A pillowcase is one of the easiest sewing projects to finish

A basic pillowcase is just two rectangles of fabric sewn together on three sides, turned right-side out, and closed with a straightforward stitch. You can make one in an afternoon with a needle and thread or a sewing machine, and the only tools you need are scissors, pins, and something to mark fabric. The finished pillowcase will fit a standard pillow form or insert, and once you understand the steps, you can make them in any fabric or size.

This guide walks you through the entire process—from measuring and cutting to the final seam that closes the opening. Even if you have never sewn before, these steps are forgiving: small mistakes in a pillowcase are almost invisible once the pillow is inside.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut two rectangles of fabric to the size of your pillow plus half an inch on all sides for seam allowance.
  • Pin the two pieces together with the right sides facing each other, then sew three sides with a straight stitch, leaving one side open.
  • Turn the pillowcase right-side out through the opening, push the corners out flat, and press with an iron.
  • Slide the pillow form through the opening, then close the opening with a ladder stitch or whip stitch by hand.
  • A sewing machine speeds up the work, but hand sewing works just as well if you take your time.

Measure your pillow and cut two matching rectangles

Measure the length and width of your pillow form or the pillow you want to cover. Add half an inch to both the length and the width—this extra space is your seam allowance, the margin where the two pieces of fabric will overlap when sewn together. For example, if your pillow is 16 inches by 24 inches, cut two rectangles that are 17 inches by 25 inches.

Lay your fabric on a flat surface and use a ruler or measuring tape to mark the corners with a pencil, chalk, or fabric marker. Cut along the marked lines with sharp scissors or a rotary cutter. Make sure both rectangles are exactly the same size—if they are different, the finished pillowcase will be lopsided.

Pin the two pieces together with right sides facing

Place the two fabric rectangles on top of each other so that the sides you want to show on the finished pillowcase are facing inward, toward each other. This is called right sides together. The sides you want hidden—the raw edges and any marks you made—will be on the outside for now; you will turn them in later.

Use pins to hold the two pieces in place along all four edges, spacing the pins about 2 inches apart. Push the pins straight through both layers so they go in perpendicular to the edge, not at an angle. This keeps the fabric from shifting while you sew.

Sew three sides with a straight stitch, leaving one side open

Starting at one corner, sew along the edge using a straight stitch, keeping the needle exactly half an inch from the raw edge of the fabric. If you are using a sewing machine, set the stitch length to medium (around 2.5 millimeters) and sew slowly so you can keep a straight line. If you are sewing by hand, use a running stitch: push the needle in and out of the fabric in a line, making each stitch about one-eighth inch long.

Sew down the first side until you reach the corner, then pivot the fabric by leaving the needle in the fabric, lifting the presser foot (if using a machine), rotating the fabric 90 degrees, and continuing along the next side. Repeat this at each corner. When you reach the fourth side, stop about 4 inches before the final corner and leave the rest of that side unsewn. This opening is where you will turn the pillowcase right-side out and insert the pillow. Backstitch or tie off your thread to find the end.

Turn the pillowcase right-side out and press it flat

Reach through the 4-inch opening and grab the fabric from the inside. Gently pull the entire pillowcase through the opening, turning it inside out as you go. This takes a little patience—go slowly so you do not tear the seams. Once it is turned, the right sides of the fabric are now facing outward, and the seams are hidden inside.

Use your fingers to push the corners out so they are sharp and square, not rounded. Lay the pillowcase flat on an ironing board and press it with a warm iron, paying special attention to the seams. This makes the edges crisp and prepares the opening for the final closure. Let it cool before moving it.

Insert the pillow form and close the opening

Slide your pillow form through the 4-inch opening. Adjust it so it sits evenly inside the pillowcase and the corners are filled out. Fold the raw edges of the opening inward by half an inch on both sides, and pin them together so they are aligned and flat.

Close the opening with a ladder stitch (also called a whip stitch), which is nearly invisible once finished. Thread a needle and knot the end. Bring the needle up through one folded edge from the inside, then slide it across to the opposite folded edge and push it through the fold for about half an inch. Bring it back out and cross over to the first side again, repeating this back-and-forth motion. Every few stitches, gently pull the thread to draw the opening closed. When the opening is fully closed, tie off the thread on the inside and trim the excess.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common error is cutting the rectangles different sizes. Measure twice before you cut, and if you are unsure, cut them slightly larger—you can always trim a little fabric, but you cannot add it back. Another mistake is sewing with the wrong sides together (the sides you want to show facing outward). This leaves the seams visible on the finished pillowcase. Check before you start sewing that the right sides are facing each other.

Uneven seams happen when you do not keep a consistent distance from the edge while sewing. If you are using a machine, use the presser foot as a guide—most presser feet are exactly half an inch wide, so keep the edge of the fabric aligned with the edge of the foot. If you are sewing by hand, mark a light pencil line half an inch from the edge before you start, and follow it as you stitch. Finally, do not sew the opening closed before inserting the pillow. It is straightforward to forget, and you will have to rip out stitches to open it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a sewing machine instead of sewing by hand?

Yes, a sewing machine is faster and produces stronger seams. Use a straight stitch, set the stitch length to medium, and keep the fabric aligned with the half-inch mark on the presser foot. Hand sewing works just as well if you prefer it or do not have a machine—it just takes longer.

What type of fabric is best for a pillowcase?

Cotton, linen, and cotton blends are the easiest to work with and the most durable. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey or knit until you have more experience, because they shift while you sew and are harder to keep straight. Lightweight cotton is a good choice for your first pillowcase.

What if I sew the opening closed by mistake?

Use a seam ripper to carefully cut and remove the stitches along the opening until it is large enough to turn the pillowcase right-side out. Then sew it closed by hand after the pillow is inside, as described above. It is a small setback and happens to many sewers.

Do I need to hem the opening before closing it?

No, but folding the raw edges inward by half an inch before you close it with a ladder stitch gives a neater finish and prevents fraying. This is the standard method and takes only a minute longer than leaving the edges raw.

How do I make a pillowcase with a zipper or envelope closure?

A zipper closure requires inserting the zipper into the seam before you sew the sides together, which is more advanced. An envelope closure (where one end overlaps the other) uses a different cutting and folding method. Both are possible once you are comfortable with the basic pillowcase, but start with the straightforward method described here.