• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
TREASURIE
  • FREE PATTERNS
  • Sewing
    • Techniques
    • How to Sew
    • Embroidery
    • Quilting
    • Face Mask Pattern
    • Fashion Types
    • Fabric Care
    • Fabric Types
  • Crochet
  • Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Tie Dye
    • Paper Crafts
    • Paper Mache
    • Christmas
  • SHOP
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Pattern Shop
  • Sewing Tutorials
  • Free Sewing Projects
  • Crochet
  • Embroidery
  • Quilting
  • Fabric Care
  • Fabric Types
  • Fashion Types
  • Crafts
×

Home » Free Sewing Patterns

PILLOWCASE PATTERN - Best and Easiest Tutorial

Share this Article:
TwitterFacebookPinterestPrint

A pillowcase pattern is amazingly simple to sew and is a great beginner project. French seam pillowcases can brighten up a bedroom and bring a smile to someone when you give them as a gift. Ready to get started? You’ll be surprised how quickly you can sew a simple pillowcase pattern with a French seam. Be prepared -  you’ll want to make lots!

Pillowcase PatternPin
Pillowcase Pattern

Contents

  • Pillowcase Pattern
    • Insert Sizes
    • Pillowcase Pattern Supplies
    • Cutting Instructions
  • More Pillowcase Pattern Tutorials
  • Pillowcase Pattern - The Video
  • Pillowcase Pattern - Instructions
    • Step 1: Hem the Long Side
    • Step 2: Decorate
    • Step 3: Fold in Half
    • Step 4: Turn and Stitch Again
    • Step 5: Turn and Press
  • Pillowcase Pattern - In Conclusion
  • Another Variation of the Pillowcase Pattern

Pillowcase Pattern

You can make the pillowcase pattern plain or add some lace or trim to the end. The advantage of using a French seam for this pattern is that the seams will last through lots of washes without the seam allowance fraying or the seams splitting.

Pillows can vary slightly in size according to your country and the pillow manufacturer but this pillowcase pattern will fit most pillows with a little room to spare.

In this pillowcase pattern, I have given you cutting instructions for standard, queen an king sizes.

Insert Sizes

These are some of the more common pillowcase insert sizes. Just grab a pillow insert out of the cupboard or off the bed and make your preferred size.

pillow sizesPin
Pillow Insert Sizes

Here are the finished pillowcase sizes. Typically pillowcases are fairly loose and easy to get on.

pillowcase pattern sizes
Pillowcase Pattern Sizes

Pillowcase Pattern Supplies

What you will need:

FABRIC – Purchase soft pure cotton fabric that is at least 44 inches (112cm) wide. Cotton and natural fiber fabric will breathe if you get hot at night and not irritate your skin.

Cotton can be prone to shrinkage, so pre washing is recommended to also remove any finishing chemicals and test for fabric color fastness.

Purchase these lengths of fabric

  • Standard – 1 yard (0.95m)
  • Queen – 1 ⅛ yard (1.05m)
  • King – 1 ⅜ yard (1.2m)

Cutting Instructions

Start by cutting out one piece of fabric in the following sizes:

how-to-make-a-pillowcase-9
Fabric Cutting Sizes

More Pillowcase Pattern Tutorials

This tutorial shows you how to make a basic pillowcase pattern with French seams but I have more pillow and cushion patterns. Branch out with 10 more pillow patterns!

  • Pin
    Doll Pillows
  • Pin
    Border Pillowcases
  • pom pom pillowsPin
    Pom Pom Pillows
  • cushion cover with pipingPin
    DIY Cushion with Piping
  1. How to Make a Pillowcase - This great tutorial shows you how to make a similar pillowcase with a border on one end. Great for using contrasting fabrics.
  2. How to Make a Cushion Cover – Envelope style cushion cover and one of the easiest for absolute beginners.
  3. How to Make a Doll Pillowcase - 2 styles of pillowcases for 18 inch dolls.
  4. Make a Cushion Cover with Piping - This envelope style cushion cover has piping around the edge.
  5. Tooth Fairy Pillow - For kids
  6. Pom Pom Pillows - Make a pillow with colorful pom pom trim around the edges.
  7. Star Pillow Pattern
  8. DIY Travel Pillow
  9. Christmas Pillow DIY - This pillow has a seasonal Christmas tree applique.

Pillowcase Pattern - The Video

Watch my video on how to make a pillowcase pattern. Like all my videos it is just short so relax and press play. Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly sewing and craft videos.

Pillowcase Pattern VIDEO

Pillowcase Pattern - Instructions

Step 1: Hem the Long Side

On the wrong side, press over the 43 inch (109cm) side by ½ inch (12mm). On the standard and queen size, this will be the long edge. On the king size, this will be the shorter edge.

Press the edge over 4 inches (10cm) again to form a wide hem. 

