Inspired Project #7: Personalized Pillowcase

I used an embroidery machine to create my monogram. You might also consider purchasing iron-on letters at your local craft store or using transfer paper and a printer to create a custom iron on monogram.

Welcome to Sewspire Inspired Project #7! I am so happy you are here and am thrilled to be able to share another fun and easy to sew project with you for FREE thanks to an artisan funded Watermelon Wishes sponsorship. Yippee!

Last week, we hosted a slumber party for my daughters 14th birthday and I made 12 of these personalized pillowcases for her girlfriends. Our guests were overjoyed with their gifts and I was deeply touched by their kind words and sincere appreciation. The experience reminded me just how special handmade gifts truly are.

As I was working on this tutorial, it occurred to me that it would be really nice to make up a stack of these in fun colors and prints to deliver to the pediatric unit at our local hospital. You might also consider making one for an expectant mother to take to the hospital with her when she goes into labor. Or, as a gift to a friend having surgery or any other event that would require an extended rest period. Oh, I just thought of one more idea…how about a bride and groom set for newlyweds. I am sure you have some great ideas too! Please share your thoughts in the comment field below. I love hearing from you!

For this project you will need approximately 1 yard of fabric cut into the following dimensions:

One 20″ x 23″ piece for the primary front print.

One 20″ x 2.5″ piece for the slim front accent print.

One 20″ x 12″ piece for the wider front accent print.

One 20″ x 35″ piece of flannel or other snuggly fabric for the backing.

I used an embroidery machine to customize my pillowcase; but, you could easily create an iron on monogram with some transfer paper and a printer or purchase iron on letters at your local craft store. Cross-stitch is also another great alternative!

I also used a zigzag stitch to finish my interior seams and prevent fray during washing; but, you could use a serger if you have one.

If you enjoy this project please share the page link and blog with your friends and family. I am on a personal mission to teach 10,000 women how to sew and I really do need your help spreading the word.

Have a beautiful week and I will be back next Friday with another easy to sew project!

Lots of love,

Andrea

Fold the two smallest pieces in half longwise aligning cut edges and press.

Layer the smallest folded piece atop of the second smallest folded piece and align cut edges.

Straight stitch down the two pieces to connect.

Zigzag stitch all the way down the edge to keep the edges from fraying during the wash.

At this point your accent panel should look like this.

Take the third smallest piece and zigzag stitch down one of the 20″ sides.

Example of zigzag stitch which keeps the edges from fraying in the wash.

Layer your accent panel atop of the panel which you just zigzag stitched.

Stitch the two panels together with a straight stitch.

Open and press the front of your pillow case.

At this point the front of your pillowcase should be complete.

Reverse side of the front of the pillowcase.

Zigzag stitch down one of the 20″ sides of the flannel backing.

Example of the zigzag stitch on the flannel.

Fold the zigzagged edge of the flannel over approximately 6″ and pin in place.

Now is the time to personalize the front of your pillowcase. I used an embroidery machine to monogram mine.

Reverse side of the pillowcase after monogramming.

Position the flannel atop of the front of the pillowcase with the right sides together and the folded flap facing outward.

Stitch around all three rough edges of the pillowcase and trim excess fabric very close to the stitching.

Flip the pillowcase right side out. Press flat and top stitch the sides and base.

The top stitching encloses the interior seams (this is known as a french seam).

I used an embroidery machine to create my monogram. You might also consider purchasing iron on monograms.

The soft flannel backing makes this pillow extra snuggly!

The interior flap is used to hide the pillow insert.

Comments

2 responses to “Inspired Project #7: Personalized Pillowcase”

Nita Amar

November 27, 2015

Hi Andrea, Happy one day post Thanksgiving. I hope you had a wonderful holiday.
This looks like a wonderful project. I might have it monogramed as my quilting machine has no embroider on it. I do love the pillow project and will get started…but I am working on Xmas bags for Xmas presents. I am going to Portland, OR to see my daughter for a week and have many Xmas things to get ready. Don’t give up on me. I can’t wait to start the pillow.
xoxo
Nita
1. SewSpire
  
  November 28, 2015
  
  Thank you Nita! I hope you had a beautiful holiday too. Enjoy your trip and know I will be looking forward to seeing your pillowcase when you return 🙂