Updated at: 15-01-2023 - By: Jane

Pillow cases are as equally important as pillows and other beddings. They not only spice up your space décor, but will also protect your pillow from wearing out fast. Be assured of quality sleep with the right pillowcase. Learning how to make pillow cases might seem hectic but it’s one of the easiest skills there is in the sewing world. Whether you’re using a sewing machine or doing it by hand, you’ll have awesome results if you follow the right procedures.

First things first, you need to know the measurement of your pillow to make the right pillowcase. There are three common types of pillows. Standard pillows, queen and king size pillows. In this article, you will learn all the steps you need to make a perfect pillow case. Follow Closely:

How to make a Standard Pillow Case.

A standard pillow case is used to cover bed or household pillows. It is that pillow case you use in your day to day life. Base on your bedroom or household color theme to choose the right blend of fabric. Here is how to make your own pillow case:

Tools:

  • A good pair of scissors
  • Tape
  • Pins
  • Thread
  • Sewing machine
  • Fabric( preferably pure cotton)
  • Sewing needle( if you don’t have a machine)
  • A straight table for accurate measurements

Steps

  • Assemble your 1.8m fabric on the table and cut out a piece of 45 x 36 inches using your pair of scissors. For patterned fabrics, watch out for any folding as you cut.
  • Fold the piece into two, in its length. The right side of the fabric should be on the inside.
  • Using a sewing machine or needle, stitch through the long folded side and one of the short sides, one after the other.
  • Now turn the right side of the fabric out
  • You can add some flair to the fabric by using a matching thread.
  • If using hands, spend more time on the seam to make sure you’re stitching it straight.
  • On the open side, fold the fabric into a ½ inch hem. Iron through the hem to form a crease.
  • Re fold the fabric into a 3 inch hem and iron through again
  • Stitch across the base of the final hem to keep it firm in place.
  • You can now decorate your pillow with your desired lace, ribbon, e.t.c. by stitching it over the visible thread stitches. And backstitch thereafter.

How to Make Throw Pillow Cases 03/2024

Throw pillows or decorative pillows are normally used as décor in homes, hotels, especially thrown on sofas. Here’s how to make throw pillows:

Measurement:

  • Main fabric26 x 44 inches
  • Medium fabric12 x 44 inches
  • Trim2 x 44

Steps:

  • Assemble the three fabrics. You don’t have to necessarily match the fabrics. They can just have a resemblance. Consider mixing three solid colors for a much better blend.
  • Cut the fabric into the right sizes.
  • Iron out the wrinkles with the main and medium fabric put flat, and the trim folded lengthwise in two. With its wrong sides together.
  • Spread the fabrics out. Put the medium fabric with its right side facing up, attach the trim piece to the medium one, with the raw edges on the outside. Make sure the folded edge of the trim is on the inside, then sandwich it with the main fabric, wrong side up.
  • Align the edges perfectly and pin them up using straight pins, to keep them in place.
  • Roll up the top piece of fabric, which is the largest, back towards the edges. Leave a few inches between the rolled up fabric and pinned edge.
  • Move the medium piece too towards the pinned edge for alignment. Do some more pinning.
  • Leave an allowance of ½ inch and stitch the edges straight, using either a machine or a plain sewing needle. Remember to pull out the pins as you stitch. You now have a roll.
  • Turn the roll inside out and gently stuff out the medium fabric.
  • Lay it straight out and use an iron to iron through it for neatness.
  • Put the wrong side of your pillow out and stitch the ages in a round manner, leaving the hemmed side untouched.
  • Put the pillow case back the right way and give it a final ironing.
  • Now you can slide your pillow in.

How to Make Throw Pillow Cases

 How to Make Envelope Pillow Cases.

Unlike the other types of pillow cases, envelop pillow cases can be made within just minutes. So, if it’s rush hour for you, and you need some new pillow covers for your space, consider learning how to make envelope pillow cases on your own. Here’s how to:

Tools

  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Thread
  • Flat surface for easy working
  • Pins
  • Iron
  • 2 yards of fabric
  • Sewing machine or pillow
  • Fabric
  • An old pillow

Measurement:

  • Use your uncovered pillow to get the right measurements.
  • Using your measuring tape, measure its width and length, and add an inch to each.
  • Add 4 inches to the back pieces.

Steps:

  • Wash or steam press your fabric before sewing to avoid seam ripping and shrinking while washing the final product.
  • Hang it out in the sun or dry at the lowest heat.
  • Lay your fabric with the wrong side up.
  • Mark the panels with a ruler and marker, for accuracy.
  • Hem the back panels of the pillow case by folding the edges into ¼ inch, and press with an iron. Fold the pressed edge again, by more ¼ inch, and press again.
  • Hold your double folded hem in place and stitch it on the inside of the hem. Backstitch it.
  • Lay your main piece right side facing up, add one of the back pieces with wrong side up, and pin them up at the edges.
  • Add the second back piece and pin it too.
  • Stitch and backstitch the pinned edges.
  • With your pillow case still wrong side out, put it flat and chop off the four corners, to give your nice corners a t the end of it.
  • Now turn your case right side up, use something pointed to pop out the four folded corners perfectly.
  • Finally, stuff your pillow case and it’s ready to use!

