What You Need to Sew a Pillowcase

A pillowcase is one of the fastest sewing projects you can finish. You need two pieces of fabric cut to size, a needle or sewing machine, thread that matches your fabric, scissors, and a ruler or measuring tape. If you are using a sewing machine, thread it before you start. If you are hand-sewing, thread a needle and tie a knot at the end.

The fabric pieces should be rectangles. For a standard pillow that is 20 inches by 26 inches, cut two pieces of fabric that are 21 inches by 27 inches. The extra half-inch on each side becomes your seam allowance — the space between the edge of the fabric and the line where you stitch. This overlap keeps the fabric from fraying and holds the two pieces together. Cotton or cotton-blend fabric works best for beginners because it does not slip around while you work. Avoid stretchy fabrics like knits until you have finished a few pillowcases.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut two fabric rectangles to the size of your pillow plus half an inch on all sides for seam allowance.
  • Place the two pieces with the pretty sides facing each other, then stitch three sides closed, leaving one short end open.
  • Turn the pillowcase right-side out through the opening, then push the corners out so they are square and crisp.
  • Fold the raw edges of the opening inward and stitch the opening closed by hand or machine.
  • A basic pillowcase takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on whether you use a machine or hand-stitch.

Placing and Pinning the Fabric Pieces

Lay both fabric rectangles on a flat surface. Place them so the sides you want to show on the finished pillowcase are facing each other — this is called right sides together. The sides that will be hidden inside are facing outward. This matters because when you turn the pillowcase right-side out at the end, the seams will be on the inside where no one sees them.

Pin the two pieces together along three of the four sides. Start at one corner and push a pin through both layers every 3 to 4 inches. Leave one of the short ends unpinned — this is your opening, and you will turn the pillowcase through it later. The pins hold the fabric steady while you stitch so the two layers do not shift.

Stitching Three Sides Closed

If you are using a sewing machine, set it to a straight stitch with a medium stitch length. Position the fabric under the presser foot so the needle will stitch half an inch from the edge. Stitch along the first pinned side, removing pins as you reach them. At each corner, stop with the needle down, lift the presser foot, turn the fabric 90 degrees, lower the presser foot, and continue stitching. This creates a clean corner.

Stitch all the way around three sides until you reach the unpinned opening. Backstitch at the end by pressing the reverse button for a few stitches — this locks the thread so it does not unravel. If you are hand-sewing, use a running stitch or a backstitch, keeping your stitches about a quarter-inch apart and half an inch from the edge. Hand-stitching takes longer but produces the same result. Cut the thread and remove the fabric from the machine. Trim the corners diagonally, cutting away a small triangle of fabric at each corner without cutting through your stitching. This step prevents the corners from bunching up when you turn the pillowcase right-side out.

Turning and Pressing the Pillowcase

Reach through the opening you left unpinned and grab the fabric from the inside. Pull gently and steadily until the entire pillowcase turns right-side out. The seams are now hidden inside, and the pretty side of the fabric faces outward. This takes a minute or two and feels strange the first time, but it works.

Once the pillowcase is right-side out, push your fingers into each corner from the inside and work the fabric into a sharp point. This makes the corners look crisp and square instead of rounded. You can also use a chopstick or the blunt end of a pencil to poke the corners out without tearing the fabric. If you have an iron, press the pillowcase flat, paying special attention to the seams. This is not required, but it makes the finished pillowcase look more polished. Press on the side that will be hidden first, then flip and press the outside.

Closing the Opening by Hand

Fold the raw edges of the opening inward by half an inch on both sides, as if you were starting a seam. Crease the fold with your fingers or iron. Pin the opening closed if you want to, though many people skip this step.

Thread a needle and tie a knot at the end. Use a ladder stitch, also called an invisible stitch, to close the opening. Bring the needle up through the fold on one side of the opening, then cross over and push it into the fold on the opposite side. Slide the needle inside the fold for about half an inch, then come back out and cross over again. The thread runs inside the fold and is nearly invisible on the outside. Repeat this back-and-forth motion until the opening is closed. Tie off the thread by making a small loop, passing the needle through it twice, and pulling tight. Trim the thread close to the fabric.

Closing the Opening by Machine

If you prefer to use the sewing machine for the final seam, fold the raw edges inward by half an inch and press them flat. Pin the opening closed. Thread the machine and stitch along the opening using the same straight stitch you used for the sides.

Stitch half an inch from the edge, backstitching at the start and end. This method is faster than hand-stitching but slightly more visible, though the seam still looks neat and professional. The machine-sewn opening is durable and will not come apart with regular washing and use.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If your corners are bunched or rounded instead of square, you did not trim them enough before turning the pillowcase right-side out. On your next pillowcase, cut a larger triangle at each corner. If your seams are uneven or wavy, you may have been pulling the fabric while stitching. Let the machine or your hand do the work — guide the fabric gently without forcing it.

If thread is showing on the outside of the pillowcase, check that your seam allowance is exactly half an inch. Measure from the edge of the fabric to your stitching line with a ruler. If the opening is puckering when you close it, make sure the raw edges are folded in evenly on both sides before you stitch or hand-sew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sew a pillowcase by hand if I do not have a sewing machine?

Yes. Hand-sewing takes longer — usually 90 minutes to two hours instead of 30 to 60 minutes — but the result is identical. Use a running stitch or backstitch, keeping stitches small and even. A thimble on your middle finger protects it from the needle.

What size should I cut the fabric if my pillow is not standard?

Measure the length and width of your pillow. Add one inch to each measurement — half an inch on each side for seam allowance. For example, a 16-by-16-inch pillow needs two pieces cut to 17 by 17 inches.

Do I have to use the ladder stitch to close the opening?

No. You can stitch the opening closed on the machine, which is faster. You can also use a whip stitch by hand, which is simpler than the ladder stitch but slightly more visible. Either method works.

What happens if I stitch all four sides closed?

You will not be able to turn the pillowcase right-side out. Always leave one side unpinned and unstitched until after you have turned the pillowcase and are ready to close the opening.

Can I use flannel or fleece fabric?

Yes. Flannel and fleece both work well. Fleece does not fray, so you can skip trimming the corners if you use it. Both fabrics are thicker than cotton, so your stitches may need to be slightly longer to look even.