A homemade pillowcase is the gateway sewing project, and these 9 DIY pillowcases show just how far one simple rectangle can go. Most need little more than a yard of cotton and a few straight seams, while one skips the machine entirely with a line of fabric glue. You’ll find quick burrito style cases with hidden French seams, a giant body pillow cover with a pocket, a sleepover case that packs like a bag and an old button down shirt turned into a cozy cover. Trim steals the show on several of them, from scalloped edges and prairie points to a sweet embroidered message stitched across a pair. Pillowcases also make wonderful gifts and charity donations, so cut a few extra while the iron is hot! Find even more ideas on the DIY pillows project hub.
1. French Seam Pillowcases DIY
French seam pillowcases hide every raw edge inside the seam, so the inside looks as neat as the outside. Each standard case uses a 27 by 42 inch body piece, a 10 inch cuff and a 2.5 inch accent band cut from quilting cotton. The band is pressed in half, the three layers are stacked, the body is rolled up inside the cuff like a burrito and stitched, then pulled through so the band peeks out. Each one takes about 15 minutes, which means a matching pair is done in under half an hour.
Get the full tutorial at Smashed Peas & Carrots.
2. Body Pillow Sewing Tutorial
A body pillow sewing tutorial that turns a plain store cover into a giant patchwork case with a front pocket sized for a tablet or a favorite book. Five 11 by 20 inch panels in two alternating prints are sewn into a long front strip, and a third print makes the zippered back. The pocket is two 8.5 by 10 inch pieces sewn, turned and topstitched in place before the cover is assembled. An 18 inch zipper keeps it easy to remove for washing, and iron on letters can add a monogram.
Get the full tutorial at The Polka Dot Chair.
3. How to Make a Pillowcase With an Accent Strip
A pillowcase with an accent strip uses three fabrics: a main body, a wide cuff and a narrow contrast strip that sits between them. The strip is folded like bias tape and sandwiched between the cuff and body, then everything is rolled and sewn in one pass so the seams end up hidden. A fat quarter bundle of bright spring florals and gingham gives plenty of mix and match options. Supplies are simple: fabric, bias tape or a folded strip, thread, scissors and an iron, plus a sewing machine.
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
4. Seersucker Pillowcase
Seersucker trimmed pillowcases upgrade a plain purchased sheet set into something that looks like a designer combo. A queen set of organic cotton sheets gets a band of blue seersucker on the top sheet and wide seersucker cuffs on two standard pillowcases, finished with a row of small white trim where the fabrics meet. It is also a smart rescue for an older set, since the cuffs and sheet bands are usually the first parts to fray. Cut away the worn edge and sew on fresh seersucker in an afternoon.
Get the full tutorial at Sew4Home.
5. Sleepover Pillowcase
A sleepover pillowcase doubles as an overnight bag. One side is a soft cotton case to rest on, and the other carries a zippered pocket big enough for a favorite book, a toothbrush or a change of clothes. A button flap at the open end keeps the pillow and a small blanket tucked inside, so everything travels as one bundle to camp or a friend’s house. Pair it with a matching drawstring toiletry bag and it makes a fun birthday gift for kids heading to their first sleepover.
Get the full tutorial at 8th Day Creations.
6. Prairie Point Pillowcase
A prairie point pillowcase finishes the cuff with a row of folded fabric triangles that look like little teeth. Squares of contrast fabric are folded in half and in half again, then tucked side by side into the seam between the cuff and the body so the points stand up along the edge. A busy owl print paired with a bright striped cuff keeps it playful for a child’s bed. It is a free pattern from a charity pillowcase drive, and the method works with any cotton prints in the stash.
Get the full tutorial at All People Quilt.
7. Scalloped Edge Pillow Case
A scalloped edge pillowcase adds designer style trim to an inexpensive sheet set, a look that usually costs far more in a store. Pick a favorite scallop, pompom or rickrack trim and run it along the hem of the pillowcase and the fold of the top sheet. It does not even need a sewing machine, since a line of fabric glue holds the trim to existing sheets. Contrast black trim on white cotton feels crisp and modern, while a soft color on cream reads more cottage.
Get the full tutorial at Scissors + Thread.
8. Easy DIY Shirt Pillowcase
An old button down shirt makes an easy pillowcase, and the buttons become the closure. Cut off the sleeves, cut across the shoulders and lay the shirt flat with the buttons centered on the front. Mark the pillow size, cut both layers together and stitch all around with a quarter inch seam allowance. Trim the corners, open the buttons to turn it right side out, then slip in the pillow and button it up. Plaid flannel and checked cotton shirts look especially cozy on a bed or couch.
Get the full tutorial at DIY JOY.
9. Embroidered Pillowcase
Embroidered pillowcases with a simple stitched message make a sweet pair for a couple’s bed. A free hand embroidery pattern spells out a handwritten phrase across one case, with a matching reply on the other, joined by a looping line that runs from pillow to pillow. A basic backstitch in one thread color is all it takes, so it is a friendly first embroidery project. The design was stitched by several makers during a free pattern stitchalong, and it suits any plain white cotton or linen case.
Get the full tutorial at feeling stitchy.
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