How to Make Zippered Pillow Cases

Most people dread making this type of pillow cases because of the complexity that comes with placing the zipper on. Actually, it’s not as hard as you may imagine. If you follow these detailed steps, you will be a pro at it with just your next case. Here’s how to make zippered pillow cases:

Tools:

  • Fabric (1 yard)
  • Scissors
  • Thread
  • Long ruler
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine or needle
  • Marker (for accurate cutting)
  • Seam ripper
  • Pillow/ insert
  • Zipper and foot
  • Measuring tape

Steps:

  • Ensure your zipper is 4 inches shorter than your pillow lengthwise.
  • Measure your old pillow’s vertical and horizontal seams with the tape, and add an inch to each.
  • Cut your fabric into those measurements, to make two equal pieces.
  • Align them well with their right sides together and pin them up.
  • Stitch the position where you will put your zipper, along the edges.
  • Place your zipper at the stitched edges, leaving an allowance between the zipper and edges, and between the zipper and the fabric. Making it sit in the middle of the allowances.
  • Give it a standard stitch, with a standard stitch length.
  • Backstitch along the seam lines to the nearest vertical pin.
  • Backstitch again with a longer stitch until the next pin.
  • Repeat this using a standard stitch, then backstitch some more to finish the seam.
  • Spread open your freshly sewn seam, and place the zipper, with its right side facing down.
  • Pin it up.
  • Permanently stitch the ends of your zipper into the seam, using a zipper foot.
  • With your zipper still shut, stitch downwards on one side of the zipper and stop a few inches before the pull.
  • Pause and leave your needle in the fabric, let the foot loose and unzip your zipper across the foot. Re-engage the foot again.
  • Stitch on until the lines meet, and backstitch.
  • Have the zipper closed back, and backstitch to finish that side.
  • Repeat this with the opposite side too.
  • Give it a final backstitch and take the fabric off the machine.
  • Rip up the seam to reveal the zipper, using a seam ripper, starting with the three previous edges at the far end of the zipper.
  • Gently separate the stitches in between the rows, to avoid damage.
  • Taste the movement of the zipper and check for any mistakes.
  • Use a lint roller to pick away those many tiny threads from the ripping.
  • Still on its wrong side, sew the pillow case up, with the zipper still open, to avoid much pulling.
  • Stitch as you backstitch on the loose areas to give it more firmness.
  • Turn your pillow case’s right side out, and iron it for neatness.
  • Finally, stuff your pillow and it’s ready to use.

How to Make Pillow Cases with Borders.

Pillow cases with borders are commonly known for their unique design and uniquely matched colors. You want to choose bright colors for both the border and trim, to achieve your purpose beautifully.

Consider using fabrics made of pure cotton for a fresh sensation while you rest your head on your pillow. Plus pure cotton is much durable.

Measurements

Cut your fabric using the following measurements according to your pillow size:

Standard pillows

  • Fabric 27 x 43 inches (68.5 x 109.2cm)
  • Border – 11 x 43 inches ( 28 x 109.2cm)
  • Trim 1 ¾ x 43 inches (4.5 x 109.2cm)

Queen size pillows

  • Fabric 31 x 43 inches (78.7 x 109.2cm)
  • Border 11 x 43 inches (28 x 109.2cm)
  • Trim 1 ¾ x 43 inches(4.5 x 109.2cm)

King size pillows

  • Fabric 37 x 43 inches (94 x 109.2cm)
  • Border 11 x 43 inches (28 x 109.2cm)
  • Trim 1 ¾ x 43 inches (4.5 x 109.2cm)

Steps:

  • Lay and fold your trim in two equal halves, with the inner sides together. The edges should match.
  • Put the main fabric and border together, with the right sides attached to each other. The border should be at the bottom. Have the trim sandwiched between them. This will automatically match the 43” of the pieces.
  • Pin the edges together for accuracy.
  • Roll up the longest part of the main fabric towards the edge of the border.
  • Fold the border over the main fabric to have all the edges matched.
  • Pin the edges up to avoid movement.
  • Stitch through the border.
  • Gently have your main fabric cover the top by pulling through the fold.
  • Using a hot flat iron, press on to your border or you can opt for topstitching with invisible thread.
  • Finally, embroider the border if you wish to.

How to Make Pillow Cases with Borders.

What to Consider When Buying your Pillow Case Fabric.

When buying fabric for your pillow case, you want to make sure it’s the best piece for quality sleep, skin and hair. Types of fabric include natural, synthetic, silk and satin fabric.

You can consider going for natural fabrics like cotton, flannel or linen, for their ability to absorb excess water, hence letting your skin breath. Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are also good but have got low water absorption, which will just worsen if you already have dry skin and hair.

Natural protein fibers like Silk and Satin are high maintenance fabrics and commonly used for decor. They are naturally slippery, something that makes them less appealing to be used for sleeping.

Conclusion

Once you have the right fabric for your pillow case, the right tools and measurements, follow the above simple steps on how to make pillow cases to make your desired type of pillow cases and create yourself some beautiful space as you continue enjoying your goodnight’s sleep.

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