Easy Pillowcase Tutorial (with no exposed seams)

I mentioned in my Blog Debut (There's POOP in the bathtub!) that I would be revisiting high school home economics as I attempted to master the art of sewing thru a Beginner's Sewing Class.

I am presently enrolled in the Sewing 101 course at Bella Fabrics (http://www.bellafabricsonline.com/), a fabric boutique near my neighborhood. I cannot rave enough about this little shop, (far from that home economics class in high school).
First the staff....what a phenominal group of ladies. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and OH SO TALENTED!
I am discovering that sewining really is an art! And Bella Fabrics has art galore. The beautiful masterpieces are inspirational to my new found love for this craft. 'ART' adorns every corner and is proudly displayed for everyone to enjoy.
And the fabrics....gorgeous, high thread count cottons in striking patterns. 'Artists' can choose from classic patterns to modern, whimsy styles. Oh so much to choose from!

Our first project was to sew a Pillowcase With No Exposed Seams.

The following is a tutorial of my first home-alone sewing project!

I selected Halloween themed fabrics purchased at Bella Fabrics and the Princesses "CAN'T WAIT FOR HALLOWEEN" to sleep on their new Fun Halloween Pillowcases ;)

Supplies:
3/4 Yard Fabric for the Pillowcase Body
2" Strip for the Pillowcase Accent
11" Strip for the Pillowcase Cuff
Rotary Mat/Cutter/Ruler
Cotton Thread
Scissors/Pins
Iron/Ironing Board
Sewing Machine

• FIRST fold the 2" strip in half with the wrong sides together and iron flat.
• Place the 11" Pillowcase Cuff strip right side up on your work space
• Place the 2" Accent Strip on top of the Pillowcase Cuff, raw edges together on the top side.
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  Put in a few pins to help hold the pieces in place.
  
  
  

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  Place the Pillowcase Body piece on top, right side down, matching the raw edges.
  
  
  
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  Add more pins.
  
  
  
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  Loosely fold the Pillowcase body fabric, accordian style in approx. 2-3 inch creases.
  
  
  

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  Reach underneath the Pillowcase Body fabric to get the bottom raw edge of the Pillowcase Cuff fabric. Place that bottom raw edge on top with the other raw edges. (You should have the wrong side of the Pillowcase Cuff fabric on the outside, with the Pillowcase Accent Strip and Pillowcase Body fabric stuffed inside.
  
  
  
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  Add a few more pins.
  
  
  

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  Sew a 1/4" seam through all the layers.
  
  
  

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  Now pull the Pillowcase Body fabric out the Pillowcase Cuff, turning the Pillowcase Cuff "tube" right side out.
  
  
  

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  Iron the Pillowcase Cuff and Accent flat.
  
  
  
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  Trim the selvage edges of Pillowcase Body and Pillowcase Cuff.
  
  
  

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  With the wrong sides together, sew a SCANT 1/4" seam on the bottom and end of the Pillowcase, (1/4" backstitch the Pillowcase Cuff for reinforcement).
  
  
  
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  Iron the seam and trim any loose threads.
  
  
  
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  Turn Pillowcase wrong side out and sew a GENEROUS 1/4" seam on bottom and end so that the first seam is enclosed. Turn Pillowcase right side out.
  
  
  

VOILA!!

***Hobby Mommy Tip***

For a King size Pillowcase:

Use 1 yard for Pillowcase Body fabric.

For a Travel size Pillowcase:

15"x26" Pillowcase Body

2"x26" Pillowcase Accent

8"x26" