May 27, 2022

How to Make a Pillowcase - All You Need to Know to Get the Perfect One

So you’re looking to make your own pillowcase? Maybe you have your own desires for the perfect pillowcase, or maybe you want to design pillowcases and have competition with your friends? Whatever the case, we’ve got you covered here.

People find it fun to change pillowcases often, switching up the colors, designs, fabrics and patterns. Maybe as a seasonal thing, maybe for the holidays or maybe just for fun! The great part is, you can use most any fabric including cotton and linen - so if you’re hoping for a specific material feeling, you can rest assured you can use it.

How to make a pillowcase

Sizing Of The Pillowcase

Generally, a standard sized pillowcase will be roughly the same size as the next, but in rare circumstances you’ll have larger ones. Expect the size to be measured at 20x26 inches for the standard, 20x30 inches for a Queen size and 20x36 inches for King size pillowcases.

As we said, it’s rare to have these sizes differing - but it’s entirely possible for the size to be slightly different, but you should be able to work with it.

How Long Will It Take To Make A Pillowcase?

If you’re an experienced sewer, you can expect to make a pillowcase in 15 minutes or under! It’s usually a quick home project and it’s becoming much more popular due to the time it takes to make them. You can make all of your seasonal pillowcases in a matter of an hour!

If you’re a newbie to the world of sewing, the time may be longer. Expect about double the time, around 30 minutes to make a pillowcase - and don’t worry if your first pillowcase isn’t exactly desirable! A lot of first time sewers start their sewing projects with pillowcases, and you’ll rarely get it right the first time, but keep on practicing and you’ll get there!

What Will I Need To Make A Pillowcase At Home?

What will I need to make a pillowcase at home

You may need to make a trip to the store for some items, but most of them can be sourced at home! You’ll need the following things:

Your choice of fabric (around 2 yards of it)
A sewing machine
An iron
Scissors
Straight pins
Thread

The amount of fabric you will need will depend on how many pillowcases you’re hoping to make. If you’re starting out with 1, then 1 yard will probably be enough fabric - but you might be more comfortable having more, just in case of errors. However, if you’re experienced in sewing - expect 1 pillowcase = 1 yard of fabric.

How To Make The Pillowcase

We’re going to describe and guide you through how to make a pillowcase. For this guide though, we will be using measurements for a standard size pillowcase. You have to adjust accordingly if you’re going to make Queen or King sized.

Step 1: Cutting The Fabric

You need to start your pillowcase project by cutting 2 fabric pieces, exactly the same size. They’ll need to be 29.5 inches in length and 21 inches in width. When complete, you’ll have a 20x26 inch pillowcase.

Step 2: The Key Moments

This is where your pillowcase starts to come together. You’ll need to develop a seam for the outside edges. You’ll do this by folding the fabric over 3.5 inches and then ironing it down and pinning it which will keep it in place. The bottom edge of the fabric needs to be sewed to itself, creating a cuff. You’ll need to do this again with the next piece of fabric.

Step 3: Pinning And Sewing

You’ll next need to put the two pieces of fabric together with the cuffs lined up. Pin the 3 sides that remain to each other using straight pins and then sew a straight line surrounding the edges of each of the 3 sides.

Step 4: Flip The Pillowcase

All you have to do now is flip the pillowcase - remember, right side out - and boom. You’ve got a pillowcase!

Why Make Your Own Pillowcase

Making your own pillowcase might seem to some like a waste of time, but there are plenty of reasons why people would want to make their own pillowcases, and if you have the ability to - it’s a good idea to do so!

The Money

It probably comes as no surprise that making your own things comes at a fraction of the cost of buying something in stores. In these times of financial uncertainty, we all want to save a few bucks here and there - and this is one great way to do so!

Personalisation

Everything we own, we love to personalize. Whether that’s your car, your cell phone wallpaper, computer screensaver or decorations in your home. When it comes to your bed - this is no exception.

Not only can you design your own patterns and things on the pillowcase, but you can have your own colors etc. For some, this can really improve their mood, along with matching the room decor!

Another thing to remember is the seasonable aspect - not only is it quite expensive to buy seasonal bedding, but some people don’t like some of the usual designs, some of which may not apply to them due to religious beliefs or environmental differences (for example, a snowman picture when you live in Australia).

Health

Some people may have a health need for a specific fabric which they may find difficult in sourcing. Perhaps somebody is allergic to wool or has reactions to cotton - either way, making your own bedding can curtail these problems and give you a great night's sleep! Not to mention the mental health boost that certain colors and personalized designs can give you.