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How to Make a Pillowcase | FREE Pillowcase Pattern Burrito Style

Making a pillowcase isn’t hard at all, but making it so that it has that nice professional look can be a bit tricky. I’ll show you the easiest way to make the

With the help of this pillowcase tutorial and free pillowcase pattern we have prepared for you, you’ll make a DIY pillowcase in less than 15 minutes. It will have that neat professional look after you’ve finished, as I will show you the burrito (roll up) method with french seams – the easiest way to avoid frayed raw edges and exposed seams.

Here you’ll learn how to make a pillowcase in three different sizes, standard, king, and queen. And even though pillow forms tend to vary in size in different countries, you don’t need to worry. These pillowcases will fit your pillow no matter where you’re from.

DIY pillowcase with toys

Below you will find my step by step written tutorial with VIDEO instructions for all the visual learners.

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How to Make a Pillowcase

Supplies and tools

diy pillowcase sewing supplies

DOWNLOAD: FREE Pillowcase pattern (Free PDF file)

Follow us for free patterns & tutorials! [easy-profiles]

How To Sew a Pillowcase

Watch the diy pillowcase video first and then follow the written step by step instructions below.
Please enjoy and don’t forget to Like and SUBSCRIBE over on YouTube to be kept up to date with new videos as they come out.

Burrito Pillowcase VIDEO TUTORIAL

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Cut out fabric according to these pillowcase measurements

pillowcase pattern measurements and fabric sizes to cut

For the standard size pillowcase, start by cutting out a rectangular piece 27″ x 43″ big, from the main fabric. Cut out the cuff fabric into a piece that’s measuring 11 x 43 inches.

For the queen size pillowcase, cut out the main fabric into a piece measuring 31″ x 43″ in dimensions. Cut the cuff fabric into a 12 x 43 inches piece.

The king size pillowcase requires you to cut the main fabric into a 37″ x 43″ piece. Cuff fabric size is 13 x 43 inches

Trim is the same size for all pillowcase sizes – 2″ x 43″

STEP 2: Prepare the cuff and trim

Fold the trim fabric piece lengthwise and press it flat with your iron.

folding and ironing trim of the diy pillowcase

Place the cuff fabric piece on your workspace with its right side facing up. Turn it so that the two long edges are on the top and the bottom. Then place the folded trim piece on the top edge of the cuff piece, aligning their raw edges. Pin (optional, but recommended)

STEP 3: Layer all fabrics

Place your main fabric over the two pieces so that its right side is facing inward. Make sure that the long edges are on the top and the bottom. Align all edges. Pin (optional, but recommended)

layering handmade pillowcase fabrics

STEP 4: Roll it up (burrito method)

Start rolling up the main fabric from the bottom towards the top. Stop about an inch away from the top edge.

burrito pillowcase rolling

Grab the bottom edge of the cuff fabric that’s below the rolled-up main fabric. Pull it over the rolled-up fabric so that you cover it and align its edge with the top edge of the fabrics. Pin everything in place.

STEP 5: Start sewing the burrito style pillow case

Sew along the top long edge with a quarter-inch seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and the end of the seam to reinforce it.

STEP 6: Turn right side out and press

Turn the whole thing inside-out, unfold it, and press everything flat with your iron.

STEP 7: (OPTIONAL) Top-stitching or embroidery

If you want, you can topstitch the edge to give it a finer finish.

Also, if you like to add some embroidery to your pillowcases, feel free to do so in this step.

Top-stitching of pillowcase trim

STEP 8: Start sewing French seams

Fold the pillowcase so that its short sides align with the WRONG sides together (that’s right, wrong sides together)! Turn the pillowcase so that the short edges are on the top and the bottom, while the fold is on the left. Pin.

If you want to go a step further and make sure the seams align properly, pin the intersection where the cuff meets the trim and the body. 

Sew the right edge and the bottom edge using a scant quarter-inch seam allowance, backstitch at the beginning and the end of the seam. Trim the seam down to an eighth-inch and clip the bottom corners for a crisp, professional look. Just be careful not to clip through your stitching.

Push out the corners using something pointy.

trimming the french seam of the pillowcase

STEP 9: Turn and press

Turn the entire pillowcase wrong side out. Press everything flat with an iron.

For best results, roll the seam with your fingers to push it to the edge before you press it flat.

