A tradition we have every Christmas is to have Christmas pillowcases on our pillows the whole month of December. Well after so many years the Christmas pillow cases are getting pretty worn out. So this year I thought it would be fun to give everyone a new Christmas pillowcase (and pillow) along with the traditional pajamas on Christmas Eve. I have to say I really loved how these ones turned out!
I picked out some really cute fabric at the store. I got a yard for each pillowcase. Plus 10 inches for the top piece.
Pillowcases have to be the easiest thing ever to make. I used one of my pillowcases as a pattern. The yard of fabric should already be folded in half. It will be slightly too long and too wide. Place your top piece (the red piece in the picture below) along the bottom piece (polka dot fabric in the picture below). Use a regular pillow case as a pattern to see how long the pillowcase needs to be. You will need to cut some fabric off the bottom (polka dot) fabric. Knowing where it meets up with the top piece is important. Figure out where they meet then add 5/8 inch for seam allowance and then cut.
Next we need to fix the width. Using another pillowcase see how wide the pillowcase should be, add 5/8 inch for seam allowance and cut.
Now that we have the correct width we need to make sure the top piece is the correct width. Place it across the bottom piece and cut the excess fabric off.
Now everything should be cut – yea! Now unfold the main piece and spread it out. The top piece should be folded in half lengthwise so it has a nice finished top. Put right sides together, pin and sew the top piece to the bottom piece.
After you have sewn the two pieces together press the seam with a hot iron.
Now fold the entire thing in half (right sides together. Sew the side and bottom.
Now all the sewing is done – yea! Turn the fabric right side out and iron. Here are all 5 of my pillowcases.
I also have a tutorial on how I added names to the kids pillowcases with black glitter iron on vinyl.
What fun traditions does your family have?
Lindsay says
What a fun tradition. Love these pillow cases.
Welcome to Our Story says
I really like your pillowcases. I have been searching online for a pillowcase tutorial to make pillowcases for my daughter’s birthday this weekend. I’m just not sure how your pillowcases turn out…is the “top piece” on the end that opens? I would love to see a picture of one pillowcase finished and all laid out, instead of folded up. If you have a moment, would you mind sending me a picture at jennywhiting at gmail dot com. Thanks so much!!