Instructions for Pillow Case

Printable Version
Pillows made from Heather Ross's Lightning Bug collection. The one on the left is Bicycles on White with Brown Dots (band contrast) and Flowers on Orange (band). The right pillowcase is Fishes on White with Orange/Blue Stripes (band contrast) and Orange Dots (band). Unfortunately, this fabric is no longer available, but any mid-weight cotton will work.

Materials Needed: 1 1/2 yards fabric for main part of pillow case 1/4 yard of coordinating fabric for band 2" x 43" piece of fabric for band contrast
Step 1: Cut three pieces of fabric for your pillowcase from the fabric as shown (though you will probably cut each one from different fabric). Cut one piece 29" x 43" for standard (39" x 43" for king size), a piece 43" x 9", and a third piece 43" x 2".
Step 2: Fold the band in half length-wise wrong sides together. Press. Repeat with band contrast.
Step 3: Place the pillowcase right side up with the design facing upward. On the right side of the pillowcase, place the band contrast and then the band, all raw edges lined up on the right. Stitch together using a 1/2" seam allowance.
Step 4: Turn band and band contrast out from the pillowcase and press.
Step 5: Fold pillowcase in half so that both ends of the band meet. Stitch on one long and one short side, using a 1/2" seam allowance.
Step 6: Turn pillowcase right side out. Enjoy!
Other ideas and suggestions: Finished Size: standard pillowcase: 21" x 32"; king pillowcase: 21" x 42". Instead of fabric for band contrast, you can use a 7/8" wide ribbon cut to 43" inches long. No need to fold it in half as both sides are finished. When I made these, the only place where I struggled was cutting a 2" wide strip of fabric that was straight, so that when I folded it my stripes or dots were straight. So I cheated- I cut a 3 to 4" strip out of the fabric, carefully ironed it in half keeping the design straight and then trimmed the folded piece to 1".