Beginner’s Guide to Sewing a Simple Pillowcase

So you’ve been poking around the internet and stumbled on the idea of sewing something yourself. A whole shirt? Nope. Curtains? Too big. But a pillowcase? Now that sounds doable. That’s exactly why I’m sharing this beginner’s guide to sewing a simple pillowcase—because it’s the perfect starter project to get your feet wet without feeling like you’ve bitten off more than you can stitch.

Let me tell you, the first time I sewed anything that didn’t fall apart after one wash was a pillowcase. I remember standing in front of my machine like it was some spaceship control panel. But I figured it out—and you absolutely can, too. I was genuinely shocked at how satisfying it was to pop that freshly sewn pillowcase onto a pillow and toss it on the couch like I’d just won a gold medal. Spoiler: it’s addictive.

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Why Start with a Pillowcase?

Here’s the thing—pillowcases are low-risk, high-reward. You only need a small amount of fabric, and even if your seams are a bit wobbly, guess what? Your head won’t mind one bit.

This beginner’s guide to sewing a simple pillowcase focuses on what I like to call “the no-sweat method.” No zippers, no buttons, no pattern pieces that look like geometry homework. Just straight lines, soft fabric, and that little buzz of pride when you’re done.

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What You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy)

Okay, you’ll need fabric (I recommend 100% cotton), matching thread, scissors, pins or clips, and a sewing machine. And no, it doesn’t have to be a fancy machine with 47 different stitches. If it sews a straight line, you’re golden.

Also, grab a measuring tape or ruler. And maybe a snack. You’d be surprised how time flies once you start sewing.

Measuring It Out Without Losing Your Mind

If you’re wondering how much fabric you need, here’s a quick guide: for a standard pillow, cut one piece that’s 21 inches tall and 35 inches wide. That’ll give you enough room to sew seams and even add a flap so the pillow doesn’t peek out.

You can totally adjust the size based on the pillows you’ve got at home. Just measure the pillow, add about an inch to the height for seam allowance, and around four to five inches extra on the width if you want that envelope-style closure. Boom—custom pillowcase dimensions!

Let’s Sew (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Alright, now we get to the fun part. Fold your fabric in half, right sides facing in (that just means the pretty sides touch each other). Line up the edges, pin them, and sew the long side and one of the short sides using about a ½ inch seam.

Flip it inside out and press the seams. Yes, pressing makes a huge difference—don’t skip it unless you want a lumpy-looking case. For the open end, fold the edge under about ½ inch, then fold again, pin it down, and sew across to hem it. That’s it!

And if you want to get a little fancy, you can add a decorative cuff in a contrasting fabric. But if you’re just starting, don’t worry about that just yet.

Mistakes? They’re Part of the Fun

I can’t even count how many pillowcases I messed up when I started. One was way too tight—like, I practically had to wrestle the pillow inside. Another time, I sewed the whole thing shut. Yep, all four sides. Classic rookie move.

But here’s what I learned: those little goofs? They make you better. You learn something every time. That’s why this beginner’s guide to sewing a simple pillowcase isn’t just about getting it perfect—it’s about doing it at all. You’ll be surprised how quickly it clicks.

Making It Yours

Once you’ve made one, you’ll start eyeballing all the throw pillows in your house. You’ll start thinking, “Hmm… this couch could use a refresh,” or “I bet I could make one with that flannel shirt I never wear.” Trust me, it’s a slippery slope.

You can use funky patterns, soft solids, or even repurpose old clothes or sheets. That’s the cool part—your pillowcase becomes a mini canvas for whatever style you’re feeling.

Final Thoughts: You and Your First Pillowcase

If you’ve made it this far in our beginner’s guide to sewing a simple pillowcase, you’re more than ready to give it a try. I mean, how cool would it be to rest your head on something you made?

It’s not just about fabric and stitches—it’s about building your skills, one pillowcase at a time. And who knows? Today it’s a pillowcase. Next month, maybe it’s pajama pants. Or a tote bag. Or a quilt. The sewing world is wide open, my friend.

So go on—thread that needle, fire up that machine, and sew like nobody’s watching (except maybe your cat, and they’re just here for the vibes).

Keep Stitching: More Than Just a Beginner’s Guide to Sewing a Simple Pillowcase

Once you’ve got this under your belt, you’ve officially taken your first step into the wild and wonderful world of sewing. I’m cheering you on every stitch of the way.

Got questions? Hit me up in the comments. I’d love to hear how your first pillowcase turns out—or what disasters you survived. We’ve all been there!