Step-by-step tutorial for sewing a simple pillowcase and adding custom words using the lettering built into your sewing machine.
Pillowcases are one of those easy to sew (and quick!) gifts that are fun to give. I especially love to use a sweet flannel on the body of the pillowcase so I know the one I'm gifting it to will be laying their head on softness. Pillowcases aren't just great gifts, they are a great way to build your sewing skills, something I want to help you do, and they are a great way to try out the features on your sewing machine you may not have tried yet.
In today's Snippets with Patterns By Jen tutorial I'm not only walking you through how to sew a simple pillowcase, but how to add custom text using the lettering built into your machine. Side note: I do not go over specific settings, you will need your sewing machine's manual for that.
Scroll down to get the 5 ideas for personalizing your pillowcase.
Watch the full tutorial here:
Save this tutorial for later.
What you'll need to make the pillowcase
• 3/4" scrap of SF101 to stabilize your fabric for adding the text
Find it here: 👉 https://tidd.ly/4l8pdqg
(This is an affiliate link, you can read my full disclosure here.)
• 2" x WOF Accent fabric
• 11" x WOF Cuff fabric
• 27" x WOF Body fabric
Note: In the How To Video the width I used was 41" for each piece because that was the width of the flannel I used.
Fabric Tips for a Beautiful Finish
As I mentioned I love to use flannel for the body of the pillowcase, but regular quilting cotton works just fine. The cuff is a great place to use fun fabrics, like glow in the dark ghosties for a halloween pillow. My children loved that, way back when they were little.
If you are going to add text to the accent piece then I recommend using a solid color fabric and choosing thread that will stand out on it. If your fabric is light pink for instance, pull out a dark, dusty mauve. If it's navy, use a pretty baby blue. This little touch we're adding is going to make this pillowcase just a little more special.
Why this project is perfect for beginners
A pillowcase is a simple project that not only gives you a quick finish for that "Look what I made" feeling that keeps the crafting going, but it let's you practice basic sewing skills in a forgiving project. Straight seams, matching and pinning seams, pressing correctly and diving into using those fancy text stitches on your machine. So often we let those sit, and we should use them. Finishing a pillowcase will give you the confidence you need to keep growing in your sewing skills.
5 Ideas for Personalizing Your Pillowcase
One of the fun parts of this project is deciding what to stitch on the pillowcase. The lettering built into your sewing machine makes it easy to add a name, a phrase, or something playful that matches the fabric you’re using.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
1) Names: Easy, simple, no thinking involved 😂 great for gift giving.
2) Sweet Dreams/Blessings: A little touch to let the person know they are loved
3) Holidays: Holiday fabric is so fun to use in these pillowcases and now you can add another touch
4) Birthdays/Anniversaries: A birthday pillowcase with their current favorite animal/food/sport. Did you know 2nd anniversary is cotton? Hello cotton pillowcase.
5) National Days: Maybe you know someone who just needs a pick me up. Do a quick online search for what the days national day is, I'm pretty sure there is one for every day at this point, and make a quick gift with a fun little saying on the accent piece to pick up their spirits.
For instance March 5th (the day of this post) is National Cheese Doodle Day. A quick saying like "Sweet cheesy dreams" or "Dreaming of snacks" or maybe something funnier than I can come up with. Ha!
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Bonus: More Beginner Friendly Projects
If you’re looking for a couple more small projects to help build your foundational sewing skills, here are a few tutorials you might enjoy next. Both have YouTube videos to walk you through the steps.
Minky Blanket with Doll Blanket: This cozy blanket tutorial has been a favorite. It walks through sewing with minky fabric and includes instructions for making a matching doll blanket, which makes it a sweet gift set.
Hot Pad: Another quick project that’s great for practicing straight seams is this simple hot pad. It’s beginner friendly, useful around the kitchen, and makes a thoughtful handmade gift.
If you make a pillowcase using this tutorial I'd love to see it. Share it in the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook Group or tag me on Instagram.
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