Stitch along the folded hem.

how-to-make-a-pillowcase-1bPin
Step 1 - Hem the Long Side

Step 2: Decorate

If you want to add lace or trim to your pillowcase pattern, stitch it along the outside of the wide hem you just created.

Do a double check before sewing and make sure any trims you use are not scratchy. You don’t want anything to come between you and a good night’s sleep. I find cotton laces are the best as polyester lace is often rougher. Cotton ric-rac looks great too and can add a pop of color.

Further Reading:

  • Sewing Lace Trim
  • Sewing Ric Rac
  • How to Sew Pom Pom Trim
how-to-make-a-pillowcase-2bPin
Step 2 - Add Lace to the Pillowcase Pattern

Step 3: Fold in Half

Fold your pillowcase pattern in half with the WRONG sides together matching the raw edges and the edges of the hem.

Note that this is probably different from what you are used to (normally it is right sides together) to but this is how we create a durable French seam.

If you want to find out more about French seams then read my tutorial on how to sew a French seam.

Stitch around the bottom and side with a ¼ inch (6mm) seam allowance. You will be leaving the hemmed edge open.

Trim the seam back to ⅛ inch (3mm) and clip the bottom corners.

how-to-make-a-pillowcase-3bPin
Step 3 - Fold in Half and Stitch

Step 4: Turn and Stitch Again

Turn the pillowcase the WRONG way out and give it a good press along the seam. Make sure the corners are poked out well.

Stitch around the bottom and side again ¼ inch (6mm) from the edge. You will notice that the narrow trimmed seam is now enclosed.

how-to-make-a-pillowcase-4bPin
Step 4 - Stitch

This will create a professional French seam that will give your pillowcase pattern the durability to last through lots of washes.

Pillowcase Pattern French SeamPin
Pillowcase Pattern French Seam

Step 5: Turn and Press

Turn your pillowcase the RIGHT way out and give it a final press and you are all done!

Pillowcase PatternPin
Pillowcase Pattern

Pillowcase Pattern - In Conclusion

How long did that take you? Mine took around 10 minutes after I had cut it out. In fact, deciding on the right fabric and cutting took me longer than the sewing part. If you are a beginner, your first one might take a little longer but you will soon get the hang of it and make new pillowcases for your whole family.

Another Variation of the Pillowcase Pattern

Ready to make more pillowcases? If you are looking to make a pillowcase with a border, I have another tutorial to show you how. This is a great way to use up some of your fabric scraps and to add interest and contrast to simple pillows. (How to make a pillowcase with a border. ) Once you have joined the border, the technique is very similar to the tutorial on this page.

how to make a pillowcasePin
How to Make a Pillowcase with a Border
3.6/5 - (13 votes)
« Winter Sewing Patterns for Girls | Best Patterns
How to Thread a Sewing Machine | Step by Step »

Bestselling Sewing Patterns

  • Girls Dress Pattern
  • Dress Pattern
  • Bodysuit Pattern
  • Skirt Pattern
  • Bloomers Pattern
  • Hat Pattern
  • Girls Dress Pattern
  • Dress Pattern
  • Bodysuit Pattern
  • Skirt Pattern
  • Bloomers Pattern
  • Hat Pattern

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Treasurie

    August 29, 2020 at 10:42 pm

    I used quilting cotton

  2. Tanya

    August 26, 2020 at 9:37 pm

    Thanks for the tutorial! Can you tell me which fabric is pictured there?

  3. Treasurie

    June 16, 2020 at 8:20 pm

    I've added a print button to the top under the title. Also there are links in the article to my PDF version.

  4. Nan

    June 14, 2020 at 7:14 pm

    is there anyway to make this pattern on the website into a form of a PDF? I have an 83 year old friend that wants to make them, but doesn't do the internet. these directions are fabulous!!!!

  5. Charlotte hilliarad

    January 28, 2020 at 3:34 pm

    Great website. I learned a lot.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Pattern Shop

Newsletter

loader

Popular

  • Face Mask Pattern 
  • How to Make Cushion Covers 
  • Burp Cloth Pattern – 3 Styles
  • How to Make a Scrunchie {2 sizes}
  • How to Make a Pillowcase
  • 6 Best Seam Finishes for Fabric
  • How to Gather
  • How to Make Curtains
  • How to Make a Quilt
  • How to Tie Dye
  • Sewing Machine Brands
  • How to Make a Scrunchie
  • How to Sew a Rip
  • How to Make Tassels
  • Types of Skirts
  • Sewing Projects for Beginners
  • Fabric Names

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy/Copyright
  • Sewing Pattern Shop
  • Printing Help
  • Disclaimers/Affiliate/Advertising
  • Site Map

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Social

Popular

  • How to Sew
  • How to Embroider
  • How to Crochet
  • Fashion Styles
  • How to Macrame
  • How to Knit
  • How to Tie Dye

Copyright © 2022 Treasurie. All rights reserved.