Pattern Description:
This basic pattern creates two contrasting standard-size pillowcases (30×20″). The design typically yields one floral case with a red band and a corresponding red case with a floral band.
The project uses two main prints. The construction involves cutting the body rectangle and a strip for the band, assembling the band into a loop, forming the pillowcase body, and joining the body and band together.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
The project requires the following materials to create two contrasting standard-size pillowcases:
- 1 1/8 yards print No. 1
- 1 1/8 yards print No. 2
- The fabrics used in the example are from the Daysail collection by Bonnie & Camille for Moda Fabrics.
Measurements and Cutting Instructions:
- Finished pillowcase: 30×20″ (fits a standard-size bed pillow).
- Yardages and cutting instructions are based on 42″ of usable fabric width.
- Measurements include 1/2″ seam allowances.
Cut Fabrics:
- From print No. 1, cut:
- 1 – 26 1/2×41″ rectangle
- 1 – 10×41″ strip
- From print No. 2, cut:
- 1 – 26 1/2×41″ rectangle
- 1 – 10×41″ strip
Instructions for Making the Basic Pillowcase Pattern:
The following instructions detail the construction of the Basic Pillowcase Pattern, resulting in two contrasting standard-size pillowcases.
Cutting Instructions
Before assembly, the fabric must be cut into four specific pieces, two body rectangles and two band strips, utilizing both prints:
From print No. 1, cut:
- 1 – 26 1/2×41″ rectangle
- 1 – 10×41″ strip
From print No. 2, cut:
- 1 – 26 1/2×41″ rectangle
- 1 – 10×41″ strip
Assembling the First Pillowcase
The instructions below detail the creation of the first pillowcase, which uses the Print No. 1 strip for the band and the Print No. 2 rectangle for the body.
A. Constructing the Pillowcase Band
- Form the Loop: Begin with the print No. 1 – 10×41″ strip. Join the short ends of this strip to create a loop. Once the seam is sewn, press this seam open [2, Step 1].
- Fold and Press the Band: Take the newly formed loop and fold it in half with the wrong side inside [3, Step 2]. Press the resulting folded fabric to establish the final shape of the pillowcase band [3, Step 2].
B. Forming the Pillowcase Body
- Folding the Body Fabric: Use the print No. 2 – 26 1/2×41″ rectangle. Fold this piece in half crosswise [3, Step 3]. This folding action will result in a 26 1/2×20 1/2″ rectangle.
- Sewing the Body Seams: To create the structure of the pillowcase body, sew together the long edges of this folded rectangle [3, Step 3]. Additionally, sew together one pair of the remaining short edges [3, Step 3].
- Finishing the Body: After sewing, turn the pillowcase body right side out [3, Step 3]. Press the entire body flat [3, Step 3].
C. Joining the Body and Band
- Sliding and Pinning: Referring to Diagram 1, slide the completed pillowcase band over the raw opening edge of the pillowcase body [3, Step 4]. Ensure that the raw edges of both the band and the body are aligned, and then pin them together securely [3, Step 4].
- Sewing Through Layers: Sew the band and the body together, stitching through all layers of fabric [3, Step 4].
- Securing Seam Allowances: Press the pillowcase band open [3, Step 5]. As you press the band open, ensure that the seam allowances created in the previous step are pressed toward the pillowcase body [3, Step 5].
- Topstitching to Complete: To secure the seam allowances and finalize the first pillowcase (as demonstrated in Diagram 2), topstitch 1/8″ from the band edge. This topstitching should be executed directly onto the pillowcase body [3, Step 5].
Completing the Second Pillowcase
To create the second, contrasting pillowcase, you will repeat the entire assembly process (Steps 1–5) [4, Step 6].
The second pillowcase requires the remaining pieces of fabric [4, Step 6]:
- Use the print No. 1 – 26 1/2×41″ rectangle for the body component.
- Use the print No. 2 – 10×41″ strip for the band component.
By repeating steps 1 through 5 with these contrasting materials, the second standard-size pillowcase will be completed.
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