little bird's tale pillow Click image to enlarge Designer: May Flaum Making pillowcases is the first sewing project that I've mastered as an adult. It's easy, can take as few as 3 lines of straight stitching, and requires no pattern. With the assistance of some cute Heidi Grace fabric and my trusty Fiskars tools it's simple to create a fun design. The options for adding details, shapes, ribbon, and anything else you could think of are limited only to your imagination. I love that this simple project can get as simple - or complex - as you want! Difficulty rating
Instructions (Print version) 1. Determine pillow size. I worked with a 16x16 pillow, and for it I need that exact size finished pillowcase. note: some pillows you'll need to allow an extra 1/2" or so, however I've found with the brand I use this is not necessary. 2. Lay out fabric and allow 3-4" of overlap between ends. This overlap will be placed on the back side and create the opening for the pillow.  3. You'll need to either fold and stitch the one edge (that will be the visible side of flap), or cover raw edge with fabric (as I've done here) and stitch that into place creating a decorative touch. (photo below shows back side of pillow after complete)
Once you've determined the exact placement of folds of fabric (to ultimately create 16" square) iron the folds in place so that they'll hold. Note: If you plan on doing any creative touches to the front side of pillow, now would be the time! 4. Cut (with pinking shears) a square approximately 12x12 and place front and pin to the front and center of pillow. Then stitch into place.  5. Cut heart out (using USX template) and then back with sewable interfacing and iron onto pillow as desired. To finish off heart, stitch lace around edge of it. 6. Now that front decoration is complete, fold fabric back up (inside out!) and take care to make sure the decorative lined edge that is to show is on the bottom so that once sewn and turned right side out it will show up. 7. Mark the two open edges of fabric where you want the stitching, then sew along that line. (again, I was working with a 16" pillow). Then once sewn cut away any excess fabric and turn pillow case right side out. 8. Cover pillow and enjoy!
Supplies: Fiskars no.5 microtip scissors http://fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_spring-action-no-5-microtip-scisso.aspx Fiskars Super size heart template http://fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_super-sized-hearts.aspx Fiskars 45mm comfort grip rotary cutter http://fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_45-mm-comfort-grip-rotary-cutter.aspx Fiskars 12.5" square ruler http://fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_125-x-125-acrylic-ruler.aspx other: Heidi Grace fabric (available at JoAnn fabric), lace, pillow, sewing machine and thread |
