French Seam Pillowcase {tutorial}

Remember this?

Well, several months later, I’m finally back with a simple tutorial!  You will need:

  • 20″ x 42″ main fabric {I actually made both the pillowcases shown with only 1/2 yard, but, since the pillows were for my toddler, they are rather flat already, 20″ would probably accommodate a new pillow nicely, depending on how tight you want the pillowcases to fit!}
  • 2 – 12″ x 20″ accent fabric {again, I didn’t want lots of extra fabric overhanging my pillow, so adjust accordingly!}

First, trim the selvage from the main fabric.  Then sew the accent fabric, right sides together, using a 1/2″ seam allowance, to both 20″ edges.  Fold the raw edge of the fabric under and top stitch in place, as shown {you could use a french seam here too, but I liked the double row of stitching this made on the outside}:

Next, sew the two long seams, wrong sides together with 1/4″ seam allowance.  Turn the pillowcase wrong sides out, and sew the long seams again, with a 3/8″ seam allowance, making sure to catch all the raw edges inside the seam:

Hem by folding down 1/2″, then another 5″ for hem {adjust as desired for pillow size}, stitch in place:

Finish with two rows of top stitching and you have one special pillow!

I think these are a great addition to any room and make a plain pair of sheets a lot more exciting.  And Silas loves to crawl in bed and sleep on his trucks pillow!  Now that he has some fun pillowcases and wall art, I really need to get busy on his quilt!

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8 Comments

  1. I love making pillows with french seams but I always forget how to do them. This one of the best tutorials I’ve seen and I’ll be referring back to it for sure!

    Jennifer 🙂

  2. Okay, so a french seam doesn’t lay flat, it’s just like if you sewed two right sides together, only it won’t fray and is nicer, is that right? I always thought for some reason it was some kind of flat seam. Too bad you don’t live nearby, I’d just come let you show me! I feel like such a dunce, but I know sometimes I just have to see stuff to understand it. Thanks for this tutorial–one day I will be making some more pillowcases and I will definitely do this. Or try to, ha!

  3. Thank you for the very clear tutorial. I use French seams when making my pillow cases, but I like the method you use for finishing the seam when adding the contrasting band.

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