A pillowcase is one of the elements of bed linen that protects the pillow from external influences, while maintaining its integrity and aesthetics. One pillowcase from another may differ in size, shape and sewing methods.
If you are wondering: “How to sew a pillowcase on a pillow quickly and easily?” and want to get an answer to it in an easily understandable and detailed form, then we will try to help you with this. Let's try it on our fingers, step by step, to explain to a schoolchild how to sew a pillowcase on a sewing machine, even without an overlocker.
Let us immediately note that we will sew a wrap pillowcase from a single piece of fabric.
From the means of labor we will need:
- tape measure
- scissors
- needles (pins)
- threaded sewing machine
Let's move on to the instructions.
Types of pillows by shape and size
As a legacy from the Soviet era, we inherited large down pillows measuring 70*70 cm. Every home had a set of such large pillows, and standard bedding sets were (often still are) oriented towards these sizes. The market era, which declares a wealth of choice always and in everything, has not bypassed the sphere of bedding. Firstly, down and feather are now competing with a lot of innovative fillers. Secondly, pillows now come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Along with square ones, rectangular pillows have become popular, and equilateral pillows have become smaller in size in accordance with European standards. We are not even talking about non-standard orthopedic pillows that have a memory effect and repeat anatomical shapes.
Rectangular pillows have harmonious proportions with a side difference of 20 cm. Standard rectangular pillows, which have earned worldwide recognition, have dimensions of 70 * 50 cm and 60 * 40 cm (children's version).
Square pillows can have dimensions of 60*60 cm, 50*50 cm, 40*40 cm. Small pillows are most often not intended for sleeping and are decorative in nature.
The principle of sewing square and rectangular pillowcases is the same. The main difference is revealed when creating a pattern and lies in the fabric consumption.
Photo gallery of pillowcases that you can sew yourself
Pillowcases with “ears”
Rectangular pillowcases
Square pillowcases with zipper
Video on how to sew a pillowcase with ears
Have you already learned how to sew a classic pillowcase and want something more original? Then watch this video, the heroine of which will demonstrate the technology of sewing a pillowcase with so-called ears.
Sew a pillowcase with a clasp
Inserting a fastener into a garment is a painstaking task. But in many cases you can’t do without it, including some pillowcases. You will learn how to sew a pillowcase with a zipper in this video.
Patchwork pillowcase
Patchwork, or patchwork sewing, is not only beautiful, but also easy for beginners. This design looks very original on pillowcases. You will learn how to create a pillowcase using patchwork without patterns and templates from the heroine of this video.
As you can see, even beginners who are taking their first steps in the sewing field can sew pillowcases. After all , you don't need to learn any intricate seams to create a classic pillowcase. The technology with a clasp and lugs requires a little more skill, but also does not require much effort. And if a creative breakthrough has come to you, then it’s time to start creating a patchwork pillowcase. Stay with us and learn how to sew curtains, sheets, lambrequins and many other useful things.
Dear readers, have you tried to sew a pillowcase? Have you achieved the desired result? Share your impressions and ask questions.
Necessary materials
Before sewing a pillowcase, you need to prepare the following materials.
- Fabrics. Satin and calico are more suitable for this purpose; you can use silk, chintz, etc., which are selected, selected scraps.
- Sewing machine.
- Threads matching color and texture.
- Tape measure.
- Pencil, chalk for drawing lines.
- Scissors and pins used to secure pieces of fabric.
- Other accessories, if needed.
- Calculation of fabric consumption for the simplest type of pillowcase.
You need to take the calculated amount of consumables plus 5%. For a pillow 50 x 50 cm, you need 1 m plus 5 cm. If the pillowcase is sewn with a wrap, then you need to add fabric for the wrap.
When calculating the required cut of fabric, we take into account the dimensions of the pillowcase itself, the scent and seam allowances
It should be remembered that when selling in stores, the material is cut unevenly or even torn, which sometimes bends it. Therefore, experienced craftswomen take about 10-20 cm more than the planned amount.
Now you should understand the instructions for sewing this element of bed linen.
Decorative pillowcases for sofa cushions
Decorative pillows, as the name suggests, are designed to decorate the interior. Such pillows are not used for sleeping, and this is the reason for the peculiarities of their manufacture. .
Firstly, they are made from dense fabrics, including furniture fabrics, which would be a bit rough for an ordinary sleeping pillow. Secondly, you can use a huge variety of decoration options for a sofa pillow: appliqué, embroidery, buttons, beads, rhinestones, ribbons, braid... On a regular sleeping pillowcase, all these elements will interfere with healthy sleep, so when making it you have to adhere to minimalism and lightweight natural materials . Give free rein to your imagination when sewing a pillowcase for a sofa cushion: here your inner creator will definitely have room to roam!
- Variety of materials. A sofa cushion can be made from almost any fabric. Depending on the style of a particular interior, you can use linen or brocade, cotton or wool, denim or knitwear. Moreover, the combination of various seemingly polar textures often brings unexpectedly bold, interesting and stylish solutions.
- Variety of forms. If sleeping pillows are most often square or rectangular, then decorative pillows boldly emerge from these narrow shores. A sofa pillow can be either a classic shape, or round, oval, triangular, in the form of a roller, in the shape of a heart or, say, a kitten. And if we haven’t mentioned some form here, perhaps you will become its inventor.
- Variety of decorative elements. A sofa cushion can be decorated using any technique. You can resort to your favorite type of needlework or master a completely new one for this occasion. We offer you a selection of pillowcases decorated with various decorative elements. Here you can get ideas for your own project.
Decoration
There are many ways to decorate pillowcases. Decorating product canvases with appliqués is considered the simplest. They can be sewn on in advance, before final sewing.
Decorating a sofa cushion with a voluminous appliqué “Butterflies”
The same should be done when making covers using the patchwork technique. The scraps are cut out, placed on the fabric of the future pillowcase/paper pattern, and secured. You can even sew them by hand later. Depends on the style of the patchwork. When the patches are sewn, the fabric is ready, the fabric is sewn in the manner described.
Decorative pillow decorated using patchwork technique
If the pillow is decorated with satin stitch/ribbon embroidery, this can be done with the fabric already fully sewn, marking the pattern on the outside.
Volumetric applique of ribbons and buttons for decorating a sofa cushion
Such patterns on pillows look very cute, original and do not require much experience. The main thing is patience, because decorating is a very painstaking job that often takes a long time to do.