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    Home » Sewing

    How to Make a Pillowcase in 3 easy steps!

    Updated: May 14, 2020 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 29 Comments

    Learn a quick and easy way to sew a pillowcase on polkadotchair.com

    Today I’m going to share a free tutorial that teaches you how to make a pillowcase. I stitched up a Christmas Pillowcase because it’s quick and easy and makes a great gift! You can also use this pillowcase pattern to sew pillowcases for other Holidays, or just everyday!

    pillowcase on bed with bunny

    A few years ago I made a set of Christmas pillowcases for my nephews for Christmas. I was telling a friend of mine about the project (she was looking for easy gift ideas for kids for Christmas) and she asked if I had a tutorial for it on my site.

    Table of Contents
    • How to Sew a Pillowcase
    • Supplies Needed for the Pillowcases
    • Instructions
    • Cute Christmas Pillowcase Poem

    Later, I realized while I was talking to her that I never got around to writing up a tutorial for the pillowcase pattern. Today I thought I’d share with you how to sew a simple pillowcase.

    bunny and pillowcase on bed

    I realize that this is one of many free pillowcase tutorials on the web. Obviously, I didn’t invent it the handmade pillowcase but thought I’d share with you guys my “go to” way for making a pillowcase.

    It’s crazy easy. So easy that you may find yourself making pillowcases for every occasion.  How cute would a special birthday pillowcase be?

    Pillowcase on bed, Christmas fabric

    How to Sew a Pillowcase

    This pillowcase takes longer to cut out than to sew, it’s THAT quick, and uses a serger. If you don’t have a serger you can still make one, you’ll just need to substitute french seams where it calls for a served seam (to learn how to sew a french seam click here).

    If you do have a serger, this project is crazy fast!!  To add some detail to the pillowcase I added a bit of ribbon trim to the edge.

    Supplies Needed for the Pillowcases

    The fabrics I used are from Cotton + Steel’s gingham and Tinsel Christmas lines. You’ll need 1 to 1 ½ yards of fabric for the pillowcase and ½ yard for the band. This fabric is most likely no longer available. I have a Christmas Fabric line called Santa Claus Lane that would be very cute as pillowcases. You can find it here.

    Instructions

    Learn a quick and easy way to sew a pillowcase on polkadotchair.com

    How to Make a Pillowcase

    Melissa Mortenson
    Learn how to sew a pillowcase with this simple tutorial that is great for a beginner.
    4.67 from 3 votes
    Pin It! Share by Email Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Active Time 30 mins
    Total Time 1 hr

    Equipment

    • Sewing Machine
    • Basic Sewing Tools
    • Rotary Cutter
    • Cutting Mat
    • Sewing Shears (can be used instead of the cutting mat and rotary cutter)

    supplies

    • 1- yard fabric for pillowcase body – note: this is assuming that the pattern runs parallel to the selvage. If your pattern runs perpendicular to the selvage you’ll need 1 ¼ yards. (for example, my Santa’s are running sideways across the pillow vs. standing straight up and down)
    • ½ yard fabric for pillowcase band
    • 1 ½ yards 1″ wide ribbon for trim
    • Seam Tape
    • Thread

    Instructions
     

    Pillowcase Pattern Cutting Instructions

    • 1 Piece 11″ x 40″ for the pillowcase band
    • 1 Piece 28″ x 40″ for the pillowcase
    • Ribbon 40″ long

    Construction Steps

      Step One:

      • Begin by folding the 11″ wide pillowcase band in half lengthwise. Press. Pin the 40″ side to the right side of the 40″ side of the pillowcase.
      • Finish this seam. I like to use a serger. If you don't have a serger just use a wide zig zag stitch on your sewing machine.
        Learn a quick and easy way to sew a pillowcase on polkadotchair.com

      Step Two:

      • Press the seam to one side. Using the seam tape, iron the ribbon onto the pillowcase centered over the seam between the pillowcase and the band.
        Learn a quick and easy way to sew a pillowcase on polkadotchair.com
      • Topstitch Stitch ribbon very close to the edge to secure.

      Step Three:

      • Fold the pillowcase in half and serge the bottom and sides.
        Learn a quick and easy way to sew a pillowcase on polkadotchair.com
      • Clip the strings and you’re done!!

