Just Another Hang Up: Pocket Pillowcase Pattern & Tutorial...

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Pocket Pillowcase Pattern & Tutorial...

Many thanks to those who left such sweet comments of encouragement about my Pocket Pillowcases that I blogged about earlier this week! I whipped up another pillowcase today and am publishing the pattern and tutorial for all to use. These pocket pillowcases would make a fabulous gift for a child or teenager. I love the different ideas of what could be stowed inside that little pocket -- to name a few: stuffed animals, books, journals, iPods, etc. You're sure to find interesting treasures in the pockets of these once the gift is given!

Pocket Pillowcase Pattern & Tutorial

You will need the following materials: 1 yard of flannel or cotton fabric, 1/4 yard of contrasting flannel or cotton fabric, thread, ric-rac (optional).

Tips: Use 1/2 inch seams unless otherwise specified. Press all fabric before cutting.

Fabric Layout

With the yard of flannel you will make the pillowcase back, pillow front and side panel front. To maximize your yardage do the following:

1. Cut the yard of fabric into two 20.5 inch x 34 inch rectangles. The measurement of 20.5 inches is approximate. You will need to cut the fabric in half lengthwise along the fold to make two pieces and then trim your selvage edges (self-finished edges of fabric) 1/4 inch to rid the fabric of most of the manufacturer's writing on the selvage.

2. Put one of the 20.5 inch x 34 inch rectangular pieces aside (pillowcase back). With the other 20.5 inch x 34 inch piece cut it to be 20.5 inches x 23 inches (pillow front) and put aside. Cut the remaining fabric into a 10 inch x 20.5 inch piece (side panel front).

With the 1/4 yard of contrasting fabric, you will make the side panel lining and the pocket.

3. Cut two pieces of fabric from this quarter yard -- one strip 10 inches x 19 inches (pocket), and the other 10 inches x 20.5 inches (panel lining).

Construction of Pillowcase

Attaching the Ric-Rac to Pocket:

1. Fold pocket in half to form a 10 inch x 9.5 inch "square". Press.

2. Pin the ric-rac to the underside of the folded seam and sew about 1/8 inch from seam. Press.

Construction of Side Panels:

1. Now we're going to make a tasty pocket sandwich! Place the pocket on top of the front side panel right sides up.

2. Place the panel lining right side down on top of the front panel and pocket. The pocket will be sandwiched in between panel pieces, like this...

3. Pin and sew seam.

4. Turn panels right side out and press.

5. Baste unfinished edges of side panel front (and pocket) and side panel lining together.

Attaching Side Panel to Pillow Front:

1. On the 20.5 inch edge of pillow front pin ric-rac and baste.

2. Pin side panel piece and pillow front right sides together and sew along seam.

3. Press seam toward pillow front.

4. Topstitch seam to pillow front.

Pillowcase Back:

1. On one of the 20.5 inch sides of pillowcase back, turn fabric 1/2" from edge and fabric and press.

2. Measure front pillowcase to determine exact length of the completed pillow front. (It should measure about 31.5 inches long.)

3. Turn over pressed edge of pillowcase back to measure the same length as the pillow front.

4. Pin and sew to make side hem for pillowcase back. Press...

Finishing Pillowcase:

1. Pin front to back, right sides together, along the three unfinished edges. Sew seams. Trim seams to 1/4 inch and zig-zag edges of seams.

2. Turn pillowcase right side out and press seams!

Whaaaalaaaaaa! Your pocket pillowcase is finished!