https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/pillowcase-top • Posted by erica@recycledfashion
You may gave seen pillowcases being made into little girls dresses, this is a variation of that but for adults and a top rather than a dress.
You may gave seen pillowcases being made into little girls dresses, this is a variation of that but for adults and a top rather than a dress.
Find an appropriate pillowcase that you would like to use. You can find pillowcases in thrift stores, like the dragonfly print case that I found for 50c.
My pillowcase happened to be white one side, grey the other, which makes for an interesting top
Unpick or cut open the sides of your pillowcase, and cut armholes into it. The best way to do this, is to find a top you have in your wardrobe and trace around the armhole from under the armpit up to the neckline. Cut away your traced armhole pattern, and finish off your raw hems with a zig-zag stitch. Fold and pin your arm holes under approximately 1cm and straight stitch with your sewing machine in matching thread. Fold the top of your pillowcase under to make a casing for your gathered ribbon/lace tie and sew a straight stitch leaving a gap to thread through your tie. Next, ensure the bottom of each side of your pillowcase matches in length, if not, cut to size. Zig-zag raw edge. Sew your two sides together with best sides facing each other. Fold the bottom of your top up to make a casing for elastic, and sew your casing in a straight line with your sewing machine.
I used thrifed lace for my top tie, (you could use ribbon) threading through my top casing. The flat elastic I used at the bottom of my pillowcase top I cut to approximately 3/4 length of the entire diameter, which gives it a gathered look. Thread your elastic through the bottom casing, and sew shut. Hand sew your bottom casing holes closed so the elastic does not show, but do not sew your top casing shut - you will need it open to adjust your tie as you take it on and off.
Your pillowcase top is finished and ready to wear.