Pillowcases

I wasn't in the mood to quilt last night so I decided to make my nephew a couple of pillowcases to match his quilt. I have LOTS of fabric left over! I also needed one to go with the Hour A Day QOV quilt. It only took about an hour to make all three.

There are several sets of instructions around the web but here's how I make them.

Cut 3 fabrics all using the full width of fabric. In the photo the fabric is shown folded in half across the bolt width.
The HEM is cut 11".
the TRIM is 2 1/2" and
the BODY is 27".

Fold and press the TRIM in half lengthwise.

Lay the HEM out flat, right side up and position the TRIM along one of the cut edges. The cut edges of the TRIM is against the cut edge of the HEM.

Position one cut edge of the pillowcase BODY on the HEM/TRIM. The BODY is right side down. Pin all layers together about 10" apart to hold this together for the next step.

Roll/fold the BODY to within about 3" of the pinned edge.

Fold over the other edge of the HEM and align with all of the other raw edges. Pin through all layers.

Here's another view that shows all of the layers that are pinned together. Sew through all layers with a 1/4" seam allowance. Total accuracy is not important here, the seam allowance needs to be "about" 1/4".

It looks like a mess but here's the fun part - turn the whole thing right side out by pulling the BODY rolling the HEM back on itself.

Straighten out the HEM and press the HEM and TRIM in place. The TRIM will lay back onto the BODY. Using this method gives you a nice finished hem on both sides.

Fold the pillow case in half right sides together making sure to align the HEM and TRIM edges. The three fabrics you selected are likely not the same width. Either trim everything to the same width or, when sewing, make sure your seam allowance catches all fabrics. Sew the bottom and side of the pillowcase. I use a serger so that the seam is finished.

So that the pillowcase will hold together well through many washings, I weave the serger tails back through the seam and apply a dot of Fray Check (or other seam sealant) on the end of the seam. Turn it right sides out and give it a press and it's done!

It took longer to write the instructions than it took to make the pillowcase but at least I will not have to search for my instructions again.

Comments

[Suzanne]

Your nephew will love those!

Hmm. Maybe the boys need Star Wars pillowcases. I might have to read your instructions more thoroughly and give at a whack sometime!

[Dianne]

You have one very spoilt nephew!!

[Nellie]

Clever! I hope I can access these instructions when I'm ready to make these.

[Mary]

I love them! Just learned how to make cases at a retreat earlier this month...why ever make a quilt without a matching case from now on? Great job!

[Barbara]

I'm always attracted to music-themed fabrics. These pillowcases are a great way to use them.

[Carrie]

It's great to meet another quilter! And, as a music teacher, I LOVE that fabric! Too cool!

God bless :)

[Judy Rys]

These are wonderful. Great idea to make him matching pillowcases. Lucky boy!

[Judy Carpenter]

Hey Vicki!
I bought a premade silk charmeuse pillow "blank" from Dharma a couple of years ago and dyed it for my Mom. Unfortunately now that she is in a Skilled Care Home where all of the laundry sort of gets mixed up, she doesn't want to use the pretty silk pillowcase for fear it will get lost. So, I have inherited it! Have you slept on silk charmeuse? It is a dream come true! I am going to make some of my own pillowcases out of silk yardage that I dye. Thanks for the pattern!

xo

[queen size air beds]

Vicki,

I never knew about the weaving of serger tails back through the seam for more durable washing. Great tip, thanks! :D

[Linda]

I have seen this pattern type before, and I have had it explained to me, etc... BUT... I could never get it right or figure it out... Until now!! Thank you so very much for your detailed instructions and pictures - FINALLY I can make pillow cases like that!!
Linda

[Dianne B.]

Vicki, I love your choice of fabrics. Very cool for a young man -- your nephew will love those pillowcases! Dianne B. in England

[CeeJay]

Thanks for providing such clear instructions! My mom taught me how to do this, but I couldn't remember all the steps and the measurements. This is perfect!

[Becky in VA]

Another great tutorial from you - you are such a good teacher!