Sunshine Mountain

Instructions for Pillowcases

These examples show finished pillowcases that use both directional and random fabrics. 

On the left, is an example of directional fabric. The Dancing Cats fabric required a 44" cut of the main fabric (or 1 1/4 yards per pillow) plus the 9"  (1/4 yd) contrast fabric used for the trim.

On the right, the flowered pillowcase required 2/3 yards of the main fabric and 1/4 yard of contrast. 

Supplies:
Fabric: 1 to 1 1/2 yards depending on the size of the pillow and the fabric pattern (See below for directions) *
1/4 yard of a contrasting fabric for the trim
Any other items you may wish to use for embellishment, such as buttons, trims or lace.
Matching thread.

*To determine the amount of fabric you will need for your pillow you will need to:

1. Measure the width (W) of the pillow.  The width of all  sizes, regular, queen and king should all be 21 inches. (refer to picture #1)

2. Measure the length of your pillow (L)
The length of a standard pillow is approximately
 27 inches, a queen size pillowis about 29 inches,
and a king size pillow is about 36 inches.

3. If the fabric has a random pattern, you will need to buy fabric that equals the pillow length measurement (L) (refer to picture #2)
Standard: 27 inches
Queen: 29 inches
King: 36 inches

4. If the fabric has a directional pattern, then buy the amount of fabric to equal the total width of your pillow (W x 2)   (refer to picture #3)
Standard: 45 inches
Queen: 45 inches
King: 45 inches

5. If your fabric has a stripe that runs parallel to the selvage, determine
the way the stripe will run on the finished pillow
and buy as the pictures indicate.  (refer to picture #4)

Buy 2 x W if you want the stripe to run as shown on your
pillowcase.  Standard: 45 inches     Queen: 45 inches     King 45 inches

Buy the length of (L) if you want the stripe to run as shown. (refer to picture #5)
Standard: 27 inches   Queen: 29 inches    King: 36 inches

Cutting the Fabric

Refer back to the measurements of your pillow that you used to determine the amount of fabric needed.

Add one inch to each of those measurements [Both length (L) and width (W)]

Cut the fabric equal to 2 x W (width) and 1 x L (length) plus the 1 inch.

Mark which side is L and which side is W with a water soluble marker to avoid getting confused.

Assembly

With the wrong sides together, fold the contrast trim fabric (which should measure 9 inches wide) in half lengthwise, matching the long edges.

Iron, giving it a good crisp crease.

Pin the raw edge of the contrast trim strip to the right side of the pillow fabric marked side W.

Stitch the contrast trim strip to the pillow in a 1/4 inch seam.

Press the seam toward the pillow case. Since this edge is prone to raveling, it can be overlocked and topstitched in place if desired.

Trim the band so it is the same width as the main pillow fabric.

Fold the fabric wrong sides together. Fabric should be folded so it is in a pillowcase shape!

Stitch the 1 long edge of the pillowcase in a 1/4 inch seam.

Press

Now, place the edge you just stitched with the right sides together and stitch 3/8 of an inch from the edge. This will enclose the raw edges inside the seam and give you a nice finished look to the pillow. If threads are hanging out of the seam on the right side of the pillow, just stitch in a 1/2 inch seam instead of 3/8.

Now, place the bottom ends right sides together and stitch in a 3/8 seam.

Turn your pillowcase right side out and press.

That's it!  You're finished!  Now, sit back and admire your handy work!