How to Make a Pillowcase, Easy Pattern +Video

ByLuisa Clare Last Updated onFebruary 23, 2026

Save it Now, Make it Later!

Now, you can learn how to make a pillowcase with a border and a durable seam. You may have noticed that most pillowcases in homeware shops have a pretty border along the edge. Well, that’s what you can make by the end of this pillowcase tutorial! It is called the burrito method of making a pillowcase. Best of all, it won’t take much more than 30 minutes of your precious time. You can create one for the whole family while your little one naps!

Easy Pillowcase Pattern

Ready to learn how to make a burrito pillowcase? Let’s get started! This tutorial will give you the measurements for 3 standard sizes – Standard, Queen and King so you can have a perfect fit for your bed. This pillowcase is an easy project, but if you are new, read my how to sew for beginners guide first.

There are slight differences in sizing between countries, but this pillowcase should fit most pillow inserts. Some of you, like me, might call them pillowslips or pillow covers.

How to Make a Pillowcase, Step-by-Step Instructions

Supplies for DIY Pillowcases

Here is what you need to make a pillow cover pattern:

FABRIC – You will need 1 yard of fabric that is at least 44 inches (112cm) wide.
BASIC SEWING SUPPLIES – Sewing machine, thread, pins or sewing clips, regular straight stitch presser foot.
MEASURING TOOLS – Ruler or tape measure
CUTTING TOOLS – Scissors, or rotary cutter, and cutting mat.

Best Fabric for Making a DIY Pillowcase. Pure cotton woven fabric is best as it will breathe and give you a great night’s sleep. Choose bright, contrasting fabrics for the border and trim for a modern, stylish look that matches your bedroom decor. The best part is that you can hunt around in your scrap pile for long pieces for the border and trim.

The fabric chosen should be light to medium weight. I like using quilting cotton

how to make a pillowcase pattern with white bedding and cat

Video Instructions

Here is a video I made showing the whole process of this pillowcase sewing pattern. It really is quite easy! I add new sewing and craft videos to my YouTube channel weekly so don’t forget to subscribe.

Step 1 – Cut the Fabric

Here are the dimensions of the 3 sizes of pillow inserts. Most of you will have a standard-size pillowcase. The finished size of the simple pillowcase pattern, of course, is larger than the actual inserts. This pattern gives you a nice loose cover. You can adjust it if you like a tight cover.

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3 pillow inserts in a row including standard, queen and king sizes with dimensions

Pillowcase Size	Insert Dimensions	Finished Dimensions
Standard	20×26″ (50.8x66cm)	21×31″ (53.3×78.7cm)
Queen	20×30″ (50.8×76.2cm)	21×35″ (53.3x89cm)
King	20×36″ (50.8×91.4cm)	21×41″ (53.3x104cm)

Start by cutting out your fabric in rectangular pieces in the following sizes. You will need to cut the main fabric, border, and trim. A rotary cutter and ruler will ensure you have clean, straight edges. Otherwise, if you are using fabric shears, mark a clear line to cut along. You don’t want a wonky pillow!

	Standard	Queen	King
Main	27×43″ (68.5×109.2cm)	31×43″ (78.7×109.2cm)	37×43″ (94×109.2cm)
Border	11×43″ (28×109.2cm)	11×43″ (28×109.2cm)	11×43″ (28×109.2cm)
Trim	1.75×43″ (4.5×109.2cm)	1.75×43″ (4.5×109.2cm)	1.75×43″ (4.5×109.2cm)

Here is a photo of the fabric pieces for your pillowcase to visualize what you are cutting.

Here is the sewing tutorial for how to sew a pillowcase:

Step 2 – Prepare the Trim

Press your trim in half lengthwise with the WRONG sides matching the long raw edges. Ensure the edges meet (unlike mine!) and are accurate. If the edges are misaligned, you risk not catching in one side when you get to the sewing part of the tutorial.

Step 3 – Layer the Main and Border

Layer your main and border pieces with RIGHT sides together with the trim sandwiched in between. You will match each piece’s 43-inch (109cm) side. Make sure the border is on the bottom layer, as this will make the next step easier. Pin along the top raw edge so the pieces don’t move.

Step 4 – Roll up the Main Part (Burrito Method)

Now, roll up the main piece of fabric almost to the top of the border. You can see in the photo below that there are still a couple of inches at the top. The roll should be quite tight so you can bring the border up over it in the next step.

Roll up the main fabric with the border exposed

This is the view from the side. See how layers are at the top, and then the main part is rolled up. Be careful that the top layers don’t move. Add some pins if necessary.

Step 5 – Pin the Border

Wrap the border around the main fabric and match all the raw edges. This is called the burrito method of making a pillowcase.

It is easy to see from the side view why it has the name of a burrito pillowcase pattern. Remove your original pins and repin through all layers. It is important that all the raw edges are well aligned. If one layer has slipped, it will be missed in the sewing stage.

Step 6 – Sewing Pillowcases Border

Stitch across the top raw edge with a 1/2 inch seam allowance (12mm). Pull the main fabric through the end of the roll to turn your pillowcase the right way out. You should be able to grab it with your fingers, but if not, use a safety pin on one end and feed it through the tube.

Give your border a good press. Most cotton fabrics will press nicely at the seam, but you can topstitch across. If you are going to embroider the border, now is the easiest time to do it. This is how the pillowcase will look once it is turned the right way out.

Pillowcase in progress. The border has been added.

Step 7 – Sew a Pillowcase French Seam

Here, you will learn how to make a french seam to enclose the raw edges. This means you don’t need a serger to make a pillowcase.

Fold your pillowcase in half with the WRONG sides together and the raw edges matching. Stitch along the side and bottom, 1/4 inch (6mm) from the edge. This is smaller than your regular seam allowance.

How to Make a Pillowcase Seam, Sewing a Pillowcase

Trim the seam to 1/8 inch (3mm) and clip the bottom corner. Be careful not to cut through the stitching.

Turn the pillowcase the WRONG way out and press the seam. Now stitch around the seam again 1/4 inch (6mm) from the edge. This will completely encase the seam and prevent it from fraying in the wash.

This is how your inside seam will now look. See how the raw edges are all enclosed, giving you a durable seam.

Turn the pillowcase the right way out again and give it a good final press. If you are a beginner, you should feel so proud of yourself.

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Pillowcase Pattern FAQs

How to Use One Way Prints for a Pillowcase Pattern?

1-way prints are ideal for this pattern since the main part is cut in one large piece. Just make sure all the motifs are facing the correct direction. Decide whether you want the print to go along or down the pillow slip.

How to Make a Pillowcase by Hand

You can use this easy pillowcase tutorial with hand stitches. Instead of your machine, use a small running stitch or backstitch for strong seams. The smaller your stitches, the better.

What is the Burrito Method of Sewing Pillowcases?

This refers to a step in the sewing pattern where you roll the main part of the fabric up to have a border with no outside seams.

In Conclusion

All finished with the easy pillowcase pattern and tutorial and looking good! I hope you enjoyed this how to make a pillowcase sewing project. Make one in a fun fabric to match your family’s personalities. I made the floral ones below for my bedroom for a bit of a revamp. It is amazing how happy a pillowcase you’ve made yourself can make you feel.

Now you have beautiful pillows for the bed, why not learn how to make curtains? This tutorial shows you how to make a pillow cover with French seams, but I have more pillow and cushion patterns. Here are 10 more pillow patterns!

how to make cushion covers — Envelope Pillow

how to make a cushion with piping — Envelope Pillow