Pattern Description:
This free king-size pillowcase pattern guides makers through sewing two mirror-image pillowcases using two contrasting prints.
Each pillowcase features a neatly finished band and body, joined with clean seams and topstitching.
The project involves cutting fabric rectangles and strips, forming a cuff loop, assembling the body, and attaching the band for a professional, polished look.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
Finished Measurement:
- Finished size of each pillowcase: 42 x 20 1/2″ (fits a king-size bed pillow).
- Note: Measurements include 1/2″ seam allowances.
Yardage Requirements (For two mirror-image pillowcases):
- Print No. 1: 1 1/2 yards
- Print No. 2: 1 1/2 yards
- Note: Yardages and cutting instructions are based on 42″ of usable fabric width.
Specific Cuts Required: (To create the pieces necessary for both pillowcases)
- From Print No. 1, cut:
- One 38 x 42″ rectangle
- One 11 x 42″ strip
- From Print No. 2, cut:
- One 38 x 42″ rectangle
- One 11 x 42″ strip
NB: The project results in two finished pillowcases.
Instructions for Making the King-Size Pillowcase Pattern:
Cutting the Fabric:
The following pieces must be cut from the two selected prints to proceed with assembly:
- From Print No. 1, cut:
- One $38 \times 42″$ rectangle
- One $11 \times 42″$ strip
- From Print No. 2, cut:
- One $38 \times 42″$ rectangle
- One $11 \times 42″$ strip
Assembling the First Pillowcase
The first set of instructions details the assembly of one complete pillowcase, using the pieces designated for that specific color combination.
Creating the Pillowcase Band:
- The band is constructed first using the strip designed for the cuff.
- Take the Print No. 1 – 11 \times 42″ strip.
- Join the short ends of this strip together to form a continuous loop.
- Press this seam open.
- Next, fold the resulting loop in half with the wrong side facing inside. Press this fold to establish the crease for the pillowcase band.
Constructing the Pillowcase Body:
- The main portion of the pillowcase is created from the larger rectangle.
- Use the Print No. 2 – 38 \times 42″ rectangle.
- Fold this large rectangle in half crosswise. When folded, the rectangle measures $38 \times 21″$.
- Sew together the long edges of the folded rectangle.
- Sew together one pair of the short edges as well. These three sewn sides form the pillowcase body.
- After stitching, turn the pillowcase body right side out. Press the body flat to prepare for the band attachment.
Joining the Band and Finishing the Pillowcase:
- The prepared band is now attached to the open end of the body.
- Slide the completed pillowcase band over the pillowcase body.
- Align all the raw edges of the band and the body together. Secure these layers by pinning them in place.
- Referring to Diagram 1, sew through all layers, the band and the body, to join them permanently.
- Once sewn, press the pillowcase band open.
- Ensure that the seam allowances created by this join are pressed toward the pillowcase body.
- The final step to complete the first pillowcase is topstitching. Topstitch $1/8″$ from the band edge, working the stitch onto the pillowcase body. This topstitching process is shown in Diagram 2 and serves to secure the seam allowances.
Completing the Second Pillowcase
To create the second king-size pillowcase, use the remaining contrasting fabric pieces and repeat the instructions detailed in the assembly steps.
- Use the Print No. 1 – 38 \times 42″ rectangle for the pillowcase body.
- Use the Print No. 2 – 11 \times 42″ strip for the pillowcase band.
- Repeat steps 1 through 5 of the assembly process (which includes creating the band loop, constructing the body, sliding the band over the body, joining the layers, pressing the seam, and topstitching) to finish the second pillowcase.
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