      Notes

      This pattern is very simple. There are other ways to sew a pillowcase including one called the “burrito method”. I chose to share a tutorial for this style of pillowcase because I feel it is the simplest to sew for someone who is new to sewing.  All you need to do is sew 3 seams. It’s very easy.
      If you don’t have a serger, just use a wide zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine to finish off the raw edges. 
      We wrote an article with instructions for finishing seams using various techniques. You can find it here. 
      PRINT
      Tried this tutorial?Let us know how it was!

      Cute Christmas Pillowcase Poem

      “Each Christmas Eve I lay in bed I cannot fall asleep ‘Cuz Santa and his elves will bring some toys and games that beep!

      My brain is in a thinking mode I wiggle and I giggle Then I get my MAGIC CASE And slip it on my pillow.

      I close my eyes and start to dream Of gifts and sugar plums. Then all at once, my mother’s voice Tells me that Santa’s come.

      When you can’t sleep on Christmas Eve You toss and turn and wiggle Just slip this MAGIC PILLOW case over your soft pillow”

      Printable Version of the Poem

      If you’d like to more info about the poem to go with the Christmas Pillowcases you can see a post about it by clicking HERE. 

      You can now purchase a PRINTABLE PDF Copy of this pillowcase pattern bundled with 2 of our most popular pillow patterns including our reading pillow)!

      JUST CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

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      • Tomte Christmas Gnome Pillow Pattern
      • Waterproof Patchwork Picnic Blanket Pattern

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      About Author

      Melissa Mortenson

      Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Beth says

        December 02, 2016 at 1:05 pm

        How cute is that Santa pattern!!? Reminds me of a garden gnome in Christmas form. <3

        Reply
      2. Alberta says

        December 03, 2016 at 9:14 am

        Thank you for sharing your very sweet pillowcase tutorial. I love your fabric! I’d like to make two Christmas pillowcase for great nephews, and include your poem. May I include your poem?

        Reply
        • Melissa Mortenson says

          December 06, 2016 at 3:36 pm

          Yes! That’s why I posted it!

          Reply
          • Kay jones says

            August 26, 2017 at 8:52 pm

            What are dimensions for king size pillowcases.

            Reply
      3. JCinTX says

        December 03, 2016 at 10:06 am

        Just bought my first serger this week!!! I see a surge of pillowcases under under the tree this year!! Perfect timing!

        Reply
      4. Laura says

        December 03, 2016 at 12:29 pm

        Love the idea using the poem with it! But, I can’t quit staring at the bunny!! Any chance he has a story or pattern?

        Reply
        • Melissa Mortenson says

          December 06, 2016 at 3:32 pm

          No, but people ask me that all the time. I can’t bear the thought of pulling him apart to turn him into a pattern but I might have to.

          Reply
          • Laura says

            December 08, 2016 at 11:41 am

            Oh. I am torn between begging you not to and BEGGING you to do it. Either way he remains adorable and endearing. Sweet prop and companion.

            Reply
        • Brigitte Fleck says

          December 31, 2016 at 11:28 am

          Me too, I love the bunny. Looks like it is made from a sweater. I may have to find a similar pattern. Adore the pillow case also

          Reply
      5. susan hall says

        December 04, 2016 at 9:18 pm

        This has to be the easiest thing ever. Ran out got fabric, ran home, made them. Thank you so much for sharing!!

        Reply
        • Melissa Mortenson says

          December 06, 2016 at 3:30 pm

          So glad~!!!!

          Reply
      6. Dee says

        December 08, 2016 at 11:26 am

        How much material is needed for the main part of the pillowcase if you are using a directional fabric? The santa clauses are sideways on your pillowcase.

        Reply
        • Melissa Mortenson says

          December 08, 2016 at 1:03 pm

          To reduce waste I just cut the fabric to 27″ long and kept the width (40″ is the width minus the selvage edges).

          If you want the fabric to run the other way, you’d need to cut two pieces each 21″ x 27″, then stitch them together along the 27″ side with a 1/2″ seam allowance. So that would be roughly 1 1/2 yards of fabric.

          Reply
      7. Kathi says

        December 11, 2016 at 12:10 pm

        your site is awesome! I’m having trouble finding where to put the password to download the poem.
        Can you help?

