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PILLOWCASE SEWING PROJECT
This instruction set will teach you how to sew a pillowcase. You should be at least 8 years old to try
this project. If you don’t know much about sewing and you’re trying this yourself, you should have an
adult help you. You might also use a book like “Let’s Sew” by Nancy Zieman or another sewing book
to help you.
Materials and Tools
You need to gather all these items before you start. When you get one, check off its box. If you’re
not sure what something is, or if you can’t find something, ask an adult to help you.

Fabric (See the “Fabric” Section)
Thread
Scissors
Tape Measure
Sewing Machine
Wedge Tool
Iron
Pins
Fabric Pen
Make sure all the boxes are checked before you go on to the next section.
Fabric
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The fabric you will use is cotton polyester. You may want to ask an adult where to get this.
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Use your tape measure to find how long and how wide your pillowcase is.
•
If you don’t know how big it is, you can use this general size:
o The standard pillowcase is 29 inches long and 19½ inches wide.
•
In the picture, we will show you where to cut your pattern to make your pillowcase.
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You’ll need to make two pieces that are the same.
•
As you can see in the picture below, you need to add some length and width to your
measurements. To do this, you will need to add fractions. If you don’t know how to do this,
ask an adult to help you with the math.
o Add 23/4 inches to the length.
o Add 1/2 inch to the width.
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Now that you know the size of fabric that you need to make your pillowcase, you can cut your
two pieces of fabric.
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Lay out your fabric on a table so that it is flat.
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Make sure that your pattern is horizontal.
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Draw lines on your pattern with the fabric pen so that you can mark where to cut.
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Remember, you’ll need to make two pieces that are the same
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Sewing
Step 1
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Take the two pieces of fabric that you cut, and put them together with the edges lined up and
the right sides together. Notice that both of the wrong sides should be out.
o Right Side – The side where the pattern is printed. This side has brighter colors.
o Wrong Side – The side with duller colors. This is the side opposite to the Right Side.
•
Use 6 or 7 pins to hold together the top of the two pieces of fabric, like in the picture. Put the
pins about 1/2 inch from the edge. Do the same for the bottom edge.
•
Use 4 or 5 pins to hold together the right edge of the fabric.
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Step 2
If you don’t know how to use a sewing machine, get an adult to help you!
•
•
Use a sewing machine to stitch a ¼-inch seam on the three edges that you just pinned. Stitch
the ends several times to secure the thread.
Clip the thread with your scissors.
Step 3
•
•
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Use your tape measure and fabric pen to mark a line ¼ inch from the left edge on both pieces
of fabric.
Fold your fabric along that line so that ¼ inch of the right side is showing.
With your iron, press both sides all the way along this fold.
If you don’t know how to use an iron, get an adult to help you!
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Step 4
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•
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Measure 21/4 inches from the folded edge, and mark this line with your fabric pen.
Fold the fabric along this line so that the right side is showing.
Use your iron to press this fold on both pieces of fabric.
Step 5
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Separate the two pieces by hand before sewing. See the picture.
Use the sewing machine to sew along the right edge of the folded portion.
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Step 6
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Turn the pillowcase right side out.
Use a wedge tool to sharpen the corners by poking them from the inside.
If you want to, you can iron your entire pillowcase to set the seams.
Now you are done, so slip your pillowcase onto a pillow and enjoy!
Instruction set by:
Chris Goodwin, Nora Soliman, and Nathan DiGiacinto
References
Zieman, Nancy. Let’s Sew. Beaver Dam: Nancy’s Notions, Ltd., 1991.
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College of Agricultural Sciences • Cooperative Extension
Prepared under the supervision of Jan Scholl, associate professor of agricultural and
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Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of Congress May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S.
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