How to Sew a Pillowcase

Want a quick project for yourself or for a gift? How about making a quick and simple pillowcase?

This is a great project for all skill levels, and the fun fabric color combinations can make any occasion special.

Materials to Sew a Pillowcase

• bernette 05 Academy Sewing Machine
• All-purpose sewing thread
• Fabric
  • Main Body Fabric: 27” x 40”
  • Cuff Fabric: 9” x 40”
  • Accent Flange Fabric: 2 ½” x 40”
• Rotary cutter
• 6” x 24” Ruler
• Wonder Clips

Steps to Sew a Pillowcase

Step 1.  Cut out Fabrics

To get started on your pillowcase, you will need to cut the fabrics you have chosen.

For my Main Fabric (the part you will rest your head on), I used Outer Space Glow-Sky Blue from Benartex. Cut 1 piece that is 27” x 40”.

Trim Accent Flange Fabric (the smallest piece). Cut 1 piece that is 2 1/2” x 40”

For the Cuff Fabric (the edge of the pillowcase) I used Dot Dot Dot in Blue from Benartex. Cut 1 piece that is 9”x 40”.

Next, take your 2 1/2″ x 40” Accent Flange Fabric piece and press in half with wrong sides together; set aside.

Step 2. Assemble Layers (Burrito Method)

Now, this is the fun part of layering all your fabric to get ready to sew! The first piece you need is the Cuff Fabric (9” x 40”); lay this piece out on your table right side up with the 40” length positioned horizontally.

Next, take your Accent Flange Fabric (the piece that was pressed in half with the wrong sides together) and match up the raw edges to the top of the cuff piece.

We need to add the Main Fabric next. Place the main fabric right sides together with cuff/trim, line up raw edges and clip all three together.

Take the Main Fabric and start to roll the bottom to the top of the cuff.

Once you get your roll to the top of your clips, carefully take the bottom of your Cuff Fabric and bring to the top of your layers, unclip the fabric and re-clip all the layers together.

Step 3. Sew Layer Together at Cuff

For this project, I used the bernette 05 ACADEMY sewing machine, which I absolutely love.

You will need to take your thread and wind a bobbin and then thread your machine. The b05 thread path is so simple—the path is marked clearly on the machine for both winding a bobbin and threading the needle. It even has a built-in needle threader!

Now we get to sew our first seam. All we need is the straight stitch selected with the lower knob on the front of the b05.

Stitch along the raw edges of the tube you just clipped together, using 1/2″ seam allowance. Sew down the tube removing the Wonder Clips as you go.

This is where the sewing magic happens! We need to unfurl your fabric tube. Choose an end and carefully pull the pillowcase body from the tube of fabric.

Now you have a beautiful sewn cuff and trim piece! Your pillowcase might be a bit wrinkly, so I pressed my pillowcase really well before sewing up the sides.

Step 4. Sew the Side Seams

Now is time to sew the side seams. Fold the pillowcase in half- RST (Right Sides Together) and clip along the open side seam and the non-cuff end of the pillowcase. Sew these seams using a 1/2″ seam allowance, backstitching at the beginning and the end.

Once done sewing, take your pinking shears and trim your seam to lessen bulk and slow down unraveling from wash and use.

Turn your pillowcase right side out and stuff with a pillow for a cozy nap!

About the Fabric

Back in early 2020, I purchased the Ready to Launch quilt kit from my local BERNINA Dealer to make for my son. This fabric panel by Benartex has a corresponding fabric line with cute prints—several of which glow in the dark. You can check out the updated fabric line Lift Off, here. I used this coordinating prints to make a pillowcase to match this quilt.  The Ready to Launch quilt kit is a great beginner quilt project and if you want a little extra fun, add some glow-in-the-dark thread for the quilting, I used Wonderfil’s Lemon-Lime Ahrora. My son loves the glow-in-the-dark effect!