A Little Birdie Told Me... All about Pillowcases

I used to think that for some reason pillowcases were complicated. Basic Pillowcases are actually quite simple and you can make a few in no time. I made the above two pillowcases in under an hour.

 

A few reasons why pillocases are a great project

1. You can make them without an iron. {I did}

2. You don't need much fabric

3. No batting or matching thread on hand?.. no problem since you don't need either!

4. They are fast & easy

 

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Have you heard about the Million Pillowcase Challenge? I first heard about it at Fall 2009 Quilt Market. The goal is simple... between all of us... make 1 Million Pillowcases for local charities. You can download 13 Pillowcase patterns for free. My guild did a sewing night recently and made a few pillowcases to be donated.

  

I decided to make a few new pillowcases for Elijah to brighten up his hospital room. In addition to making Elijah some new pillowcases I also made one for his neighbor in the hospital. I thought she could use a bit more color in her room as well & made her a bright one with purple and pink. My goal is to make a few more and hand deliver them to some of the other children at the hospital.

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For Elijah's new Super Easy Pillowcases I started with the Basic Pillowcase Pattern. I wanted to add a green flange to the pillowcases similar to the green flange on Elijah's Stash Stack Quilt. Below are directions on how to add a flange to the Basic Pillowcase Pattern.

Supplies for 2 Pillowcases
- 1/8 yard Kiwi Green
- 1 1/8 yards Canary Dot Mingle by Monaluna
- 1 1/8 yards Urban Zoologie Owls by Ann Kelle 

1. Follow the Basic Pillowcase Pattern to cut the main four pieces. In addition cut two pieces 1.5" x 41" of the fabric you want to use for the flange. Fold the flange fabric in half along the long side and pin along one long side of the 10×41" pillowcase strip. Repeat for the second pillowcase.

2. Baste the flange in place with a large stitch and a scant 1/8" seam.

3. Follow steps #1 & #2 on pillowcase direction to join the ends and create band. At this point you can follow the rest of the directions to make the pillowcase. I chose to baste the two layers together as shown below before adding the cuff to the main part of the pillowcase.

4. Here are my finished pillowcase cuffs ready to be added to the main body of the pillowcase.

Initially Elijah was too busy reading one of his giant cards to notice the new pillowcases.

But he did discover that they made for a good foot rest.

After a little while he cuddled up with them and went back to watching a movie.

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I'll be back on January 7th with A Little Birdie Told Me!

Volume 1 post 10

{ Julie Herman blogs at Jaybird Quilts }

Comments

[Mary Ann]

So cute Julie and they really brighten his room. I have a few pillowcases ready to go, I'll email you about them!

[Sandy]

Julie, these pillowcases look great. They are a wonderful addition to Elijah's quilt. They are so colorful & brighten the room. It is so special that you are also taking the time to brighten the rooms of other children!

[dru heggen]

The colors you used were great! If you want a really easy way to make one - try the weiner method - 2 seams and your done! And if you have a serger it's even faster!!!

[Becky]

These are really adorable. His little feet are so sweet laying on them. What a great way to brighten up his room.

[Kristin]

Thank you for the instructions! So fun and cheery, my 9 yrs old is looking for a compassion project and this looks to be her skill level! Thank you!

[Angie]

They are bright and do provide a smile to those in hospitals. Hope Elijah was able to smile some with the 'fun' pillow cases!

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