 

STEP 10: Finish the french seam

Sew along the seamed edge with a quarter-inch seam allowance, backstitching at the beginning and the end. This will completely enclose the seam you’ve just sewn. It will also prevent any fraying later on even after multiple washings.

last step of diy pillowcase french seam

Turn the pillowcase  right side out again, and press it flat one last time.

diy burrito pillowcase with french seams finished

That’s it your diy pillowcase with french seams is ready! It’s gorgeous and sturdy, and you can bet those durable seams will handle multiple washings for years to come!

 

Now that you know how to sew a pillowcase you can whip out a ton to give family and friends as presents, or join one of the charity causes and sew up pillowcases for children or adults in need! Here are a few worthy causes that I was able to find:

 

What did you think about this burrito pillowcase tutorial? I hope you liked it! Go ahead and make your own DIY pillowcase and tell us how it turned out. We’re looking forward to your feedback in the comment section below! Sweet dreams!

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Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 24 comments
Tess - October 16, 2020

Love these pillow cases….

Reply
April J Harris - October 17, 2020

What is a beautiful pillowcase – and your step by step directions make it look easy! Thank you for sharing with the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Pinned, and I followed you on Pinterest and Instagram. Have a lovely weekend!

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Michele Morin - October 17, 2020

Thanks for sharing this!

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Lauren - October 18, 2020

You make it look so easy I’ll be trying this hopefully it comes out as nice as yours thanks for sharing saw at fortheloveto link-up

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Cherelle | The Inspired Prairie - October 18, 2020

What a pretty pillowcase! Thanks for sharing your post with us at our Embracing Home and Family Link-up party.

-Cherelle

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Jhuls @ The Not So Creative Cook - October 19, 2020

Wow! Wonderful tutorial! Love the pillowcase! Thank you so much for bringing to this week’s Fiesta Friday party!

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Linda S - October 19, 2020

thank you for this terrific tutorial! I have been thinking about making pillow cases for special visits from my grandchildren. This pattern will work perfectly.

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Michelle - October 19, 2020

I’ve always enjoyed making pillowcases. Thanks for sharing with Creative Compulsions!

Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com

Reply
Marilyn - October 20, 2020

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Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn
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carole christian - October 20, 2020

cant print pattern

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    Helen - October 20, 2020

    I’ve updated the link, it works now

    Reply
Naush Samama - October 21, 2020

Love these pillow cases. Thank you for sharing at Meraki Link Party.
Naush

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Shelbee on the Edge - October 21, 2020

This is such a great idea to make your own pillow cases. You can choose the fabric and prints you want and I am sure it is super easy to do. Thanks for sharing and linking up!

Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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Donna G. - December 16, 2020

Thank you for these instructions! I do believe there’s an error in Step 1. The written dimensions for Queen and King are different than those listed in the chart. I think they’re just transposed. Again, thanks, you’ve made it look easy!

Reply
    Helen - January 22, 2022

    Hi Donna, indeed they were just transposed. All is fixed now, hope you were able to make them

    Reply
Debbie - December 28, 2020

The chart for cutting is correct but below that you say to cut a king at 31×43 and the queen 37×43

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    Helen - January 22, 2022

    I’ve fixed this. Thanks for pointing this out!

    Reply
Q w/ The Contemporary Quilter - May 21, 2021

Super helpful! This is an awesome tutorial using the “burrito” method. I am getting ready to make 4 king sized pillow cases out of minky/velvet for a client. I like how the dark green fabric is double sized, it makes the inside of the cuff look great!

– Quincy
https://www.thecontemporaryquilter.com

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Lorraine - November 5, 2021

Thank you so much for this tutorial, I’ve been wanting to make a pillow case for yonks. When you buy specialty pillows you can never find another pillow case the same size. Your tutorial is very easy to follow and very helpful ?

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anonymous - January 12, 2022

You might want to change your measurements though. You have the queen and king sizes mixed up in your description. Just a heads up!

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    Helen - January 15, 2022

    The measurements were correct, I mixed up the titles. All is fixed now, thanks for the heads up

    Reply
Wyn - March 19, 2022

How do you keep it on the pillow? I have a purchased one like this and by morning it’s a third off the pillow! Does anyone add ties to keep it in place?

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Wyn - March 20, 2022

It looks beautiful. I love the covered seams. Does it need press studs to keep it on the pillow? It looks beautiful but after a night of me sleeping on it, I’m sure it would end up half off the pillow. Has anyone added something like small press studs or Velcro or ribbon ties?

Reply
    Helen - March 21, 2022

    Hi Wyn,
    You can definitely add small press studs or fabric ties

    Reply

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