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Easy Two-Tone Pillowcase for Beginners

Sewing is a useful skill to have and learning doesn’t have to be complicated. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to make your very own two-tone pillowcase.

Project Prep

For every pillowcase, you will need two different cuts of fabric; one that covers the pillow and one that acts as an accent at the opening. Fabric purchased off a bolt is doubled and has a fold. All of the measurements below include that doubling and indicate where to account for the fold.

When selecting thread, choose a color that either matches or compliments the accent color of fabric as those will be the only visible sewing lines.

What You Need

General Supplies
  • Fabric scissors
  • Thread
  • Yardstick
  • Permanent marker OR tailors chalk
  • Sewing machine
Fabric for a standard pillowcase:*
  • COLOR 1: 27″ long (on the fold) X 20″ wide
  • COLOR 2: 10″ wide (on the fold) X 20″ long
Fabric for a king-size pillowcase:
  • COLOR 1: 37″ long (on the fold) X 20″ wide
  • COLOR 2: 10″ wide (on the fold) X 20″ long

*Directions below will reference measurements for a standard pillowcase. If creating a king-size, please adjust accordingly.

How to Make it

[1] Using the yardstick and permanent marker (or tailors chalk), measure and mark 27″ along the fold of the main fabric. Then measure 20″ from the fold to create a rectangle 27″ X 20″.

[2] Using the same tools for the accent fabric, measure and mark 10″ along the fold. Then measure 20″ from the fold to create a rectangle 10″ X 20″.

(When the fabric is unfolded, the main color fabric will measure 27″ X 40″ and the accent color will measure 10″X40″.)

[3] Open up the accent fabric to the wrong side of the fabric (the “wrong side” is the part you don’t want to see in the finished project). Measure a 1/2″ fold on each of the long sides of the fabric and pin it down in the direction you will be stitching. Stitch a seam on both sides of the accent fabric.

[4] Open up the main fabric and seam one of the long sides (a 40″ side) 1/2″ or one presser foot in width.

[5] On the wrong side of the main fabric at the seam you just made, line up the seam on the right side of the accent fabric and pin it in place.

[6] Flip the pinned fabric over. Fold the accent fabric down to the seamed line on the main fabric and pin on the right side all the way through.

[7] Remove the pins from the wrong side of the main fabric.

[8] Stitch the accent fabric to the main fabric (from the right side) along the accent fabric seam.

(It’s ok if the seam from the wrong side of the fabric doesn’t line up. Make sure to use the seam on the right side of the fabric as your guide.)

[9] Trim any loose thread from the pillowcase. Fold the pillowcase in half (wrong side out) so that the accent fabric matches at the ends and seam. Pin the long end of the pillowcase and the short end of the pillowcase in the direction you will be stitching. Trim any uneven edges from the pillowcase.

[10] Start stitching your pillowcase at the accent end (to keep accent fabric and seams in alignment). Turn the fabric at the corner and continue stitching toward the fold. Repeat this step twice to reinforce the seam.

[11] Turn the pillowcase out (right side of fabric out).

You’re finished!

Put your completed pillowcase on your favorite pillow and enjoy!