Turn an Adult Pillowcase into a Toddler’s Dream!
Hey there! Ever thought about transforming an adult pillowcase into a cute one for your little one? Let me guide you through it. With just 2 simple seams, you’ll have it ready!
This is a great starter project for anyone diving into the sewing world. Plus, if you’re like me and don’t have hours to master intricate sewing techniques, this is just the thing for you!
Why Go for a DIY Toddler Pillowcase?
My little one recently started using her toddler bed. Having a full-sized pillow just didn’t sit right with me – too big for her tiny self! So, we got her a 13″x18″ toddler pillow which fits perfectly. But, to my surprise, most bedding sets cater to larger pillows and the smaller ones are pretty pricey! Why spend a fortune, especially when you know the kind of messes kids can make?
So, I had the idea: why not use an existing adult-sized pillowcase? It’s practically free fabric! Plus, if you’re on a budget, standard pillowcases are available at dollar stores. Big win!
Let’s Gather Some Supplies:
- Sewing machine (or needle and thread for hand sewing)
- Scissors
- Pins or Clover wonder clips (your choice!)
- An adult pillowcase
- Your toddler pillow
Quick tip: If your toddler pillow is a tad bigger, like 14″x19″ or 14″x20″, don’t fret! This guide’s got you covered. I’ll explain adjustments below.
Creating the Perfect Toddler Pillowcase
Begin by ensuring your pillowcase is clean and smooth. Iron if necessary.
Turn it inside out. Measure your toddler pillow. If you’re not into measuring, you can simply place the pillow on the pillowcase, then mark it. This way, you can also adjust for different pillow sizes.
Before snipping away, I found the perfect dimensions for my pillow to be 13.5″ x 20.5″. With my planned 1/4″ seams, I cut the fabric to 14″ x 21″. The trick here is to utilize the existing seams of the adult pillowcase. So, it can be a 2 or 3 seam project, depending on the design you’re aiming for.
For example, I had a Minnie mouse pillowcase to resize. I wanted to preserve its center design. So, I used a basting stitch to tuck in the extra fabric. Later, I sewed it again for perfection.
Once you’ve cut the fabric, there are a few ways to sew it:
- Using a serger for a clean finish.
- An overcasting stitch on a sewing machine, like I adore. This stitches and finishes the seam at once. Just leave about 1/4″ seam allowance.
- A straight stitch, followed by a zigzag one for the edge.
Finally, pick a method, sew and finish up. Though you can avoid pins, I fancy Clover Wonder Clips. They’re gentle on the fabric and kid-safe. Once sewn, turn the pillowcase right-side out and voilà! You did it!
And hey, if you’ve got an old buttoned shirt and wish to craft an envelope pillowcase, peek at my envelope pillow cover tutorial!
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Transform an adult pillowcase into a toddler’s in 2 easy steps |
| Perfect for beginners with limited sewing knowledge |
| Cost-effective and customizable |
| Guidance provided for various pillow sizes |
| Different seam methods to choose from |