Kids / Flannel, Minkie, Silk Pillow Case

When I worked,  I had a business that involved spending time in the homes of my customers.  I worked for many of them for over fifteen years and got to know the family.  I did not know that many older children,  say  . . . . .  in their teens still slept with their receiving blankets. I thought that my son was one of few that did that.  He loved the silk part of the blankets, still does!  I made this flannel minkie pillowcase with a silk tie embellishment,  thinking it might be the ideal thing for anyone trying to break a young child from carrying their worn out blanket.  I decided to use different fabrics to accommodate which ever part of a blankie a child might be attached to, stuffed animal, silk, or the softness of flannel. I think it turned out very nice and I think just about any kid would love it.  Good pillow cases are expensive to buy new. Lets get started!    

Step 1: Supplies

What you will need:

• 1  Standard size pillow case 21 X 32 this will serve as a visual aide
• 1 Silk neck tie embellishment
• 1 Large button
• Flannel fabric cut double approx 21 X 32 see bottom note before cutting
• Minkie fabric cut double ( fat quarter will be plenty )

All pillows come in different sizes,  it is best to measure your pillow or a case that fits it to determine the size.  

Step 2: Tools

What you will need:

• Yard stick
• Thread
• Needle,  not shown
• Seam ripper
• Pen
• Scissors
• Sewing pins, not shown
• Sewing machine
• Iron and ironing board

Step 3: Fabric Preparations

Fabric method:

• It is important to wash, dry, and iron all new fabric.

Please note:

• Minkie fabric can't be ironed without using a cotton cloth over the top.  The iron will melt the fabric.
• If using Minkie fabric with the flannel you will probably need to press the seams but avoid pressing unless you use a cloth and iron carefully.   

Step 4: Measure / Cut a Custom Pillowcase

Basically I decided how wide I wanted my hem.
I made it wider than most pillowcases and allowed for that.
Then instead of making the entire pillowcase from the same fabric I measured how much I would need to add, in order to replace the existing hem making it wider.I hope you understood all that.

Measuring and cutting the fabric:

1. The measurements for a standard size pillowcase is 21 X 32.
2. You need to measure the length and width of the pillow case up to the hem line.
3. Add a seam allowance to that measurement.   
4. This measurement will be cut for the main color of the pillowcase.
5. Next measure the Hem and add all necessary measurements. 
6. Next cut the fabric.

I would normally say to use a seam ripper and tear out all the seams taking notes as you go so you can put it back together,  but a pillow case is easy to make.  So we are doing it this way.

1.  Pillows come in all sizes and shapes today.
2. Some are thicker than others.
3. Are you happy with the way your pillowcase fits your pillow? 
4. If not add extra when you measure so the hem or sides  will be larger.
5. Anywhere there is a seam you need to add the amount that you took in to the measurments you took when measuring the pillowcase.  
6. Narrow hems are unattractive in my opinion and many cheap pillowcases have very narrow hems or no hem at all.
7. Take in consideration that if you add 1 inch to one side it will add 2 inches to the piece before sewing it.
8. Consider also you will be sewing a seam on the edge so you need to subtract the measurement for the seam so you can determine the finished width or length.   

Step 5: Sew Pillow Case

Sewing the pillow case:

1. Sew the pillowcase forming a pocket using 1/ 4 inch seam allowance, pivoting at the corners.
2. Remove from the machine and trim all loose threads.
3. Press well.
4. Set aside and do the next step.

Step 6: Sew the Hem Side Seam

Sewing the hem side seam:

• Sew the minkie side seam. This will be the hem piece.

Step 7: Pinning the Boarder

Pinning the boarder to the case:

1. Pin the boarder or minkie hem to the pillow case edge.
2. Because we are sewing a stretchy fabric to a solid fabric it creates a problem so when you pin the cotton to the minkie give it a little slack to allow for the stretching.
3. It will stretch but this can be done and it look nice at the same time.  It just might take some practice.     

Step 8: Sewing the Minkie Hem to the Case

Sewing the boarder to the case:

• Sew the hem all the way around the pillowcase keeping an eye on the fabric.  
• Watch if it puckers and don't keep sewing until you correct the problem.   I have pulled a little on the cotton fabric as I sewed and it helped a lot.
• Clipping the selvage area will also.
• Trim loose threads.
• Turn right side out.
• Press using the extra pillowcase I had you use for a visual  to remove the wrinkles very carefully.  

Step 9: Embellishments

Pinning the tie to the pillow case and sewing it:

• Look at the pictures and pin the tie embellishment to the pillowcase as shown.

Step 10: Finishing the Hem

Sewing the finished hem:

• Turn under the raw edge 1/2 inch and fold this part over the pillowcase seam and pin in the hem as shown.
• Sew all the way around the hem staying away from the edge because we need enough room to go back after this sewing round to flip the tie down over the sewn hem and sew a final seam around on the very edge.  I hope you understand that.  
• Remove from the machine and press the fabric using the ready made pillowcase.
• Press the tie flap toward the hem line as shown.
• Sew all the way around the hemline again stitching over the edge where the tie flap is.

Step 11: Button

Sewing The Button:

• Sew on the button.

Step 12: Sunshiine's Final Thoughts

This project was so fun.  I even slept on the pillowcase last night and it was a dream!  I am sure just about anyone would appreciate a pillowcase like this!  I am going to try and whip up a few more for Christmas.
Thanks for stopping by and do have a super day!
Sunshiine