If you want to learn to sew, making pillowcases is a great way to get started. Pillowcases are easy to make and can be an accent in your bedroom. Learn how to make regular pillowcases and decorative pillows using the rolling method.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Regular Pillowcase
Step 1. Select the fabric
Pillowcases are often made from fabrics that feel comfortable against the skin, such as soft cotton, satin, flannel or jersey knit. Choose fabrics whose colors match the color scheme of your bedroom, especially bed covers and sheets. To make a regular pillowcase, you will need 180 cm of fabric.
- If you want to use a pillowcase for sleeping, make sure you choose a fabric that can be washed.
- If you're making pillowcases for decorative purposes, the fabric you choose doesn't have to be soft or washable. Choose any fabric that can support the color scheme of your bedroom.
Step 2. Cut the fabric
To make a regular pillowcase, use scissors or a cutter to make strips of fabric measuring 112.5 cm x 90 cm. If you are using a patterned fabric, cut the fabric so that the pattern is straight.
Step 3. Fold the two fabrics
Fold the fabric along the length so the fronts meet. So the back is now outside.
Step 4. Sew the long side and one short side
Use a sewing machine or hand sewing to sew long sections of fabric. Turn the fabric over and continue to be one short side. When you're done, turn the fabric upside down.
- Use yarn that matches your fabric or yarn that's a contrasting color for a personal touch.
- If you're sewing by hand, don't rush and make sure your stitches are perfectly straight. You can use a pin to help you sew if needed.
Step 5. Seam the open part
Start by folding the back of the fabric to create a 1-inch (1.25 cm) hem. Iron the fabric to make folds. Fold back again, this time making a 7.5cm hem. Iron the fabric again and use a sewing machine or hand sewing to sew around the hem to keep it in place.
Step 6. Decorate your pillowcase
You can add ribbon, lace or other decorations to decorate the pillowcase. You can sew ribbons of contrasting color over the hem lines or other decorations on the pillowcases.
Method 2 of 2: Decorative Pillowcases
Step 1. Select the fabric
For this method, you will need three pieces of fabric for the color combination. Choose one piece of fabric to be the main part of the pillowcase, a second fabric for the hem around the opening, and a third fabric for the accent.
- Choose three solid colored fabrics or three patterned fabrics of the same color. The fabrics don't have to match exactly, but having one or two of the same color in all three is even better.
- Try a festive pillowcase that matches the colors and motifs of the holiday theme. A themed pillowcase would make a great gift.
Step 2. Cut the fabric
Use scissors or a cutter to carefully cut the fabric to the required size. To make a regular pillowcase, cut a cloth measuring 65cm x 110cm. cut the second cloth 30 cm x 110 cm. cut the last fabric for the trim 5 cm x 110 cm.
Step 3. Iron the fabric
Prepare the fabric for sewing, use an iron to smooth out the wrinkles. Iron the largest and second cloth flat. Fold in half the fabric for the long side trim and iron evenly.
Step 4. Lay down the fabric
Lay the cloth both faces up on your work surface. Align the third cloth with the second cloth edge so that the uneven edge on the outside and the folded edge on the inside. Finally, place the first cloth on top of the second and third cloth, face down.
- Make sure all layers of fabric are aligned along the top edge.
- Add a few pins along the edges of the fabric to keep them from shifting.
Step 5. Roll up the fabric
Use your fingers to start rolling the first fabric, the largest, toward the pinned edges. Continue to roll up to a few inches from the pinned edge. Now take the second piece of fabric and fold it into the roll, aligning it with the pinned edge using pins again on all the fabric to keep it from moving.
Step 6. Sew the edges
Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to make a straight stitch along the pinned edge of the fabric. The seam should be 1.3 cm from the edge of the fabric. Not a pin when sewing.
- Make sure the stitches sew all the layers of fabric.
- Make sure the seams are as straight and neat as possible. If you need to start from scratch, use a tool to pry the seams, align the edges of the fabric again and start sewing again.
Step 7. Turn the fabric roll outward
Pull back the second cloth to reveal the roll of the first cloth underneath. Gently pull the roll and back of the fabric, then smooth it over your work surface. Iron the pillowcase so that all components are flat.
Step 8. Sew around the edges
Turn the pillowcase over so the back of the fabric is facing out. Use a sewing machine or thread and needle to sew the hem around the untidy edges. Leave the hem of the pillowcase open.
Step 9. Turn the pillowcase upside down
Lay flat and iron before applying to pillows.
Step 10. Done
Tips
- Try 100% cotton, linen or silk. Recycle fabric.
- Sewing space is excess fabric beyond the seams.
