"case-study" - Learning To Make A Pillowcase

Pillowcases can make for cute gifts to give out to friends and family for every type of occasion

. But if one wants to give that gift their own special personal touch, how about learning how to make a pillowcase on their very own?

In order to learn how to make a pillowcase, one will need the following materials: fabric measuring 45 inches wide, matching thread, a sewing machine, a pair of scissors, measuring tape, straight pins, a large sewing ruler or yardstick, a fabric marking pencil, and an iron. One may also want to have a lace or satin ribbon, but this is optional.

The first step is to decide what size one would want the pillowcase to be. Based on this, one purchases the right amount of fabric needed (as well as the matching thread) to make a pillowcase in the desired size, then measuring and cutting it to fit those specifications. When choosing fabrics, natural fibers such as cotton, linen and silk are recommended over synthetic fabric such as polyester. Should one happen to buy a fabric that is prone to shrink when it is washed, it is advisable to purchase some more of the material than is actually needed and then wash it before one begins to make the case. This way, the fabric will be shrunken down to the proper size needed.

It should be noted that the average pillowcase size is 21x32 inches, which will require 2 yards of a 45-inch wide piece of fabric to make one whole set. A queen-sized case would measure 21x36 inches, one set of which will need 2 and 1/4 yards out of a 45-inch fabric. And one set of king-sized cases each measuring 21x42 inches will have need of 2 and 1/2 yards of fabric, again from one measuring 45 inches wide.

The fabric is then folded in half lengthwise, the finished side of which is folded inside. The fabric is then sewed together, stitched jointly along the longer side as well as on one of the shorter ends. One should never forget that the sewing must always end with a backstitch. Afterwards, the pillowcase is turned so that its right side is made to face out.

To keep the edges from unraveling, a zigzag stitch should be made around the fabric's open end, but one should be careful not to stitch the pillowcase's top closed. Then, folding down the fabric to the inner part of the pillowcase, a 1/2 inch hem is made on the case's open side. In order to fix the hem in its place, it must be ironed flat before sewing a straight stitch through it. Ironing the hems makes it easier to sew through them. One should always remember to take caution when handling a hot iron.

For the final step of how to make a pillowcase, a 4-inch hem that had been folded toward the interior of the case is pinned. Then, a straight stitch is made around the case's bottom edge. For an additional decorative touch, one may sew a lace or satin ribbon or any type of embroidery over the hem.

One does not have to be an expert seamstress in order to learn how to make a pillowcase. The process is very simple that even a novice to sewing can easily get the hang of it. For those who've never sewed in their life, this can make a very fun and easy first project, while old hands in the game may want to exercise their creativity coming up with their own ideas for jazzing up their pillowcases.

by: Brian Jones

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