Welcome back to Sewing 101, the weekly series on sewing basics. Today I'm talking about how to make a pillow case. This is a great project for a beginner, so don't be afraid to give it a try.
This week, we will choose fabric and thread for a pillow case, and prepare the fabric for cutting. Next Thursday, we'll cut the fabric, and on the following week, we'll sew and finish the pillow case.
Along with your basic equipment, you will need fabric and thread, and something to mark the fabric such as a chalk pencil. Choose a woven, non-stretchy fabric, preferably a cotton or cotton blend. If you're unsure, ask at your local fabric store, explaining that you wish to make pillow cases, and you'll be directed to the right materials. Or, use an old sheet, perhaps one that's worn out in places but still has some decent fabric left. Look for a poly-cotton thread that is close in colour to your fabric. A mercerized cotton thread is fine, too, but choose a medium weight rather than heavy.
To determine the amount of fabric you'll need, measure an existing pillow case. Lay it out on a flat surface such as a table or the floor. Measure straight across its width and length, and note the numbers. For example, your pillow case may measure 50 cm x 76 cm (20" x 30"). Then add 5-10 cms (2-4") to each side to allow for hems (the part that is folded over and sewn) and add an extra 15 cm (6") to the length of the pillow case so that you can make a nice wide turned in edge. Because there are two sides to a pillow case, you will need two pieces, each measuring about 65 cm x 106 cm (25" x 42").
Now take your new fabric and lay it out on the flat surface. If it's very wrinkled, then do take time to iron it. Make sure it's lying evenly. Look at the fabric to see its grain. See how the threads run up and down the length of the material? That's the lengthwise grain. The threads running side to side are called the crosswise grain. If you're using newly bought fabric (as opposed to an old bed sheet) you'll see a finished edge running the length of each side of the fabric. This is called the selvage. For this project, we will be cutting the fabric squarely along the lines of grain.
It's time to mark the fabric. For this, you need a measuring tape, a straight edged ruler, and a chalk pencil. Referring to the measurements you took earlier, use the measuring tape to determine how much fabric you need. Make sure your two identical pieces are facing the same way: if the lengthwise grain runs along the length of the first piece, be sure you maintain that orientation with the second piece. And remember to keep your measurements square to the grain, rather than on a diagonal.
Once you've determined where you plan to cut, make little marks with the chalk in a few places along the line. Then take your straight edge and make a clearer mark along the whole line. Remember, two pieces cut out side by side can share a cut edge. Once you've made all your marks, get out the tape measure and re-measure everything, carefully checking your notes. Use common sense too: do these look like pieces the right size and shape for a pillow case?
Come back next week for the next steps in making this simple project.
