What you need before you start

Hand sewing a pillowcase requires only basic supplies: two pieces of fabric cut to the same size, a needle, thread that matches your fabric, scissors, pins, and a measuring tape. Most people use cotton fabric because it is straightforward to work with and comfortable against skin. You do not need a sewing machine, a serger, or any powered equipment.

The standard pillowcase is 20 inches by 26 inches, but you can make yours any size you want. Measure your pillow first, then add half an inch on all sides for the seam allowance—the space where the needle goes through both layers. So if your pillow is 20 by 26 inches, cut your fabric pieces 21 by 27 inches. Cut both pieces exactly the same size so they line up when you sew them together.

Thread your needle by pushing the end through the eye, then pull it until about 6 inches hangs on one side. Tie a knot at the longer end. You are now ready to begin.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut two fabric pieces the same size, adding half an inch on all sides beyond your pillow's measurements for seam allowance.
  • The running stitch—pushing the needle in and out of the fabric in a straight line—is the only stitch you need for a basic pillowcase.
  • Sew three sides completely closed, then turn the pillowcase inside out through the opening before inserting the pillow.
  • The final side is closed with a ladder stitch, which hides the seam inside the fold of fabric so no stitches show on the outside.
  • Expect the work to take one to three hours depending on how carefully you sew and the size of your pillowcase.

Pinning the fabric pieces together

Place your two fabric pieces on a flat surface with the sides you want to show on the outside facing each other—this is called "right sides together." The sides that will be hidden inside the pillowcase should face outward toward you. This setup means your seams will end up on the inside where they belong.

Push pins through both layers around all four edges, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The pins hold the fabric flat and aligned so you do not accidentally sew the two pieces at different angles. Make sure the corners line up exactly. If one piece is slightly larger, trim it to match before you pin.

Sewing three sides with the running stitch

The running stitch is a straight line of stitches that holds two pieces of fabric together. Push your needle through both layers of fabric from the back, then pull the thread until the knot stops it. Push the needle back through both layers about one-quarter inch away, then pull the thread snug. Repeat this motion—in and out, in and out—along one edge of the fabric.

Start at a corner and sew along the first side, staying about half an inch from the edge. This half-inch space is your seam allowance. Keep your stitches as even as possible, roughly the same size each time. When you reach the next corner, sew around it by making two or three stitches very close together, then continue along the next side.

Sew all the way around three sides of the pillowcase. Stop when you reach the fourth side. Leave this side completely open—do not sew it yet. This opening is where you will turn the pillowcase right-side out and insert the pillow. Leave at least 12 inches unsewn so you have room to work.

Turning the pillowcase right-side out

Reach through the opening you left and grab the fabric at one of the far corners from the inside. Pull that corner back through the opening toward you. Keep pulling gently until the entire pillowcase turns inside out. The seams are now hidden inside, and the fabric sides you want to show are facing outward.

Use your fingers or a blunt tool like a wooden spoon handle to push the corners out so they are sharp and square, not rounded. Smooth the fabric flat with your hands. If the seams look bunched or wrinkled, gently pull the fabric to straighten them.

Inserting the pillow

Slide your pillow through the opening into the pillowcase. Push it all the way in so it sits evenly inside. The pillow should fill the case without bulging or leaving empty space at the corners. If it is too loose, you can add a second pillow or use a larger pillow next time.

Once the pillow is in place, fold the raw edges of the opening inward about half an inch on each side, the same way the rest of the seam is folded. Pin these folded edges together so they stay in place while you sew.

Closing the opening with the ladder stitch

The ladder stitch closes the opening so neatly that the seam becomes nearly invisible from the outside. Bring your needle up through the fold of fabric on one side of the opening, not through the layers themselves. Slide the needle along inside this fold for about half an inch, then push it back out. Cross over to the opposite side and repeat—slide the needle inside the fold, then back out.

As you work back and forth between the two folded edges, the thread runs inside the folds and pulls the opening closed from the inside. Every few stitches, gently pull the thread to close the gap. The opening will seal itself as you go. When you reach the end, push the needle through the fold one more time, then tie a knot inside the fold where it will not show.

Trim the thread close to the knot. Your pillowcase is now complete and ready to use.

Fixing common mistakes

If your stitches are uneven or too loose, the seam may come apart when you wash the pillowcase. You can reinforce it by sewing over the same seam a second time, following the same line. If you accidentally sewed the opening shut before inserting the pillow, carefully cut the stitches with small scissors and pull them out, then follow the steps above.

If the corners are rounded instead of square, you likely did not make enough stitches at the corners. Next time, make three or four stitches very close together at each corner before continuing along the next side. If the fabric puckers along the seam, you may have pulled the thread too tight. Loosen your tension slightly on the next pillowcase—the thread should be snug but not so tight it bunches the fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of thread should I use?

Use all-purpose polyester or cotton thread that matches your fabric color. If you cannot find an exact match, choose a shade slightly darker than the fabric—it will be less visible than a lighter shade. Avoid very thin thread, which breaks easily, and very thick thread, which is hard to push through fabric by hand.

Can I hand sew a pillowcase with a pattern or print?

Yes. If your fabric has a pattern, pay attention to how the two pieces line up before you pin them. You may want the pattern to match at the seams or to run in the same direction on both sides. Lay the pieces out and look at them before pinning so you can position them the way you want.

How do I keep my stitches straight?

Use a ruler or measuring tape to lightly mark a line half an inch from the edge with a fabric pencil or chalk before you sew. Follow this line as you stitch. Your stitches do not have to be perfect—slightly uneven stitches are normal in hand sewing and do not affect how the pillowcase works.

What if I want to add a zipper or buttons?

A basic pillowcase does not need a zipper or buttons. If you want one, sew the zipper into the opening before you close it with the ladder stitch, or sew buttons onto the outside after the pillowcase is complete. These are more advanced techniques that require extra practice.

How long does a hand-sewn pillowcase last?

A pillowcase sewn with even, tight stitches will last through many washings if you care for it properly. Wash it in cool water and dry it on low heat or air dry it. If a seam starts to come loose, you can sew over it again to reinforce it. Most hand-sewn pillowcases last several years with normal use.