Learn how to sew a pillowcase (standard size) in this simple and easy sewing tutorial for beginners!
Please note: This post may contain affiliate links, for our full disclosure click HERE.
So you’re wanting to make your own pillowcases for the bedrooms in your home. This tutorial is for you!
Sewing a standard size pillowcase couldn’t be more easy. Its a GREAT beginner sewing project and only takes about 15 minutes or less to do. Once you make one, you’ll want to make some for every room in your house!
What I love about being able to sew my own pillowcases is that I can choose the exact kind of fabric I’m wanting. Fabric options are nearly endless, so you can really customize what you want when you sew your own.
They’re also a really cute gift idea! My mom gifted all of her 15 grandkids, a Christmas themed pillowcase on Christmas last year. So special and sweet!
If you like making all the things around your home, sewing your own pillowcases is the perfect project for you.
There are a few different ways to make a pillowcase. I’ve tried all of them! This is just a simple tutorial using two pieces of fabric, but if you want you can use one long piece folded in half.
Here are a few different questions you might be wondering before we get started.
How Much Fabric Do I Need for a Pillowcase?
To sew a pillowcase you’ll need roughly one yard of fabric. For two pillowcases, make sure you have about two yards.
Choose a fabric that is soft of course! Also, try to wash and dry your fabric before you cut it and sew it. Cotton fabric can tend to shrink.
You can also choose a
How Much Bigger Should a Pillowcase be Than a Pillow?
Your pillowcase should be about one to two inches bigger than your pillow. This tutorial is for a standard size pillowcase (20×26), BUT you can always measure your pillow first to make sure this pillowcase size will work.
If you LOVE sewing things for your home, here are a few other posts from the blog you might like!
How to Make a Pillowcase Step by Step
To sew a pillowcase you’ll need a bit of fabric, a sewing machine, scissors, and thread!
Start by cutting your fabric down to 30″x21″. This will create a standard sized pillowcase which is 20×26. You’ll need TWO pieces like this.
Fold down the short end of the fabric into itself, right side to wrong side, to create a 3.5″ hem for the opening of the pillowcase. Does that make sense?!
Fold it down and iron it. Do this with both pieces.
Take both pieces over to your sewing machine and sew along the bottom of this folded down piece, 1/4″ in, to create the big hem edge. Again, do it with both pieces of fabric.
Next, you’re going to put the pillowcases right sides together, line up the cuffs you just created, and pin it if you feel like it. I don’t pin it, but you do you boo;)
Now, you’ll sew all the way around the edges, leaving the side by the cuff OPEN. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end when you are sewing.
By now your pillowcase should look like the image below. Its inside out, three edges are sewed closed, with a 1/2″ seam, and you have one opening at the cuff edge.
Cut all your loose threads, turn your pillowcase inside out, and you’re DONE! Woohoo! You did it, how long did it take you?!
Mine took me about 15 minutes start to finish to sew. So easy and sew fast;)
If you loved this tutorial, please share it with a friend.
Happy sewing and happy homemaking.
Pin it for Later!
