Closed-End Pillowcase and Pouch Tutorial
Want to learn how to make a closed-end pillowcase? They are the best style of pillowcases for keeping the pillow form from falling out and getting dirty.
These travel size pillows and closed-end pillowcases are safer for toddlers too! I happen to make one for my teenage son that is a violent sleeper! Making his bed requires putting the pillowcases back on the pillows!
Closed-end style pillowcases are often used in high-end bed linen sets. It gives it a finished edge, so you don't see the pillow form, giving it a touch of sophistication and style.
I used a fun novelty fabric by Alexander Henry and a 10" x 15" pillow form to make my son this travel size pillow to take on trips. For the Main body I used Midnight Snack by Alexander Henry, Bugs Hatchmarks in Green by Blend Fabrics, and Bella Solid in Christmas Red by Moda Fabrics.
Standard size closed-end pillowcase
You will need:
3/4 Yard Main Fabric
1/8 Yard Accent
1/2 Yard for Cuff
Rotary cutter, thread, and iron
Cutting instructions
(2) 24" x 21" Main Fabric
(2) 2" x 21" Accent Fabric
(1) 9" x 21" Cuff Fabric
(1) 13" x 21" Cuff Fabric
Sewing instructions
Take the 9"x 21" cuff piece, fold and press 1/2" under along one long edge. A Clover Hot Hemmer works great for this task! Fold that same edge under another 4". It should be 1/2" away from the opposite raw edge. Stitch the double folded edge down, stitching close to the edge. Set aside.
Take the 13" x 21" piece, fold and press one raw long side under 1/4" and again another 1/4", creating a double fold. Stitch this edge down, stitching close to folded edge. Set aside.
Take a 2" x 21" accent trim piece, fold and press in half lengthwise, with Wrong Sides Together. Take this pressed piece and lay it on top of one of the main body fabric with right sides facing up.
Take the 9"x21" cuff piece and lay it face down on top of the accent trim piece. With raw edges matching. Pin in place and stitch across using 1/2" seam allowance. Serge or zigzag this seam.
Repeat this same step with the second main body fabric, accent piece and 13" x 21" cuff.
Take the two panels and press the seam towards the main fabric and the accent fabric towards the cuff.
Place the longer panel face up on the table. With the cuff at the top. Place the smaller panel on top, facing down, Right Sides Together. Matching the main fabric raw edges together and the accent trim seams together. Fold over the 8" flap on top of the panels. Pin in place. Stitch the 3 raw edge sides together using 1/2" seam allowance. Serge or ZigZag raw edges.
Pull the pillowcase right side out and tuck the cuff inside. Press. Insert the pillow and pull the cuff over the edge of the pillow. It acts as a pocket for the pillow.
ALL DONE! Now you have a nice neat sophisticated pillowcase!
The travel pouch
The travel pouch is perfect for holding all your travel essentials that you want handy and not packed away in your luggage. I used the small pouch size so that they can keep it in their backpack with their travel games, gum and chapstick. The Tutorial is offered by Noodlehead in 3 different sizes. Other Noodlehead sewing patterns are offered in the Bunbury Shop.
Because of the box style bottom, you can lay a pack of playing cards down at the bottom and stack packs of gum and such. It's as if it has an extension charm, like Hermione's purple bag. It's amazing how much this pouch can hold?
What's great is that, you can make this pouch using the scraps left over from the pillowcase. All you need is a zipper. A 14" Zipper in color Red River was used for this pouch.
I hope you enjoy sewing up some of these pillowcases and pouches for yourself or as gifts.
Tonia