Pillowcase With Cuff
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Pillow & Pillowcase Patterns
Pillowcase With Attached Cuff (contrast hem)
I will teach you how to make a pillowcase & cuff correctly. This means the attached hem (cuff) is nicely finished - inside too. Less expensive, store-bought pillowcases, have seam allowances that can be inside the pillowcase on the hem.
This is a fabulous method for attaching a cuff. For this project, I refer to the contrast hem piece as a cuff. That's basically what it is. This is the same method that I use when attaching a contrast cuff to a pajama pant leg. Don't miss my Pajama Series.
If you are not familiar with basic construction, refer to my easy, beginner Pillowcase Pattern. I provide dimensions for standard, queen and king.
Finished Pillowcase Sizes
Standard Case: 21" x 32"
Queen case: 21" x 36"
King Case: 21" x 42"
These will cover pillows nicely, with plenty of room. We are assuming the following pillow measurements:
Standard: 20" x 26"; Queen: 20" x 30"; King: 20" x 36"
Pillowcase Size vs Pillow Size
The finished pillowcase is 1" wider than the pillow. This gives a bit of room around the pillow, allowing for easier insertion of the pillow into the pillowcase.
For the length of the pillowcase, I add 10" to the length of the pillow. This allows for a nice, 3.5" hem.
If your pillows are not the size of those we listed above, simply do the following to create your pattern:
Width: measure the width of the pillow multiply by 2, then add 2.5"
Length: measure the length of the pillow and add 10"
Example: for a pillow that measures a bit wider, at 21" x 30", cut the pattern piece to be 44.5" x 40"
If you prefer a pattern piece that will be placed on the fold of the fabric, cut the pattern half as wide (22.25" x 40" for this example).
SUPPLIES REQUIRED
CUTTING TOOLS
I recommend using a Rotary Cutter, Cutting Mat and Sewing Ruler. I use these tools for most projects. They allow for easy, precise cutting.
FABRIC
The following amounts are needed for ONE STANDARD PILLOWCASE. Adjust the amounts for queen and king. For example, for a standard case, I know that the finished length will be 32". My finished cuff will be 3". Therefore, the length of my main piece must be 29" (29 + 3 = 32). Allowing for seam allowance, I add 1/2" to the length of the main piece, and to the width of the cuff. Follow this example for queen and king cases.
Standard Pillowcase
Main Piece: 29.5" x 42.5"
Contrast Piece: 6.5" x 42.5"
BUY EXTRA & PREWASH FABRIC: You will need the full amounts, so buy a bit extra fabric. Wash and dry the fabric before use.
Thread (to match background)
Sewing Supplies: scissors, quilting pins, large sewing ruler, fabric marking pencils, seam ripper
hint: quilting pins are easier to use than regular pins; a tupperware box works well as a supply box.
Note: all seams are 1/4 inch. Always iron between steps.
NOTE: If you do not have wide enough fabric to fold into a pillowcase, you can use two pieces of fabric. Each piece should be 21.5" wide.
OTHER SUPPLIES NEEDED
Thread (to match background)
Ribbon or lace, etc. for trim
Sewing Supplies: scissors, quilting pins, large sewing ruler, fabric marking pencils, seam ripper
hint: quilting pins are easier to use than regular pins; a tupperware box works well as a supply box.
Note: all seams are 1/4 inch. Always iron between steps.
DIRECTIONS
Stitch Pillowcase Side & End
Create Cuff (contrast hem area)
Place a pin where the seam of the cuff needs to be, so the width of the cuff exactly matches the width of the pillowcase. If you have stitched and cut the pieces accurately, the cuff and main case should be the same width, but I double check before I stitch the cuff.
Stitch the two short ends of the cuff together, right sides together. Press.
NOTE: The pillowcase body is right side out. The cuff is wrong side out.
Press Hem Of Cuff
Turn under one long edge of the cuff 1/4". Press.
Stitch Cuff To Pillowcase
The pillowcase is still right side out. Turn the cuff right side out and place it inside the pillowcase, aligning the seam of the cuff with the seam of the pillowcase. Pin into place. Stitch all the way around the edge where the pillowcase is aligned with the cuff, using 1/4" seam allowance.
Finish The Cuff
Quality
Your pillowcase is now finished nicely inside the cuff, meaning there is no seam allowance showing inside the cuff.
Enjoy Your New Pillowcase
Nicely constructed pillowcase with contrast cuff and piping trim. Cuff is nicely finished on the inside. Free sewing pattern with directions for standard, queen and king.