How to sew a pillowcase with satin or silk fabric

Sewing a pillowcase is an easy and practical sewing project.

It's also a great beginner sewing project for newcomers. I decided to amp it up and share how to sew a satin or silk pillowcase.

After reading how these pillows are good for your hair and skin, I made a couple for myself and my sisters.

These gorgeous handmade pillows also make great gifts.

They're simple to make, but a couple of steps should be added when sewing with satin or silk due to the nature of the fabric (the ends fray).

For example, you will want to sew the satin pillowcases with a French seam which requires more steps, but in the end, it is worth it for a well-made and long-lasting pillowcase. This can be done with other materials as well.

Follow along in the steps below for my sewing tutorial on how to DIY a pillowcase using satin or silk fabric.

Are you a beginner sewist looking to get started? Shop our beginner sewing machines to explore our top picks for you to learn on.

Here’s how to sew a pillowcase using satin or silk fabric

Supplies:

• 1 yard of fabric (satin or silk) - I’m using Shannon Fabrics silky satin.
• Brother SE1900 sewing machine
General cutting and sewing supplies

1. Begin cutting

First, cut one main piece that measures 44 x 27”.

Then, cut the binding edge that measures 44 x 9”.



2. Fold the binding piece

Fold the binding piece in half so the right side is up, and press down the center to create a crease.

Lay the binding piece upright.

Place the main body of the fabric along the top edge so the right sides are facing.



3. Fold or roll the main body of fabric up towards the binding piece



4. Roll your fabric like a burrito

Fold the lower edge of the binding piece over the body of the fabric so it’s rolled tightly inside like a sandwich or burrito (which is why this is frequently referred to as the “burrito method”).

Pin or clip the three layers of fabric together, ensuring not to grab any other fabric inside.



5. Sew the layers together

Sew the layers together with a ½” seam allowance making sure not to stitch the layers of fabric inside.

You should only be sewing three layers of fabric. Serge the seam allowance or use pinking shears along the edge.



6. Pull the right side out and press

It will look like a fabric burrito. Now pull the right side out and press.



7. Sew a French seam

You will want to sew a French seam to keep the satin edges from fraying and give the pillowcase a professional and nice finish inside and out.



8. Place wrong sides together

To sew a French seam, you first place the wrong sides together, so make sure the right sides are up.

You should have one side that is folded so we won't sew that side.



9. Stitch the edges together

Stitch the edges together with a ¼” seam allowance.



Clip the corner edge and turn inside out. You may need to trim down the seam allowance a tad if there is any fraying.



10. Stitch another seam allowance

Flip the inside out and press the seams flat.



Now the actual right sides should be facing together. Stitch another ¼-5/8” seam allowance encasing the previously sewn seam allowance.



11. Complete – look at the complete finish!



What are the measurements of a standard pillowcase for sewing?

A standard-size pillowcase usually measures roughly 30 inches long and 21 inches wide, though the exact dimensions vary among brands.

Standard pillowcases are usually big enough to fit on both standard and queen pillows.

But like pillowcases, the exact size of a bed pillow will often differ among manufacturers.

With this in mind, it’s best to measure your pillows before starting this sewing project.

There are also king-size pillowcases, which typically measure about 36 inches long and 21 inches wide.

Beyond pillowcases and envelope pillow covers (also known as shams) for bed pillows, you can make your own covers for throw pillows, which vary in size.

Can I sew a pattern on the pillowcase? Is it complicated?

Yes, you can absolutely sew a pattern onto your pillowcase.

You can cut out additional pieces of fabric and sew those onto your pillowcases or create an embroidered design.

In terms of how complicated this DIY sewing project depends on which route you take and how complex the pattern is.

In any case, there are lots of printable sewing patterns available on Brother mobile apps.

What other fabrics are good for making pillowcases?

In addition to silk and satin, linen and cotton fabrics are excellent choices for a pillowcase sewing project.

Both materials are breathable, soft against the skin, and perhaps most importantly, easy to work with. Cotton fabric is generally the more affordable option.

Sewing a pillowcase with soft, luxurious silk or satin fabric is quick and easy for beginners

Sewing your own pillow covers is a relatively easy beginner sewing project.

Now that you know how to sew a pillowcase, you're ready to give it a shot. And if you upload your designs to Instagram, be sure to tag us @BrotherSews!

Are you a beginner sewist looking to get started? Shop our beginner sewing machines to explore our top picks for you to learn on.