Sewing a pillowcase is the best first sewing project when you are just starting out. You get to play and learn the ins and outs of your machine, while making something useful. These pillowcases are pretty basic: two rectangles sewn together or one large rectangle folded over and sewn together. I made one with a fold that closes and two that are just open.
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Here is how to sew a pillowcase with the fold.
You will need fabric and a sewing machine.
First pick your favorite pillowcase you already have. Take a length of fabric and cut a rectangle that is approximate size of your pillowcase plus a bit extra for the seams. Cut another rectangle that is longer by the size of the fold you’d like. Put them right sides together. Alternatively you might want to make one large rectangle and just fold it on the bottom. Where half the rectangle is the size of the pillowcase and the second half is pillowcase + fold.
Next step here is to fold over both edges on top and hem them. First, fold from the right side to inside of the fabric about 1/3 inch. Then do it one more time. You could use pins to keep it in place. I find that if fabric is more stiff, like cotton or linen, it’s easy enough for me to just start sewing.
When I sew the hem, I do it slowly, and fold as I go.
Below are the two edges finished.
A close up of the edge.
Using zigzag stitch, go very close to the edge, and sew the lengths of the pillowcase from the bottom, to where the fold begins. If you had two rectangles, instead of a large folded one, you would need to do the same to the bottom of your pillowcase.
When I say to sew close to the edge, this is what I mean. Look below!
Fold over the flap, and sew it in place with the zigzag stitch, the same way you did the sides in the last step.
Use a regular straight stitch to sew the edges all around. Go right next to the zigzag stitch that’s already there.
That’s what I mean, go right next to the zigzag stitch.
Now turn your pillow right side out and it’s all done!!!
How to sew a pillowcase without the fold.
1. Cut out your pillowcase. It can be two rectangles, both the size of your pillowcase + extra for seams, or it can be a large rectangle, folded either along the side, or the bottom. In my case it’s the left side.
2. Sew the edges together (except for the opening of course) using a zigzag stitch and going very close to the edge.
3. Repeat #2, this time using the straight regular stitch and going right next to the zigzag stitch.
4. Hem the opening. Fold the edge about 1/3 of an inch from right side in.
5. Fold the edge of the opening one more time.
6. Sew the hem using a straight stitch all around the pillowcase opening.
Here is a close up of the stitches on the pillowcase.
All done!!!
Here are my awesome pillowcases: