Hey everyone. Today you will learn how to make a fresh, simple pillowcase.
Here we go.
The fabric is the Aviva Foliage Pearl Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard, from Windham Fabrics.
First, it is cotton. Quilting cotton. The width of fabric is 44"/45".
Second, it is from the Aviva collection. Made by Windham Fabrics by Whistler Studios.
Third, look at the print name. Foliage. Pearl.
Aviva blooms with life and elegance. This romantic floral collection combines airy watercolor textures with lush bouquets, delicate sprigs, and graceful foliage.
The collection palette is soft pinks, lilacs, sunshine yellows, and rich sangria.
Pearl gives this one its light, calm feeling. The foliage print keeps it soft and leafy. Like a blooming garden at golden hour — timeless, joyful, and full of grace.
It really is a gentle print.
Why a pillowcase suits this fabric
A pillowcase is flat. It is smooth. It shows a print in big, honest pieces.
That is perfect for foliage. You do not chop the leaves into tiny bits. You let the sprigs and foliage travel across the pillow.
It also touches skin every night. So cotton matters. This quilting cotton will feel familiar and soft.
Our pillowcase finishes at about 20 inches by 30 inches. That fits a standard pillow. Nice and roomy, not tight.
You have options, too. Make it exactly like this for a standard pillow. Or add two inches to the length for a queen pillow. Completely up to you.
Materials list
- 3/4 yard of this Aviva Foliage Pearl cotton for the main body — cut one piece 27 inches by the full 44"/45" width of fabric
- 1/4 yard of a coordinating cotton for the cuff — cut one piece 9 inches by the full width of fabric
- One accent strip, 2 inches by the full width of fabric, if you want a little trim line
- Thread to blend with the pearl ground and soft pinks, and a fresh 80/12 needle
- Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler, plus pins or clips
- Iron and ironing board — pressing really matters on this one
Set your stitch length to about 2.5 mm. That is roughly 10 stitches per inch. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance unless I say otherwise.
Brief steps
One, press everything first. I mean it, folks. Wrinkles now become crooked seams later.
Two, make your accent, if you are using one. Fold that 2-inch strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press it flat. Just like that.
Three, layer the burrito. Lay your cuff piece right side up. Lay the accent strip along the top raw edge. Then lay the main body piece right side down on top. Line up the top raw edges and pin.
Four, roll the body up toward the top, like a little burrito. Fold the bottom edge of the cuff up and over the roll. Pin again through all layers. You have hidden the roll inside the cuff.
Five, sew that top edge with a 1/2-inch seam. Go slow at the pins. Pull them out before the needle gets there — slow down or the needle snaps. I learned that one the hard way.
Six, pull the body out of the cuff and press. Oh my goodness, that clean cuff edge is super duper satisfying. Press the accent flat, too.
Seven, finish the case. Fold it wrong sides together and sew the side and bottom with a 1/4-inch seam. Turn it wrong side out, press, and sew again with a 1/2-inch seam. That is a French seam. No raw edges inside.
Eight, turn it right side out and press one more time. Slide in your pillow. Done.
Practical tips
Straighten your grain before you cut. Pillowcases twist in the wash when they are cut off-grain. Take two extra minutes here. It is worth it.
Watch your print direction. Foliage has a flow to it. Make sure the leaves run the way you want when the pillow is on the bed, not upside down when you are tired and sewing fast. Ask me how I know.
And here is your permission beat, friends. It does not have to be perfect. A slightly wavy seam inside a cuff? Nobody will ever see it. You are your own worst critic. Take your time. It is not a race.
If I can do this, y'all can do it. We're not reinventing the wheel here. It is straight seams, good pressing, and a pretty cotton doing most of the work.
Make one for your bed. Make a second for a guest room. These make really really good gifts, too.
Thanks so much for sewing along with me today. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Aviva Foliage Pearl Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
