Pattern Description:
This pattern describes how to make a Pillowcase with Prairie Point Band that finishes at 30×20″.
Twenty prairie points are folded from solid 3″ squares and then machine-basted to the print No. 1 band strip.
The pillowcase body is formed from a print No. 2 rectangle. The prepared band is attached to the body, and the seam is secured with topstitching.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
The finished pillowcase size is 30×20″, which fits a standard-size bed pillow. Quantities listed below are for one pillowcase and assume 44/45″-wide, 100% cotton fabrics. Measurements include 1⁄2″ seam allowances.
| Material | Quantity (For one pillowcase) | Purpose/Details |
| Solid fabric | 1⁄4 yard | Used for prairie points. |
| Print No. 1 fabric | 3⁄8 yard | Used for the band. |
| Print No. 2 fabric | 7⁄8 yard | Used for the pillowcase body. |
Instructions for Making the Prairie Point Pillowcase Pattern:
Preparation and Cutting
Before beginning assembly, accurately cut the required fabric pieces for the body, the band, and the decorative prairie points.
- Solid Fabric (Prairie Points): From the 1⁄4 yard of solid fabric designated for the prairie points, cut twenty (20) squares, each measuring 3 inches.
- Print No. 1 Fabric (Band): From the 3⁄8 yard of Print No. 1 fabric, cut a single long strip measuring 11×41 inches. This strip will form the finished band of the pillowcase.
- Print No. 2 Fabric (Pillowcase Body): From the 7⁄8 yard of Print No. 2 fabric, cut a large rectangle measuring 26×41 inches. This rectangle will be utilized to construct the main pillowcase body.
Assembling Prairie Points
Twenty prairie points are needed for the band. The precise folding technique is essential for the final presentation.
- First Fold: Take one of the solid 3-inch squares. Fold the square in half diagonally. Ensure that the wrong side of the fabric is positioned on the interior of the fold to create a finished triangle shape.
- Second Fold and Pressing: Take the resulting triangle and fold it in half again.
- Finishing: Press this twice-folded shape to set the creases firmly. This completed piece constitutes a single prairie point.
- Repetition: Repeat this exact folding and pressing sequence with all twenty of the 3-inch solid squares until twenty prairie points have been assembled in total. (Reference Diagram 1 for visual guidance on the folding process).
Assembling and Preparing the Band
The band is constructed using the Print No. 1 strip, and the prairie points are attached before the band is joined to the pillowcase body.
- Forming the Loop: Take the single 11×41-inch Print No. 1 strip. Join the two short ends of this strip together. Press the seam allowances open to reduce bulk. This step creates a continuous loop.
- Folding the Band: Fold the resulting loop in half lengthwise. Make sure that the wrong side of the fabric remains inside this fold. Press along the long folded edge firmly to define the pillowcase band.
- Pinning Prairie Points: Pin the twenty prepared prairie points onto the band. Align the raw edges of the prairie points precisely with the raw edges of the band. Critically, the folded edge of the prairie points must be pointing toward the long folded edge of the band.
- Spacing and Basting: Space the prairie points evenly along the raw edge of the band. Ensure that all double-folded edges of the prairie points face the same direction. The points should overlap one another by approximately 1⁄4 inch.
Once pinned, machine-baste the prairie points in place. This basting stitch should be a scant 1⁄4 inch away from the raw edges. (Reference the Band Assembly Diagram for the correct positioning and overlap).
Assembling the Pillowcase Body
The main body of the pillowcase is formed from the Print No. 2 rectangle.
- Folding the Body: Take the 26×41-inch Print No. 2 rectangle. Fold this piece in half. The resulting folded piece should measure 26×20 1⁄2 inches.
- Sewing the Seams: Sew together the long, raw edges. Then, sew together one pair of the short, raw edges. This step completes the construction of the pillowcase body.
- Finishing the Body: Turn the pillowcase body right side out. Press the entire body flat.
Joining the Band and Finishing
The final steps involve attaching the prepared band to the pillowcase body and securing the seam allowances with topstitching.
- Joining the Components: Match the raw edges of the finished pillowcase band and the finished pillowcase body. Slide the prepared band over the pillowcase body.
Ensure that the prairie points are directed inward, facing the pillowcase body. Securely pin the band to the body through all layers.
- Sewing the Seam: Sew the band and the body together, stitching through all pinned layers. (Refer to Diagram 2 for guidance on aligning and sewing the band).
- Pressing and Securing: Once sewn, press the pillowcase band open. When pressing, direct the seam allowances specifically toward the pillowcase body.
- Topstitching: Complete the pillowcase by securing the seam allowances with topstitching. Topstitch 1⁄8 inch from the band edge. This final stitching line should land on the pillowcase body fabric. (Reference Diagram 3 for the placement of the final topstitching).
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