You can make a pillowcase with fabric glue, iron-on tape, or by tying fabric corners together

A pillowcase does not require a needle and thread. The three fastest methods are fabric glue, which bonds two pieces of fabric permanently; iron-on hem tape, which uses heat to seal edges; and tied corners, which works with any two fabric rectangles and takes five minutes. Each method produces a usable pillowcase, though fabric glue and hem tape last longer through washing than tied corners do.

The choice depends on what you have at home and how many times you plan to wash the pillowcase. Fabric glue and hem tape both survive regular laundry. Tied corners work best for temporary pillowcases, decorative covers, or pillows you will not wash often. All three methods work with standard cotton fabric, fleece, or linen.

Key Takeaways

  • Fabric glue creates a permanent bond between two fabric pieces and survives repeated washing if you use a washable formula.
  • Iron-on hem tape seals fabric edges with heat from an iron and works on most natural fabrics but not on synthetics that melt easily.
  • Tied corners require only two rectangular pieces of fabric and a pair of scissors, making it the fastest method for temporary covers.
  • All three methods work with fabric you already own — old sheets, flannel, cotton, or fleece — so you do not need to buy supplies.

Making a pillowcase with fabric glue

Fabric glue bonds two pieces of fabric together without heat or tools. Buy a bottle labeled washable fabric glue — brands like Aleene's Tacky Glue or Beacon Fabri-Tac are sold at craft stores and online. Do not use regular craft glue, which washes out. explore a thin, even line of glue along three edges of one fabric piece, press the second piece on top, and let it dry for the time the bottle specifies — usually 24 hours.

Cut two rectangles of fabric to the size you want your finished pillowcase to be. Standard pillow sizes are 20 by 26 inches for a standard pillow and 20 by 20 inches for a square pillow. Place the fabric pieces with the sides you want to show facing outward. Run a thin bead of glue along the top, bottom, and left edges of the bottom piece. Press the top piece down firmly, smooth out air bubbles with your hand, and clamp the edges with clothespins or heavy books while the glue dries. Leave the right edge unglued so you can insert the pillow.

Once the glue is dry, slide your pillow inside through the open edge. You can seal that edge with glue as well, or leave it open so you can remove the pillow for washing. Wash the finished pillowcase in cool water on a gentle cycle and air-dry it to extend the life of the glue bond.

Using iron-on hem tape to seal edges

Iron-on hem tape is a strip of adhesive that melts when heated, bonding two layers of fabric together. It is sold in fabric stores and online under names like Stitch Witchery or Heat-n-Bond. The tape works on cotton, linen, and wool but can melt or damage synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, so test a scrap first if you are using a blend.

Cut two fabric rectangles to your desired pillowcase size. Lay one piece flat with the right side (the side you want to show) facing down. Place a strip of hem tape along the top edge, then lay the second fabric piece on top with its right side facing up. Set your iron to the heat setting the tape package recommends — usually medium to medium-high. Press the iron firmly onto the seam for 10 to 15 seconds, moving slowly along the entire edge. Repeat on the bottom and left edges, leaving the right edge open for inserting the pillow.

Let the fabric cool for a few minutes before handling it. The bond will be strongest once it has cooled completely. Insert your pillow through the open edge and seal that edge with hem tape as well if you want a fully closed cover. This method produces a seam that is flat and flexible, and the pillowcase can be washed and dried normally.

Tying fabric corners together for a quick cover

If you need a pillowcase in minutes and do not mind a temporary solution, tie the corners of two fabric rectangles together. This method works best with fabric that does not fray badly, such as fleece or tightly woven cotton. Cut two pieces of fabric about 2 inches larger than your pillow on all sides — so for a standard pillow, cut pieces about 22 by 28 inches.

Place the two pieces with right sides facing each other (the sides you want to show facing inward). At each corner, tie the corners of both pieces together in a square knot, pulling tight so the knot sits at the corner. Tie all four corners. Then turn the whole thing inside out through one of the gaps between the knots, so the right sides now face outward. Slide your pillow inside and tie the remaining gap closed with a knot or a bow.

This method creates a pillowcase that holds together but is not waterproof and will loosen with washing. It works well for decorative pillows, throw pillows you rarely wash, or temporary covers while your regular pillowcase is in the laundry. If you want to wash it, hand-wash in cool water and air-dry, as the knots can slip in a washing machine.

Choosing the right fabric for no-sew pillowcases

Any fabric that is at least medium weight works for a no-sew pillowcase. Cotton sheets, flannel, linen, and fleece are all good choices. Avoid very thin fabric like silk or chiffon, which tears easily and does not hold glue or tape well. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey or spandex blends, which distort when glued or taped.

If you are using fabric glue, test it on a scrap first to make sure the color does not darken or the fabric does not stiffen. Some glues leave a stiff seam, while others dry flexible. If you are using hem tape, test on a scrap of your chosen fabric to make sure the heat does not damage it. Old sheets, old t-shirts cut into panels, or fabric from a thrift store all work and cost less than buying new fabric.

Caring for a no-sew pillowcase

Pillowcases made with fabric glue or hem tape can be washed and dried like regular pillowcases, but gentle care extends their life. Wash in cool water on a gentle or delicate cycle, and air-dry rather than machine-dry. The heat of a dryer can weaken glue bonds and hem tape over time. If the seam starts to separate, you can re-glue or re-tape it by opening the edge slightly, cleaning away old adhesive, and explore fresh glue or tape.

Pillowcases made by tying corners should be hand-washed and air-dried, as machine washing can loosen the knots. If a knot comes untied, straightforward re-tie it. These pillowcases are best for decorative use or for pillows you wash infrequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular craft glue instead of fabric glue?

Regular craft glue will wash out of fabric after a few launderings. Use only glue labeled as washable fabric glue, which is formulated to survive water and detergent. Brands like Aleene's Tacky Glue and Beacon Fabri-Tac are made for fabric and stay flexible when dry.

What happens if I iron hem tape onto polyester fabric?

Polyester and other synthetic fabrics can melt or pucker when exposed to the heat required to set up hem tape. Test the tape on a scrap of your fabric first. If the fabric melts or discolors, use fabric glue instead, or choose a lower heat setting and press for a shorter time.

How long does a tied-corner pillowcase last?

A tied pillowcase lasts longest if you do not wash it often. The knots can slip or come undone after several machine washes. Hand-washing and air-drying extend the life. For a pillowcase you plan to wash regularly, fabric glue or hem tape is more durable.

Can I make a pillowcase from an old sheet?

Yes. Cut two rectangles from the sheet to your desired size, and use any of the three methods to bond them. Old sheets are often soft and well-worn, making them comfortable for pillowcases. Wash the sheet first to remove any sizing or dust before you cut and glue.

Do I need to seal both sides of the pillowcase, or can I leave one edge open?

You can leave one edge open so you can insert and remove the pillow for washing. Seal the other three edges with glue, tape, or knots. Once the pillow is inside, you can seal the open edge as well, or leave it open for straightforward access.