Tutorial for Sewing a Simple Pillow Case

DIY Tips for Creating a Simple Pillow Case using Character PrintsThis all started with Scooby-Doo. My son is currently into this crime solving Mutt and while we were at Hobby Lobby he saw this material with Scooby on it.  It was love at first site and I did have a 40% off coupon so I grabbed a couple of yards.

Then I came home and there it sat.  Finally I decided I had to do something with it so I got the sewing machine out of storage.  Re-read the directions on how to set it up (it has been at least 6 years since I have seen it) and then stared blankly at it.

With the help of Google I did find this great post on a Magic Pillow Tutorial by Leanne at Organize and Decorate Everything.  What I liked the most about this tutorial was that it made the pillow case look really professional since the accent color was seamless.

I determined that I could do this.  And with some adjustments I created the most awesome Scooby Doo pillow case EVER!

Let me show you how…

What you need to make a single pillow:

  • 1 yd of your primary fabric
  • 1/3 yd of your accent fabric
  • scissors or rotary tool
  • stick pins
  • sewing machine or needles with matching thread

Step 1 : Cut Fabric

You will need to cut two pieces of fabric.  For a pillow case that will fit any standard pillow cut the fabric as follows:

    • Primary Fabric –   30 inches by 40 inches
    • Accent fabric – 10 inches by 40 inches

The easiest way to do this is using a rotary cutting tool and a cutting map.  You can fold the fabric in half to make the cuts easier.Pillow Case Tutorial - Dimensions for the Fabric Cuts

Step 2 : Pin The Fabric

This may be the most complicated step.

Lay the primary fabric face up length wise.  Then lay the accent fabric length wise on top of it face down.  Pin the two fabrics together lengthwise. (right sides together)

Now for the tricky part. Fold the accent fabric up.  Roll the primary fabric under it. Fold the accent fabric back over and pin the reverse side of the primary accent fabric to the previously pinned section.

Confusing?  It took me a bit to figure this out.  In the end you should have the accent fabric pinned to itself with all of the primary fabric inside it.  There should be three layers of fabric pinned together in the order of accent-primrary-accent.

This is what is going to create the seamless seam between the accent and primary fabrics on the pillow.

Pillow Case Tutorial - Pinning the Fabric for Sewing

Step 3 : Sew On the Accent Fabric

Using a sewing machine (recommended) or sew by hand a straight line stitch with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Once you have completed that sewing, pull the primary fabric through the accent photo.  This may take a bit of working as it is a tight fit.  Kind of reminds you of a sock rolled inside out.

Pillow Case Tutorial Measurements - Creating the Seamless Accents

Step 4 : Complete the Pillow

Fold the fabric over so that the face of the fabric is inside. (right sides together) Pin the sides together.  Remember to leave the top along the accent piece unpinned to leave an opening for a pillow.

Again, using just a straight stitch and a 1/4 inch seam allowance sew along the sides. You could use a reinforcing stitch if you desire but I found the straight stitch is just fine.

Pillow Case Tutorial

That’s it!  Now just flip it inside out and you have a completed pillow case that rivals anything you can buy in the stores.  And if it is a hard to find character you are going to look like a hero too!!  That is a win-win.

Creating a Scooby Doo Pillow Case in 4 Simple Steps

Hope this inspires you to go out there are create something today.

MarySignature1

 

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