Short Attention Span Girl

Sure, I had heard about this easy method, but I couldn’t quite picture it.  Then I found some videos on you tube, but they still didn’t push me to make any pillowcases.

Then I went to that retreat.  The retreat coordinator and her daughter took off for a little shopping and came back with some fun fabrics.  They started making pillowcases and were happy to show us all how.  Turned out they were using that same easy method with no hand sewing required.

Now this was more exciting to see in person not only how they did it, but also how fast those pillowcases came together.  I was thinking I needed to make some Christmas ones for us when I got home.

I’m not sure my measurements match theirs exactly – why would I be clever enough to actually write anything down?  However, the finished size matches my store bought pillowcases for standard sized pillows.  Here’s my attempt at a step by step.

First go shopping at the store or in your stash for three fabrics you like.  One will be the main body of the pillowcase and it should be cut 27″ x 40″.  The second is the hem piece and should be cut 9″ x 40″.  The last is the accent flange and cut that 1 1/2″ x 40″.

Press the accent flange in half, right side of the fabric showing.

Now, on a work surface, floor, ironing board, whatever you have, stack the fabrics right side up, matching the raw edges in the following order:  hem, main fabric, accent flange.

Carefully fold the bottom edge of the hem over the folded fabric so the raw edges meet.  Pin the raw edges securely and sew them together with a 1/2″ seam.

Give the folded main fabric a tug (or 20) and turn the whole thing right side out.  Give it a press so the hem and flange are open all the way to the seam line.

Seriously, how cute is that?  Now, fold the pillowcase in half matching the raw edges and making sure that the right sides of your fabrics are showing.  Pin the raw edges being careful to match the seam that attaches all three pieces together. Sew those raw edges together with a small seam (1/4″ to 3/8″) pivoting at the corner.  Then turn the pillowcase inside out and press it well.

Now for the final seam.  Sew down the side and across the bottom, pivoting at the corner, with a 1/2″ seam.  This will enclose the small seam you just sewed so that there are no raw edges to unravel in the wash.