Free Panel Pillowcase Tutorial
By Kristen Brunch
Skill Level: Beginner
Bonus surprise at the bottom!
Supplies:
The type of fabric (CW or CS) used for your pillow is completely up to you! My personal preference is to use Cotton Woven for Throw Pillows or Shams (because they are more crisp and structured) and Cotton Spandex for Bed Pillows (because CS has stretch and a softer texture)
- 1 yard Main Print (used for Front Sides, Back Inner, and Back Outer)
- Medium Sized Panel or 1/3 yard of a Coordinating Print (used for Front Panel)
Straight Edge and Fabric Markers
Used to help measure, mark, and cut your pieces straight. Check out VSCF's fabric markers here!
Straight Pins or Quilting Clips
Used to hold your pieces together while sewing
Iron and Ironing Board/Mat
Used to press seams
Sewing Machine
Used to assemble your pillowcase. Bonus Points if you have a Serger, which can be used to finish the inside seams but it is not required. For this Sew-Along, I will be using only a sewing machine
Pillow Form (see size table below)
This is what you will place inside your pillowcase to create your pillow
The sham-sized pillow forms can be found at your local craft store – mine are from Joann’s.
Instructions:
Step 1 Measure & Cut:
Below is a table of measurements based on pillowcases I have made for around my home. They feature a back pocket to make removing the pillow form easy and eliminates the need for zippers.
For this tutorial, I will be making the Standard Bed Pillowcase
If using a panel for your Front Panel Piece, make sure to center the panel by removing the same amount from each side of the panel graphic.
The Standard Bed Pillow Case for example: If the panel measures 18” W, you should remove 2” from each side of the panel graphic so that the final width of the measurement is 14”and the graphic is centered. Do the same thing for the height measurement.
- Fabric markers may help you at this step to make sure the panel is centered before you cut
If you are a more visual person (like me!) here are some helpful measurement diagrams:
Measure Twice, Cut Once!
You should have 5 pieces total:
You should have 5 pieces total:
(1) Front Panel, (2) Front Sides, (1) Back Inner, (1) Back Outer
NOTE: If you are making the 16x16 Sham, you will only have 3 Pieces (1) Front Panel, (2) Back Inner, (3) Back Outer
NOTE: If you are making the 16x16 Sham, you will only have 3 Pieces (1) Front Panel, (2) Back Inner, (3) Back Outer
Step 2 Sew Front:
(skip this step if making the 16x16 Sham)
Clip or pin the Front Sides to each side of the Front Panel, right sides together.
NOTE: If you are using a directional print, make sure the print direction on both pieces are pointing the same direction. I lay mine so the print direction is pointing up.
Sew Together using your preferred stitch and ¼” seam allowance
If using Cotton Spandex, make sure to use a stretch stitch, such as triple stitch or zig zag
Press seams with iron if desired
Step 3 Sew Back:
Back Inner and the Back Outer pieces: the edges that will be in the middle of the back of the pillow, fold the raw edge over ½ inch wrong sides together. Press with iron.
Fold the pressed edge over another ½” so that the raw edges are now inside the fold (wrong sides together).
Press with iron.
Topstitch using your preferred stitch and ¼” seam allowance. If using Cotton Spandex, make sure to use a stretch stitch, such as triple stitch or zig zag
Repeat for both the Back Inner and Back Outer piece
Step Four Front to Back:
Place the Front of the pillow right side up. Place the Back Outer piece right side down. Pin or clip in place and sew the two pieces together with ¼” seam allowance and backstitching at each end.
-
- If you are using a directional print, make sure the print direction on all pieces are pointing the same direction. I lay mine so the print direction is facing up.
- If using Cotton Spandex, make sure to use a stretch stitch, such as triple stitch or zig zag
- If you are using a directional print, make sure the print direction on all pieces are pointing the same direction. I lay mine so the print direction is pointing up.
- If using Cotton Spandex, make sure to use a stretch stitch, such as triple stitch or zig zag
Step Five Flip Pillowcase Right Side Out:
Last Step:
Push the corners of your pillowcase out and push your pillow form through the opening in the back and fluff.
Congratulations! You have completed your new Panel Pillowcase! Take a photo of your new creation and share in our facebook group! Use code:DIY at checkout to save!