I made my son a pillowcase several months ago with some random Elmo/safari fabric I had. I know I took pictures, but I don’t think I ever did anything with them. So last weekend, I pulled out some fabric and went crazy.
First things first. I have to admit that I am a fabric hoarder. I’m getting better. I haven’t purchased fabric in quite some time, and I’m actually getting rid of stuff I’m no longer in love with. That said, the blue minky fabric I had in my stash was one of my favorites – but I HATED sewing with it.
My toddler has a travel pillow as his pillow. We’ll move to a standard pillow one day, but this works best for him right now. (And he really still doesn’t always use a pillow, but he started pulling one off a bed when we were vacationing in September, so I got him one of his own.)
So here’s the thing with the travel pillow case. I needed the fabric to be folded in half and measure 14.5″ x 21.5″ And then I’d only need to sew two of the sides together. One side needed to be sewn for the hem (the opening of the pillowcase) and I could fold the piece right sides together, sew down the sides and be done.
I have an issue with buying fabric remnants, so I wasn’t in control over the initial size of my fabric. The minky had to be trimmed down the top edges (and a little on the sides).
The flannel was folded with the bottom/top and one side open. I hemmed the top (opening) straight across. I folded it over a half inch and again a half inch for a cleaner hem. Then I folded it over (right sides together) and sewed along the bottom and open side. I cut the bottom corners, for easier turning, and trimmed any excess fabric. Flipped it outside-in, and it was perfect!
Hopefully these photos will help if you decide to try something like this yourself. It really was easy and it took less than an hour for me to pull together two pillowcases!
This was project two of my 12 projects for the year. My first project was the no-sew fleece blanket.
Have you ever tried making your own pillowcases? For yourself or your child? I have several other fabrics that will more than likely be turned into pillowcases in the very near future! It might be worth having a spare silk pillowcase just in case the project doesn’t go the way you planned.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
February 25, 2014 at 8:18 amHow cute and crafty! I love that & I bet that would make any little person feel a little more comfortable if they are spending the night away from home.
Kecia says
February 25, 2014 at 10:39 amThis is such a cute ducky pillow! Your projects for the year have been awesome!
Rachael says
February 25, 2014 at 11:49 amThese are so cute. I don’t know how to sew, but these look pretty easy. I can probably try it.
Stefani says
February 25, 2014 at 11:53 amThis is a cute idea. I have a sewing machine that could be put to use too!
Tori says
February 25, 2014 at 1:30 pmWow! Good on ya! I’m not a sewer much yet, but hope to accomplish projects like this in the next year or so…. we’ll see. 😉
Isabella Grey says
February 25, 2014 at 1:44 pmPillowcases are a great beginner sewing project. They’re easy, and take pretty much no time at all. My mom used to let me sew with her as a toddler, so it could be a great way to introduce your little one to sewing as well.
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
February 25, 2014 at 2:10 pmI have never sewn anything other than a button back on a jacket and a sweatshirt I made in home-ec class in high school. I’m always so impressed with people who can whip up things like a pillow case. These instructions look pretty straight-forward though, so maybe I’ll try one day. Pinned for later!
Rachee says
February 25, 2014 at 4:29 pmNo sew? Sounds like an easy enough project to try. I always take a pillow with me when I travel and this would make for a better pillow case than the ones I usually use. I usually take one from home and alays worry about breaking up the set.
Shell says
February 25, 2014 at 8:39 pmThat pillow case is adorable! I wish I could make something like this!
Mandy@ TheHouseholdHero.com says
February 25, 2014 at 8:59 pmI have made a few pillows. Great job. I love the idea of setting a goals to do 12 craft projects for the year.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
February 25, 2014 at 11:35 pmBased on that fabric choice, I can see why you’re addicted to fabric. You find some cute ones! Having a pillow to go is a cozy idea.
CheLsEa says
February 25, 2014 at 11:52 pmThat fabric is too cute!! I’ve been meaning to make some of my own couch cushion pillow cases.
Debbie L says
February 26, 2014 at 6:07 amPillow to Go is a great idea. I am positive Davey would really like one of these with trucks on it!
Jenni E. says
February 26, 2014 at 8:36 amI stink at sewing! I know enough to be dangerous, haha! Pillowcases would be an easy project to practice and start with though, if I could make myself just START the project! Thanks for the tutorial. It really does seem easy enough.
Amy Desrosiers says
February 26, 2014 at 8:56 amI wish I knew how to sew and make things like this! I also would love to knit..I’m not that crafty in the material department.
Krystal says
February 26, 2014 at 9:54 amI love that duck pillow. Very cute.
Melinda@LookWhatMomFound...andDadtoo says
February 26, 2014 at 9:59 ammy kids always wanted to take their pillows everywhere. Travel pillows are really a much better idea especially with a custom case
Ashley M says
February 26, 2014 at 2:25 pmIt’s great that even a beginner like me could make this. Thank you!
Amanda says
February 26, 2014 at 3:02 pmCute fabric! My son just picked out some Angry Birds fabric at the store and I’ve been trying to think of something to do with it!
Christina Shirley says
February 26, 2014 at 4:48 pmSo crafty! My toddler uses one single pillow that matches his bedset. This would be cute for gifts too.
Eliz Frank says
February 26, 2014 at 5:16 pmThat is such a perfect travel pillow… It’s bright and cheery and the ducks are perfect…
Jamie says
February 26, 2014 at 10:32 pmHow cute is this…I wish I was crafty like this and could saw…but no I can’t!
Paige says
February 27, 2014 at 5:12 amGreat tutorial! And I love the duck fabric!
Janel says
February 27, 2014 at 11:49 amGreat tutorial! I have some fabric lying around and I just might do this!
Emmy says
February 27, 2014 at 1:37 pmSo cute and what a great idea! Doesn’t seem like too hard of a sewing job either, I think I could even handle it 🙂