how to make a body pillow pillowcase

3 min read 24-01-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to sew a custom body pillowcase! This easy tutorial guides you through choosing fabric, measuring, cutting, and sewing your perfect body pillow cover. Perfect for beginners, with pictures and tips for a professional finish. Get comfy with a unique, handmade pillowcase!

Choosing Your Fabric and Supplies

Before you start stitching your dreamy body pillowcase, gather your materials. The right fabric makes all the difference in comfort and appearance.

Fabric Selection:

Softness is key: Consider fabrics like cotton flannel, linen, or jersey knit for ultimate coziness. Avoid stiff fabrics like canvas or denim.
Thread count: A higher thread count generally means a softer, more durable fabric.
Pattern: Solid colors are easiest to work with, but you can also use fun prints or even patchwork!
Washing instructions: Pre-wash your fabric to prevent shrinkage after you've sewn your perfect pillowcase.

Supplies:

Measuring tape: Accurate measurements are crucial for a well-fitting pillowcase.
Fabric scissors: Sharp scissors make clean cuts and prevent frayed edges.
Sewing machine: While you could hand-sew this, a sewing machine greatly speeds up the process.
Pins: Secure your fabric layers together before sewing.
Iron and ironing board: Pressing your seams creates a crisp, professional finish.
Matching thread: Choose thread that blends seamlessly with your fabric.

Measuring Your Body Pillow

This step is critical! An incorrectly sized pillowcase is frustrating.

Measure the length: Lay your body pillow flat and measure its length from top to bottom. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) for seam allowance.
Measure the width: Measure the widest part of your body pillow. Add 2 inches (5 cm) for seam allowance (1 inch on each side).
Write it down: Jot down your final measurements – this will be crucial for cutting your fabric.

Example: If your body pillow is 54 inches long and 20 inches wide, your fabric needs to be at least 55 inches by 22 inches.

Cutting Your Fabric

Precise cuts are essential for a neat finished product.

Fold your fabric: Fold your fabric in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing inward (the pretty side of the fabric inside).
Mark your measurements: Use a ruler and chalk or a fabric marker to mark the length and width measurements you calculated earlier on your folded fabric.
Cut the fabric: Carefully cut along the marked lines. You should now have a single piece of fabric that’s twice the width of your body pillow and the length you calculated.

Sewing Your Body Pillowcase

Let’s bring those pieces together!

Pin the sides: Pin the two short ends of your cut fabric together, ensuring the right sides remain facing each other.
Sew the sides: Stitch along the pinned edges, using a ½ inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance. Remove the pins as you sew.
Press the seams: Press the seams open to create a neat, flat finish.
Turn it right side out: Carefully turn the pillowcase right side out, so the pretty side is showing.
Insert your body pillow: Slide your body pillow inside the finished pillowcase.

Finishing Touches

Elevate your handmade body pillowcase with these optional extras:

Topstitch: For a more professional look, topstitch along the edges of the pillowcase. This also adds durability.
Binding: Apply bias binding to the edges for a clean, finished look and added strength.
Label: Add a personalized label with your name or a cute design.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Uneven seams: Ensure your fabric is aligned properly before sewing, and use a seam guide on your machine for consistent seam allowances.
Fabric puckering: Check your tension settings on your sewing machine. Too much tension can cause puckering.
Difficulty turning right side out: Use a turning tool or a chopstick to help poke out the corners.

With these steps, you've crafted a custom body pillowcase! Enjoy the comfort and satisfaction of your handmade creation. Remember to always prioritize safety when using sewing machines and sharp objects. Happy sewing!