Mixed Print Pillowcase Tutorial

Who's ready to make some cute new pillowcases for spring?

As promised yesterday, here's a quick tutorial for cheery spring pillowcases. You'll be so glad you tried this super-simple method. While it took some time to figure out my yardage and sizing with the first one, once done, the second pillowcase was sewn and finished in 15 minutes. You'll be whipping these up in droves! Honestly, it took me longer to type this tutorial than it did to make each pillowcase. 

First, wash and dry your fabric. Do not use fabric softener -- it can gum up your sewing machine! This is sometimes the cause of skipped stitches, also. Iron your fabric before you do any cutting.

Next you'll need to decide what size you want your pillowcase to be. I just measured an old one and decided on 20 inches by 38 inches (king size). I figured on finished measurements of approximately 34 inches for the main piece, 4 inches for the outside edge, and a one inch middle trim that would overlap the large piece. So I cut:

35 inches by 41 inches for the main body of pillowcase

2-1/2 inch by 41 inch strip for middle trim

9 inch by 41 inch strip for outside edge

My main fabric was only 41 inches wide, which I didn't figure out until I had already cut the length. I got lucky and it fit even though the pillowcase measured only 19-1/2 inches wide when finished. When did 44/45 inch fabric start measuring 41 inches anyway? Unlike me, you might want to check yours before you ever start cutting :) Luckily there is a good amount of wiggle room on something as simplistic as a pillowcase.

Iron the middle strip in half lengthwise and lay it neatly along the edge of the main piece. You can pin it in place temporarily, if that's more comfortable for you. 

Iron one edge of the outside strip in about 1/4 inch. Lay the unironed edge atop the middle strip and pin all three layers together. Sew a 1/4 inch seam through the layers. 

Iron the seam toward the outside edge.

Fold the pillowcase in half, wrong sides together. Sew a 1/4 inch seam along the long edge and inside edge. Unfold the outside 1/4 inch ironed edge before you sew. Press.

Turn pillowcase inside out, folding the corners neatly to make a crisp corner. If you need to, carefully use a pin to pull the corner out. Make sure you don't pull the threads all the way through though!

Now sew a 3/8 inch seam, encasing the first seam within. You just made a French seam! No frayed edges on our fancy pillowcases! I mostly did this so that I didn't have to get the serger out,  but it really does make a nice finish.

Turn right side out and press. Fold outside edge in to meet seam inside and pin. You can pin it from the inside, like this --

Or the outside, if you feel comfortable with it. Just make sure that you line up the pressed edge exactly with the seam inside, so that all edges will be encased when you topstitch. 

Topstitch close to the seam, catching the folded edge underneath.

But! Don't sew over your pins! I worked for a sewing center years ago, and trust me -- bad things can happen! Go as slowly as you need to, and remove each pin as you come up to it.

All edges are now encased and will stay fray-free! Press pillowcase when done. 

That's it! Go make a whole stack of pillowcases for yourself! Talk about a great way to use up your stash. 

Im joining:

Yvonne for Tutorials Tips and Tidbits at StoneGable

Courtney for Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Cindy for Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Comments

[Rita May]

Those are so pretty! How nice to have custom colored pillowcases.

[The HOME GIRL]

These are adorable!!! Such great fabrics and patterns! Love them!! =D

[Yvonne @ StoneGable]

This is such a cute idea. ANd it got me thinking... it would be so nice to have "custom" pillow cases on all of my beds.
What a great tutorial! Thanks for stoping by and joining TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS and sharing your darling colorful pillowcases!

[Sunny Simple Life]

Now those are so darn cute but I can barely sew a button on. I hate the fabric patterns of today with all the geometric patterns. Give me a small print especially with dots and flowers any day.

[Pattie @ Olla-Podrida]

I am a nut for pillowcases, but other than embroidering them, I've never actually sewn any. Thanks for this great idea. I tend to hoard fabric, so now I think that I may actually have a use for it!

[Judy Neumann]

Thanks, Andrea, for sending these instructions along. I've printed them out an will attempt pretty soon..Happy Thursday..Judy

[lisa]

Very clear tutorial that isn't intimidating! They are so bright and happy - this would really cheer up any bedroom. Happy Thursday from the enchanted oven.
xo,
Lisa

[vanessa]

I love this tutorial and these would make great gifts. I am going to try this.

Thank you for sharing.

Vanessa

[Brenda Kula-Pruitt]

Very, very cute, Andrea! I think you're the master at kitchen towels and pillows/pillow cases.
Brenda

[Judy Clark]

Thanks for the great tutorial!

Judy

[Audrey]

I do like floral patterns for pillow cases. They are much more cheery than plain or geometric patterns, which is how a bedroom should be!

[Linda]

My first time finding your blog. I'm going to make these for our daybed in the sunroom (where we nap). A friend of mine makes holiday pillowcases for her nieces and nephews every year. Thanks again. L

[Liz]

Darling! I love the colors! :)
Thank you for the great toot.

Have a great weekend!
~Liz

[Manuela@a cultivated nest]

Those are super cute! I've always loved mixed fabric pillows but have never made my own!

[Jaybird]

Thank you so much!! I am going to steal your ideas and make them into throw pillows for my den!! I use lots of different fabrics in my 4 open rooms, so this type of throw pillow will be perfect! You are GREAT!!
Blessings,
J