Free Pillowcase Gift Bag Pattern

Pattern Description:

This sewing pattern creates a decorative pillowcase-style gift bag with a handy front pocket, gathered ruffle trim, and drawstring closure.

Designed for easy customization, it combines three coordinating cotton fabrics for a charming, handmade look.

Ideal for wrapping gifts or storing items, the project blends functionality and style in a simple, beginner-friendly design.

Materials Needed & Measurements:

• Cream Print Fabric (½ yard): Pocket, ruffle, and drawstring
• Green Print Fabric (⅜ yard): Band
• Black Floral Fabric (⅞ yard): Main body
• Finished Size: Approximately 30″ × 20″ plus ruffle
• Seam Allowances: ¼″ for small parts, ½″ for main body
• Fabric Width: 44″ – 45″ wide, 100% cotton recommended

Instructions for Making the Pillowcase Gift Bag Pattern:

1. Preparing the Materials and Cutting the Fabric

Begin by washing, drying, and pressing all your fabrics to remove wrinkles and shrinkage. Lay the fabrics flat on your cutting surface and measure carefully before cutting.

From the cream print fabric, cut:

• Two rectangles for the pocket (size as desired, usually around 6″ × 8″)
• One long strip for the ruffle (approximately 3″ wide × the width of the fabric)
• One narrow strip for the drawstring (about 1½″ wide × 36″ long)

From the green print fabric, cut one strip measuring around 10″ × the width of the fabric for the band.

From the black floral fabric, cut one large rectangle measuring approximately 40″ × 30″ for the main body of the pillowcase.

Keep in mind that the finished size will be about 30″ × 20″, so these cutting measurements include seam allowances and casing folds.

2. Sewing the Pocket

• Join the pocket pieces: Place the two cream pocket rectangles right sides together. Stitch around the edges with a ¼″ seam allowance, leaving an opening at the bottom for turning.
• Turn and press: Turn the pocket right side out, push out the corners neatly, and press it flat.
• Topstitch the pocket: Fold the open edge inward and topstitch close to the edge to close the turning gap.
• Attach to main body: Position the pocket on the right side of the black floral fabric, typically a few inches below the top edge and centered horizontally. Pin it securely. Stitch around the sides and bottom edges, backstitching at the start and end to reinforce. This forms a sturdy, decorative pocket.

3. Making the Ruffle

• Fold and press the ruffle strip: Take the cream strip and fold it lengthwise with wrong sides together. Press to create a neat crease along the folded edge.
• Finish the raw edge: Sew a narrow hem along the open long edge to prevent fraying.
• Gather the ruffle: Using a long basting stitch, sew along the raw edge about ¼″ from the edge. Pull the bobbin thread gently to gather the fabric until the ruffle matches the width of the pillowcase body.
• Set aside: Keep the ruffle ready to attach later with the band section.

4. Creating the Drawstring

• Fold the strip: With the right side of the fabric facing down, fold the drawstring strip lengthwise in half.
• Sew the edge: Stitch along the open edge with a ¼″ seam allowance.
• Turn and press: Use a safety pin or turning tool to turn the drawstring right side out. Press it flat to form a crisp cord. You can topstitch along both sides if you want a finished look and extra strength.

5. Preparing the Band Section

• Join the band ends: Take the green print band strip and fold it in half crosswise, right sides together. Sew the short ends with a ½″ seam to form a loop or tube.
• Press the band: With the wrong sides together, fold the loop lengthwise in half and press. This will form a double-layered band with a clean folded edge at the top.
• Insert the ruffle: Place the ruffle’s gathered raw edge inside the open edge of the band, aligning raw edges together. Pin the ruffle evenly along the band. Baste them together with a ¼″ seam to hold in place.

6. Assembling the Pillowcase Body

• Fold the main body: With the right sides facing, fold the black floral rectangle in half so the shorter edges meet. Pin the side and bottom edges.
• Sew the seams: Stitch along the side and bottom using a ½″ seam allowance. Finish the raw edges with zigzag or overlock stitching to prevent fraying. Turn the pillowcase right side out and press.
• Attach the band and ruffle: With right sides together, align the raw edge of the band (now with ruffle attached) to the top edge of the pillowcase body. Pin evenly and sew using a ½″ seam. Press the seam allowance upward toward the band.

7. Finishing Touches

• Create a casing for the drawstring: Topstitch around the band about 1″ below the upper folded edge to form a casing. Leave a 1″ opening near a side seam to insert the drawstring.
• Insert the drawstring: Attach a safety pin to one end of the drawstring and feed it through the casing all around the top edge. Pull the ends evenly through the opening.
• Knot and trim: Tie a knot at each end of the drawstring or add small decorative beads if desired.
• Final press: Give the entire pillowcase gift bag a light press for a neat and professional finish.

8. Optional Customization

Add lace trim, embroidery, or a fabric label to personalize the design. You can also adjust the pocket placement or use themed fabrics for different occasions- perfect for birthdays, holidays, or handmade gift wrapping.

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