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How To Make Flannel Pillow Cases

Updated on September 24, 2014

Super Easy

I love the feel of soft flannel against my cheek when I crawl into bed. Unfortunately, it is hard to find flannel pillowcases that don't cost a fortune or are just plain. About five years ago I decided to make my own and they turned out to be my favorite pillowcases.

Through a few mishaps (husband bleached a set, cat barfed on another) I decided I needed to make some more. This lens follows me through my process of making flannel pillowcase (in this case three sets).

I do not consider myself a seamstress. I have no formal training other than what I learned in home ec and through trial and error. If you are an precise seamstress do not read any further because my directions will probably drive you nuts (like an English teacher and typos). But if you are new to sewing and have an easy disposition read on.

Citation: unless otherwise stated images are copyright M. E. Wood.

Which Do You Prefer

See results
striped flannel material
striped flannel material

Fabric

Get flannel fabric from bolts that are 42" to 44" (112cm) wide (either will work but go 44" if you have larger than standard pillows) and approximately 74" (198 cm) in length.

You can allow an extra inch for shrinkage if you like or if you don't like it when you pillow begins to peek out of the case after a few nights. The ones used in this demonstration are 42" wide.

Before You Cut

It is important to wash and dry flannel in dryer to allow for shrinkage before you cut.

Tools Needed to Complete This Project:

These are the tools I used to complete this project and are what I consider necessary for ease of production.

  • Sewing Machine
  • Thread
  • Sharp Scissors
  • Pins and Pincushion
  • Iron and Ironing Board
  • Tape Measure

Step By Step Photo Instructions

Click thumbnail to view full-size
Wash all fabric first and put in dryer to force shrinkage. Better to shrink now than after you have sewed your cases. Give a quick press to get rid of any creases or wrinkles.Fold lengthwise and cut in half across middle. Trim edges straight if necessary. Keep measuring both pieces with one another to keep same size.Take one case and fold width wise 5" on one end. Use tape measure to measure all along edge. Press with steam iron (steam works best) to give a nice firm crease.From the 5" section of the material fold 1" under. Pin along all the way. Because flannel has a bit of natural stretch to it it would be wise to pin each end of the flap first as the ends may not line up if you just pin straight across.Pin along all the way. Press and leave pins in place for sewing. Make sure your edge is correct all the way along by measuring 4". The pickiest part will be the folding and the pinning of this flap. To me it's what makes a pillowcase pretty and sit pFold in half lengthwise with the pattern facing in and pin bottom and side of case. Leave flap section unpinned so it can be stitched first. I like to do all my pinning first but you can sew the flap if you like before pinning side and bottom. Up toStraight stitch flap 1/8" to 1/4" up to of edge all the way across making sure to begin and end with back stitching.Sew straight stitch down side and bottom of pillow case 1/2" from edge.Follow this with a row of zigzag stitching with the points of zigzag just touching the line of straight stitch on side closet to raw edge. Begin and end with back stitch to reinforce.Put pillow case right side out. and press all three sides to finish off pillow case. Complete matching pillowcase. With all the handling, I would wash the pillowcases with the regular laundry one more time and then they will be extra fluffy and ready
Wash all fabric first and put in dryer to force shrinkage. Better to shrink now than after you have sewed your cases. Give a quick press to get rid of any creases or wrinkles.
Wash all fabric first and put in dryer to force shrinkage. Better to shrink now than after you have sewed your cases. Give a quick press to get rid of any creases or wrinkles.
Fold lengthwise and cut in half across middle. Trim edges straight if necessary. Keep measuring both pieces with one another to keep same size.
Fold lengthwise and cut in half across middle. Trim edges straight if necessary. Keep measuring both pieces with one another to keep same size.
Take one case and fold width wise 5" on one end. Use tape measure to measure all along edge. Press with steam iron (steam works best) to give a nice firm crease.
Take one case and fold width wise 5" on one end. Use tape measure to measure all along edge. Press with steam iron (steam works best) to give a nice firm crease.
From the 5" section of the material fold 1" under. Pin along all the way. Because flannel has a bit of natural stretch to it it would be wise to pin each end of the flap first as the ends may not line up if you just pin straight across.
From the 5" section of the material fold 1" under. Pin along all the way. Because flannel has a bit of natural stretch to it it would be wise to pin each end of the flap first as the ends may not line up if you just pin straight across.
Pin along all the way. Press and leave pins in place for sewing. Make sure your edge is correct all the way along by measuring 4". The pickiest part will be the folding and the pinning of this flap. To me it's what makes a pillowcase pretty and sit p
Pin along all the way. Press and leave pins in place for sewing. Make sure your edge is correct all the way along by measuring 4". The pickiest part will be the folding and the pinning of this flap. To me it's what makes a pillowcase pretty and sit p
Fold in half lengthwise with the pattern facing in and pin bottom and side of case. Leave flap section unpinned so it can be stitched first. I like to do all my pinning first but you can sew the flap if you like before pinning side and bottom. Up to
Fold in half lengthwise with the pattern facing in and pin bottom and side of case. Leave flap section unpinned so it can be stitched first. I like to do all my pinning first but you can sew the flap if you like before pinning side and bottom. Up to
Straight stitch flap 1/8" to 1/4" up to of edge all the way across making sure to begin and end with back stitching.
Straight stitch flap 1/8" to 1/4" up to of edge all the way across making sure to begin and end with back stitching.
Sew straight stitch down side and bottom of pillow case 1/2" from edge.
Sew straight stitch down side and bottom of pillow case 1/2" from edge.
Follow this with a row of zigzag stitching with the points of zigzag just touching the line of straight stitch on side closet to raw edge. Begin and end with back stitch to reinforce.
Follow this with a row of zigzag stitching with the points of zigzag just touching the line of straight stitch on side closet to raw edge. Begin and end with back stitch to reinforce.
Put pillow case right side out. and press all three sides to finish off pillow case. Complete matching pillowcase. With all the handling, I would wash the pillowcases with the regular laundry one more time and then they will be extra fluffy and ready
Put pillow case right side out. and press all three sides to finish off pillow case. Complete matching pillowcase. With all the handling, I would wash the pillowcases with the regular laundry one more time and then they will be extra fluffy and ready

Fabric Sales

Flannel always goes on sale at the local fabric store. Watch your fliers for the sales that way you can buy more!

We're Not the Only Ones Who Enjoy Flannel Pillow Cases

We're Not the Only Ones Who Enjoy Flannel Pillow Cases
We're Not the Only Ones Who Enjoy Flannel Pillow Cases

Thanks for stopping by. I hope this DIY project will help you make your own flannel pillow cases.

If you have any questions regarding the instructions please feel free to ask them here. Happy sewing and sweet dreams!

working

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