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How to Make a Pillowcase

Mrunmayi Deo
Sleep constitutes about one third portion of an average human being's lifespan. What adds to the comfort of sleeping environment is having good mattresses and pillows. We spend quite a bit on the bedding; that covers mattresses, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and more. Have you thought of making pillowcases at home?
Making a pillowcase is a lot of fun and the steps are easy. It can also be taken up as a weekend activity along with the children in the house, and they can select the cloth with various cartoon, fairytale, or superhero characters of their choice to make a pillowcase for themselves.

Let us start with the materials required.

  • 2 yards colored fabric (45 inches wide; 21 by 32 inches)
  • Thread
  • Sewing machine or needles (you could hand-stitch as well)
  • Measuring tape
  • Sewing ruler
  • Scissors
  • Iron
  • Fabric marking pencil
  • Lace or ribbon
Ensure that the fabric is of a good quality and does not shrink after washing. You should then decide on the size, though it's usually good to opt for the standard one.

Step #1

Measure and cut the fabric according to your size preferences. Children may like smaller sizes, and you could cut sizes and shapes that they desire.

Step #2

After you have cut the fabric, fold it into half lengthwise. Here, keep the finished side of the fabric inside so that after the pillowcase is ready, the stitches are not visible on the exterior.

Step #3

Sew the longer side together with the help of a matching thread, either on a sewing machine or by hand. A sewing machine is suggested as the stitches are highly efficient (and could bear more pillow fights).

Step #4

Now, stitch one of the short ends in a similar way. So you now have a pillowcase with three sides closed. This leaves only one side open, which is of course for the pillow to go in.

Step #5

Turn the pillowcase inside out so that the finished end is now visible. You would have to hem the open ends by folding half an inch of the fabric towards the inner side. This is where an iron comes into picture.
After you have folded the ends, place a hot iron on it so that it becomes easy for you to hem these using the zigzag or serge pattern. Place a pillow inside and see whether it fits in properly.
If you want to gift this pillowcase, you could probably lace the hem near the open ends. This will make it look presentable and could make a perfect personalized gift.
This is all about pillowcase making and should answer your questions on making a beautiful and durable one. The steps are pretty easy and this is certainly one of the best DIY weekend plans.