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Pillowcase How-To
Super cute pillowcase pattern with only TWO exposed seams!
This is for one pillowcase - double your fabric for a matching pair.
p.s. Geez, the fabrics I used in the tutorial photos are so NOT me!
- rihanna M. favorited Pillowcase 26 Mar 08:27
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Step 1
Trim and square fabrics to the following measurements:
Fabric A (body): 41"high x 27"wide( watch those directional patterns!)
Fabric B (cuff): 41" high x 10" wide
Fabric C (trim): 41" high x 3" wideEven if your fabric measures correctly, you will want to square up the fabric with your rotary cutter, mat and ruler. If your measurements are off by a tiny bit, don't worry -- just make sure that, if you are making a pair, BOTH pillows pairs match (so if you have 26.5" for one pillow, cut the second to 26.5" -- you can make up for the lost half inch by adding it to your cuffs!)
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Step 2
Fold and press the trim fabric (3" x 41") in half longwise; wrong sides (WS) together
Set aside
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Step 8
Sew a 3/8" seam along the long edge, removing pins (BEFORE your machine gets near them, of course).
Always SET YOUR SEAMS by pressing (lift and press with your iron on all newly stitched area - don't "rub" it on the fabric) Don't ask why you should set your seams, just do it - you'll love me for it later when you get amazing, professional results.
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Step 12
Press all of your seams open and flat, using the tip of your iron and steam, if desired. Watch your fingers!
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Step 15
Set your seams!!!!!!
Press seams open
Turn your pillowcase inside out and press (yes, again!)
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Step 17
Here's what the seam looks like inside the finished pillowcase.
Of course, you can use French seams on all kinds of stuff (so why don't you?).
Flip it right side out (I didn't need to remind you to set your seams first, right?) Put it on a pillow and enjoy!
If you have a fancy machine, you can add decorative stitches to the trim fabric in between steps 11 and 12. One x-mas I made my nieces each a pillow case in their fave color with their names stitched on the trim fabric (yay for programmable machines with text stitches!) I've found that one or two layers of light to medium weight dissolvable stabilizer works well for me.