        Reply
      8. A concerned person says

        December 17, 2016 at 11:38 pm

        Did your nephews actually ENJOY the pillowcases? I mean they’re super cute and look amazing, but if I was a kid and my aunt sent me a pillow case for Christmas she would become the least favourite aunt — even with a thoughtful poem. It seems like a gift for mommy and auntie, to be honest. Toys and candy are best for kids. And recommending others to give their child relatives pillowcases just seems a bit evil.

        Reply
        • Grace Amidon says

          February 15, 2017 at 6:41 pm

          Most kids love a special pillowcase made just for them. Have you ever heard the term “rug rats” they mean kids because the tend to live on the rugs watching tv,lego’s, puzzles etc. Pillowcases can be made in their favorite sports team, animals, movie’s,and hobbies. I think you may see by now that most everyone especially kids love them.Add a book and a treat and you will be a favorite Aunt?….

          Reply
        • Sharon K. Cowart says

          March 11, 2017 at 8:27 am

          How crazy easy is this! I have used one of the other “quick and easy ” ways to make pillow cases and loved the ease and outcome. But this way has moved to the top way to make pillow cases! …love making “special” cases. Every child I have made one for has love them…I specialize them with their embroidered initials or name on the band. Thanks so much for this super easy way!!!!

          Reply
      9. Nathalie says

        December 21, 2016 at 9:25 am

        So – sorry to seem thick – but it’s all open on the side where you stuff the pillow?

        Reply
        • Melissa Mortenson says

          December 27, 2016 at 1:25 pm

          Yes, just like a regular pillowcase

          Reply
      10. Karen Grissen says

        December 21, 2016 at 10:35 am

        I love your fabric combos and thank you for the easy pattern. Can I ask where you purchased your tape from, I love the white with just a touch of red.

        Reply
      11. Mary says

        January 17, 2017 at 12:13 pm

        What type of ribbon do you use? Where do I find it?

        Reply
        • Melissa Mortenson says

          May 23, 2018 at 2:03 pm

          It’s just regular grosgrain ribbon. I believe I got it at JoAnn

          Reply
      12. terri henderson says

        July 18, 2017 at 8:56 am

        the link for french seams isnt working for me

        Reply
      13. Mary says

        August 02, 2017 at 9:55 pm

        There is an easier method to make pillows cases called the burrito method which hides the seam between the band and body inside the burrito. You can serve the end and side or do the French seams.

        Reply
      14. Laurie says

        October 11, 2020 at 8:20 pm

        I really liked this pattern! I found out the hard way however that you can not use fabric ADHESIVE to attach the ribbon! I gummed up the needle and my scissors ! I’ll know better next time!!

        Reply
        • Melissa Mortenson says

          October 15, 2020 at 11:37 am

          Yes! Just use the iron-on wonder under!

          Reply
      15. Melanie says

        April 07, 2021 at 1:10 am

        Love this so much! Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to start making pillowcases. Do you recommend washing the fabric before working with it?

        Reply
      16. Susan Roman says

        November 15, 2021 at 11:17 pm

        Am wondering if there is a way to get your original pillowcase how-to from 2016. I just “found” my supplies including the Santa Parade fabric from that year which was hiding since moving years ago. I don’t remember what exactly is different in those instructions, but there was something of interest to me in that one – can’t put my finger on it. Also, shall I assume that you use a 5/8″ seam allowance when making the pillowcase? Hoping to hear back and looking forward to making my Santa Parade pillowcase! I, too, would love the pattern for that precious bunny when you decide to take it apart to make the pattern! After all, we know that with your expertise, you’ll have that bunny put back together in no time! Love you website!

        Reply
        • Melissa Mortenson says

          November 16, 2021 at 11:31 pm

          Hi!
          This is the same pattern that has been up since 2016, so I’m not sure which one you’re referring to. It’s the only pillowcase pattern I use.
          I prefer a 1/2″ seam allowance since it makes the math easier.

          Reply

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      I’m also a Mom and a Maker. I am like most of you, just trying to do my best every day. Some days I succeed, many days I fail.  I find joy in creating, if you do too, then I hope that you find something here bring a little “happy” to your life.  Find out more about me here.

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