How to Make a Pillowcase Tutorial (Roll Up Method)

Pillowcases are fun projects to sew. This pillowcase project is so simple anyone can do it, even beginners and kids.   Kids would love to select some fun fabrics to make their own pillowcases.  

Learn how to make a quick and easy pillowcase by watching the video below or keep reading for written instructions.

These are wonderful community service projects and can be made for kids or adults. Our 4-H Cluster makes pillowcases every year for donating.  There are many places to donate like hospitals, children's homes, nursing homes.

I like to make a pillowcase this way using the rolled method (sometimes called the Burrito method) and French seams because it is fast and simple and the inside seams are completely finished. No fraying or ragged seam allowance.

If you are interested in more sewing tutorials, check out our sewing tutorials and quilting tutorials.  

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Fabric 
• Scissors
• Rotary Cutter & Mat (Optional)
• Sewing Machine
• Basic Sewing Supplies
• Iron and Pressing Surface

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: CUTTING FABRIC

You will need three different fabric in coordinating colors or patterns for the pillowcase - the main fabric, the band fabric, and the trim fabric.  Cotton fabrics work best for the pillowcases and are the easiest to sew.   

Pick one main fabric with a pattern or graphic like the kitty cats shown above.  Then pick a coordinating fabric for the band.  Ours is a solid yellow/creme color.  Lastly, pick a trim fabric which will be between the other two fabrics as a small trim or accent.

To make a standard pillowcase, use a scissor or a rotary cutter to cut out the following pieces:

• From the main fabric, cut one piece 27" x 41"
• From the band fabric, cut one piece 10" x 41".  Fold this fabric in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together and press to form a crease in the middle of the fabric.
• From the trim fabric, cut one piece 1 1/2" x 41".  Fold the trim fabric in half lengthwise, with the wrong side together, and press flat. The trim strip will now be 3/4" x 41".

STEP 2: ASSEMBLING THE PIECES

Open the band fabric and place it with the right side facing up on a flat work surface.  On the top edge of the band fabric, line up the folded trim fabric so the raw edges of the trim fabric are along the top raw edge of the band. Use some pins to hold them in place. 

Finally, place the main fabric, right-side down, along the same top edge and pin all layers together.

STEP 3: ROLLING THE FABRIC

Starting at the bottom edge of the main fabric, begin to roll the fabric toward the top pinned area, forming a tube. Continue rolling until you get to the middle of the band fabric (where the crease is), then stop rolling.

STEP 4: WRAPPING THE TUBE

When you are in the middle of the band fabric, bring the lower edge of the band fabric around the rolled main fabric tube, align all the raw edges of all the fabrics and pin all layers together.

NOTE: Be careful not to pin the rolled fabric.

STEP 5: SEWING AND UNROLLING

Take the rolled fabric to the sewing machine and using a straight stitch, sew along the raw edge using a 1/2" seam allowance, backstitching at the beginning and end of the row.

With one hand hold the band fabric and pull the main fabric out of one end of the tube with the other hand.

Once everything is right side out, press the band and trim flat.  Press the seam allowance toward the band.

To ensure that the band will lay flat, topstitch the band close to the fold.

STEP 6: FINISHING THE PILLOWCASE WITH FRENCH SEAMS

Fold the pillowcase in half with the wrong sides together, matching all edges.
Begin sewing at the band end, use a straight stitch and sew along the long raw edge using a scant 1/4" seam allowance.    A scant 1/4" is a little less than a 1/4" seam allowance.

NOTE: When stitching the pillowcase seams always backstitch at the beginning and end of each row.

After sewing, turn the pillowcase with the right sides together and press the seam flat.  Go back to the sewing machine and stitch again beginning at the band end but this time use a seam allowance of slightly more than 1/4". The side seam is finished.

Finally, finish the bottom raw edges of the pillowcase using the same technique as the side seam. With wrong sides together sew a scant 1/4" seam allowance. Turn pillowcase right sides together and press. Then, sew along the bottom using a seam allowance slightly more than 1/4".

That's it. Just turn the pillowcase right-side out and press. Your pillowcase is finished.

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