Sewing Pillowcases (not pillowslips!)
A few years ago, I stumbled upon a blog post by Aqua Paisley where she had made a pillowcase. Now, I had always thought the things that came in sheet sets were pillowcases, but it turns out that those are, in fact, pillowslips. I was more than delighted to discover pillowcases, as they are so much neater than pillowslips. They hug the pillow and won't slip off during the night. In this pattern, I've combined Aqua Paisley's pillowcase method with the popular burrito method for a pillowcase that is neatly finished on the inside without the need for a serger.
💡 Did you know
What typically comes with sheet sets in North America are not actually pillowcases, but pillowslips? A pillowcase has a pocket on the inside that hugs the pillow, preventing the case from sliding off!
Sewing to Accommodate Sensory Issues
Silky Soft Fabrics that won't irritate
All of us here in the Kelly household have sensory issues, so I love the control that sewing my own pillowcases gives me. I use Art Gallery Fabrics for most of my pillowcase projects because their fabrics are so soft and smooth.
If you, like me, have sensory issues, I highly recommend you get to sewing your own pillowcases. This gives you so much more control over texture/feel and design! No need to choose one or the other any more!
In this photo, the pillowcase is inside out and you can see the pocket that slips around the pillow as well as those gorgeous French seams!
Sewing To Match Your Quilts
Maybe sensory issues are a thing for you, but if you are here, chances are you are a quilter. This means you've probably made quilts for yourself or your loved ones. Sewing your own pillowcases allows you to make them match your quilt home decor.
Make it Match!
Here you can see these pillowcases were made to match Meg's Gertrude's Star quilt. This is just one of the many reasons why you should be sewing your own pillowcases!
The folded pillowcases in the foreground match the quilt. The ones in the background on the pillows are older ones I made for Meg years ago. Both pillowcases use fabrics from collections by Bonnie Christine. We're what you might call Bonnie Christine fan girls.
Customization
The customizations are endless. One of my favourite embellishments that I have done in the past is to add machine embroidery stitches to the accent strip. I don't have any photos of this as I gave all of those pillowcases away! 😊
About The Pattern
Burrito Method and French Seams
In this pattern, I used the burrito method for the top of the pillowcase. In order to get the pocket, you have to do the top and bottom of the pillowcase separately. This means there is a seam on both sides of the pillowcase, whereas traditionally, when making burrito method pillowslips, you only have one side seam. I chose to use the burrito method so that the cuff is neat on the inside. No loose threads or fraying.
- Beginner Friendly: The pattern includes step-by-step instructions and photos illustrating each step. It's perfect for the confident beginner.
- Quilter-Style Sewing Pattern: This pattern is cut quilter-style with a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat.
- Made for Standard Pillows: Included are fabric requirements and instructions to make two standard pillowcases (The finished pillowcases measure approx. 17⅜" x 28⅜") with options for a 3 fabric-version or a 2 fabric-version.
- Free: This pattern is available for free when you join our newsletter. You can find the sign-up form at the bottom of this page!
If you are new to the burrito method or sewing French seams, we've made videos of both. You can find them below or head to our Instagram account, @lindleyquiltshop.
Have I convinced you to try sewing your own pillowcases? Just in case you're on the fence, here's another picture. Aren't they pretty?!
If you are still reading at this point, you might be wondering how you can get your hands on this pattern. Well, you are in luck, cause I am going to tell you! We've made this pattern a free download when you sign up for our newsletter. You can find the form below!
Happy Sewing!
