece of fabric on the medium and trim fabric, right side down.
All the layers of fabric should be aligned along the top edge.
The edges of fabric layers should be pinned up to hold them in place.
Continue rolling few inches of the pinned edge.
Fold the medium size fabric over the roll, and align it on the pinned edge.
Sew straight stitch along the pinned edge of the fabric.
Remove the pins as you stitch.
Pull the medium fabric, and reverse it.
Wrong sides should be facing out.
Leave the hemmed side open
Turn the pillow case right side out.

Conclusion

As a leisure activity, making your own pillowcases can be a fun and satisfying hobby that allows you to express your creativity and customize your bedding according to your personal taste. Moreover, it can be a fun and rewarding experience, not to mention the personal satisfaction of creating something with your own hands. It can also be a great way to save money and avoid the hassle of searching for the perfect pillowcase in stores. So, now when you know how to make a standard pillowcase, you can do it yourself without wasting your time and money to find a tailor for the purpose. You can always play with the color scheme and design, if you know the basic method.