My Passion for Pillowcases
There’s something magical about crafting pillowcases – they’re a delightful blend of simplicity and style, breathing life into any bedroom. With just a piece of fabric, you can craft a unique story for your bed or lounge.
My trusty sewing machine was always my go-to for pillowcases, but ever since the serger became a part of my craft room, it’s become my favorite tool! The efficiency it brings – both in seaming and in giving a neat finish to raw fabric edges – is unmatched. And the best part? Crafting a pillowcase takes no more than 10 minutes! In the past, I’ve even dabbled with seasonal fabrics to craft holiday pillowcases for my little ones.
Serging Pillowcase: A Quick Guide
This tutorial will guide you through the process of serging a pillowcase. Whether you prefer a singular fabric or two contrasting fabrics for an added flair, I’ve got you covered.
Customizing for Different Pillow Sizes
If your pillow isn’t of a standard size, fret not! Adjust your fabric length and you’re good to go. Generally, for standard and king-sized pillows, dimensions of approximately 20″x26″ and 20″x36″ work best. For those unique pillow sizes, aim to make your pillowcase 1/2 to 1″ longer and 2 1/2 to 4″ wider than the actual pillow.
Prewashing: A Vital Step
Before you dive into the actual sewing, remember to pre-wash your fabric. This ensures any initial shrinkage is dealt with. I usually pre-wash my fabrics the same way I’d wash the final product – in my case, hot washing and drying.
Let’s Dive into the Tutorial!
Patterns to Explore
We’ll explore two unique patterns:
- Using two fabrics for a contrasting pillowcase opening
- Crafting a pillowcase with a single fabric piece
Essentials for Serging Pillowcases
- For a single-hued pillowcase: A fabric piece measuring 41″x37″
- For a dual-tone pillowcase: A 26″x41″ body fabric piece and an 11″x41″ piece for contrast
- Your trusty serger (I absolutely adore my Brother serger!)
- Scissors or a rotary cutter, a transparent ruler, and a self-recovery mat
- An iron and ironing board
Note: Standard seam allowance for this project is 1/2″. Adjust fabric size for different seam allowances. Also, a four-thread overlock stitch with specific settings works best for me. You might want to test a fabric scrap to find your serger’s sweet spot.
1. Crafting a Pillowcase with Two Contrasting Fabrics
The journey begins with cutting and pressing the fabric. Then, fold the main fabric such that the 41″ side is halved. Serge around the lengthy side and one of the shorter sides, leaving the other short side open (that’s where the pillow enters!). Pay heed to fabric orientation if it’s directional. For serging corners, a slight inward turn ensures reduced bulk.
Once done, flip it right-side out and sharpen those corners. Your next step involves folding and serging the contrast fabric and then serging it to the main body.
2. A Singular Fabric Pillowcase
Crafting a pillowcase with just one fabric piece is a breeze. After adjusting fabric dimensions, serging the sides is straightforward. An additional fold and serging action gives your pillowcase a neat finish.
If pillowcases fascinate you as much as they do me, explore my other tutorials on crafting envelope pillowcases from shirts and converting adult pillowcases into toddler versions. Happy Serging!
| Key Details | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Single-Hued Pillowcase Fabric | 41″x37″ |
| Dual-Tone Pillowcase Main Fabric | 26″x41″ |
| Dual-Tone Pillowcase Contrast Fabric | 11″x41″ |
| Standard Pillowcase Size | 20″x26″ |
| King-Size Pillowcase Size | 20″x36″ |