Making a pillowcase without a sewing machine may seem daunting, but it is a project that can be completed easily in a few simple steps. By hand-sewing or creating no-sew variations, a novice crafter can produce a professional-looking pillowcase in a few hours. Crafting a pillowcase requires frequent measuring and basic knowledge of stitches, so it is best to practice on scrap fabric first.
To begin, select the pillowcase fabric. It typically has to be a medium- to heavyweight cotton fabric, such as quilter’s cotton, canvas, or linen. Cotton blends can also be suitable for lighter-weight pillowcases. Select sturdy thread for the same weight category as the fabric being used and a few large sewing needles.
For one standard-size pillowcase, gather two pieces of the chosen fabric in the desired size. For a queen- or king-sized case, cut three pieces of the chosen fabric.The pieces should measure 20 inches x 26 inches for a standard-sized pillowcase and 20 inches x 32 inches for the more generous cases. After all the fabric is cut, serge or overlock the pieces so the fraying of the fabric is not a problem.
If making a no-sew option, first use a strong fabric glue to affix a half-inch hem to the four sides of the pillowcase. After the fabric glue dries, use an iron to press down the hem and make sure it is secured. For the second option, place the right sides of the fabric together and using a straight stitch, sew around the perimeter of the fabric until the two pieces are sewn together. Sew the pieces of the pillowcase, leaving a small gap of three to four inches on the bottom side.
When all the seams have been completed, turn the pillowcase right sides out. Adjust the seams and corners depending on if the pillowcase is rectangular or square. To completely finish the pillowcase, use an iron to press down the seams and hem. Stitching on a button or bow to the corner of the pillowcase can add a decorative touch.
It is possible to create stunning and professional-looking pillowcases without sewing machines. All that is required is some precision measuring, basic knowledge of stitches and a determination to complete the project. With this guide, anyone can make great-looking pillowcase without the need for complex machinery.
Working with Printed Patterns
Printed patterned fabrics such as toile, gingham or polka dots can also be used to make a pillowcase. The advantage of using patterned fabric is that it gives the pillowcase a unique and personalized look. To make sure the fabric pattern matches up when sewn, it is important to pay attention to the pattern placement. To prevent shifting or distortion during the cutting and sewing process, use pattern weights or basting spray.
The placement of the pattern pieces should be pinned in place before starting to work. Cut the pattern out using a rotary cutter or sharp scissors. Pre-wash the fabric to prevent shrinking of the patterned fabric when washed in the future. After the fabric is cut, sew the pieces placing the same design pattern on top of each other.
Using patterned fabrics for a pillowcase adds an extra touch of detail to complete the project. It adds life to a room and can be a talking piece over a cup of tea. Depending on the colour and texture of the pattern, it can be perfect for any bedroom.
No Sew Pillowcase Dyeing
It is also possible to dye no-sew pillowcases for a splash of colour and dimension to the room. The process is relatively simple and uses either liquid or powdered dye.
Before starting the dye process, make sure the pillowcase is pre-washed and dry. Depending on the shade of the dye and the fabric, a light or dark t-shirt can be worn while doing this process. This is because, if drops of the dye accidentally get onto the shirt, it still won’t be noticeable.
Mix the dye according to the instructions provided. Place the pillowcase in the dye mixture and stir it constantly. After fifteen minutes, take out the pillowcase and rinse until the water runs clear. Hang the pillowcase up in the sun for two hours to ensure the dye is completely dry.
When finished, the same fabric glue used for the no-sew option can also be used to affix a piece of ribbon or lace to the hem. This ties the piece together and adds a fun, decorative touch. And voila, a colorful, vibrant and no-sew pillowcase that looks professionally handmade is complete!
Making a Reversible Pillowcase
Making a reversible pillowcase is a fun and creative project. What’s unique about a reversible pillowcase is that it allows the creator to give the item two different looks. For example, if one side is printed, the opposite side can be plain or vice versa.
To begin this project, cut three pieces of fabric that measure 20 inches by 26 inches for a standard-sized pillowcase or 20 inches by 32 inches for a king-sized pillowcase. Pin them together, making sure the right sides are facing together before starting to sew. Using a straight stitch, sew along the fabric at a quarter-inch seam allowance. Start from the top and work your way to the bottom.
When finished, clip the seams, turn the pillowcase right side out, and press the seams flat with an iron. Tuck the two layers together and sew a twofold French seam. This will prevent any fraying or unraveling of the fabric when the pillowcase is washed. Finally, sew on a few extra touches of ribbon, buttons or lace to the pillowcase to complete the reversible pillowcase.
Fussy Cut Pillowcase
The term ‘fussy cut’ refers to the process of cutting around an individual motif from a fabric’s pattern. This is a great way to create pillowcases with a desired feature of the fabric shining through, for example, a large flower or an interesting geometric shape. All that is needed is precision cutting and patience.
Fussy cutting works best for fabrics with large-scale patterns. Start by picking out the motif from the fabric either with a pencil or a piece of chalk. Carefully cut around the shape leaving a half-inch seam allowance. When the fussy cut is complete, repeat the steps explained in the previous section entitled ‘Making a Reversible Pillowcase.’ Iron the seams and sew them together to create a pillowcase with an accentuated feature or pattern.
When complete the pillowcase will have a unique and interesting effect. Depending on the colour and texture of the pattern, it can either be used to make a statement or simply as a background feature.
Tips and Tricks
Before attempting to make a pillowcase, make sure the fabric is pre-washed and dried. This is important because, when the pillowcase is washed in the future, it will not shrink unexpectedly.
If unsure about achieving a straight line when hand-sewing, many craft stores sell pre-printed grids. This grid will help to keep the seam straight. Furthermore, when pinning the fabric, think ‘straight’; oftentimes curved seams can create an imprecise fit. To keep the edges from fraying, it’s a good idea to use fray seam tape.
When dyeing a pillowcase it is better to use a dye and fabric with the same weight. This is because heavier fabrics, such as cotton or linen, may need a longer processing time in the dye. Furthermore, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on washing and drying.
When working with patterned fabrics, use pattern weights or basting spray to keep the fabric from shifting while cutting or sewing. Additionally, it is important to pin the pattern pieces in place to avoid pattern distortion. Lastly, to add an extra touch of detail, stitch a button or ribbon to the corner of the pillowcase. This adds a small bit of extra detail.
