New to sewing and looking for an easy project? Or do you want a simple, useful craft to refresh your bedroom or living room?
These DIY pillowcases are quick and fun to make — an ideal beginner sewing project that produces stylish, practical results.
If you walk into a room and everything feels a bit bland, changing your pillow covers is one of the easiest ways to refresh the space. New pillowcases add color, texture and pattern and can transform the look of a room without a big investment.
Ready to get started? Gather the following supplies and tools.
Supplies and Tools You’ll Need
- Cotton fabric
- Tape measure
- Scissors
- Sewing pins
- Tailor’s chalk
How to Make a Pillowcase
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to sew an envelope-style pillowcase that is easy to remove and wash.
Video Tutorial
Step 1
Remove any existing cover and measure your pillow insert across both width and length. For example, if your pillow is 14″ x 14″, you’ll start from that measurement to calculate fabric size.
To make an envelope-style pillowcase with a neat seam allowance, cut one piece of fabric 36″ x 17″ (this accounts for the pillow size, overlap flap and seam allowances). Adjust these numbers to match your pillow dimensions.
Step 2
Use tailor’s chalk to mark your measurements on the fabric. Take your time to ensure straight lines and accurate allowances.
Step 3
Cut the fabric to the marked size. Then fold and press about 1″ for the hem along the edges that will be finished, and pin the folds in place. Working on the wrong side of the fabric keeps seams hidden when turned right side out.
Step 4
Sew the hemmed edges using a straight stitch. Backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the seam.
Step 5
Fold the overlap flap: measure and fold a 4″ wide flap on one end and pin it. This creates the envelope opening that keeps the pillow insert inside without a zipper.
Step 6
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right sides facing each other and the overlap flap inside. Align edges and pin all around so the pillowcase shape is held securely before sewing.
Step 7
Sew the two long sides and one short side as needed, then carefully turn the pillowcase right side out so the printed side shows and the flap tucks inside. Press the seams if desired for a crisp finish.
Step 8
After sewing around the edges, check all seams and use backstitches at corners for extra strength. Trim any loose threads and neaten corners.
Step 9
Turn the pillowcase right side out and push the corners fully into shape using your fingers or a blunt tool. Adjust the flap so it lies flat inside the case.
Step 10
Insert the pillow and smooth out any wrinkles. The envelope opening makes it easy to remove the insert for washing and swapping covers whenever you want a fresh look.
Tadaa — your pillowcase is ready. Envelope-style cases are practical, easy to sew and perfect for mixing and matching fabrics to refresh any room.
Quick Recap
- Measure your pillow and add seam allowances.
- Cut fabric to size and mark hems with tailor’s chalk.
- Fold and pin hems, then sew edges and the overlap flap.
- Turn right side out, shape corners and insert the pillow.
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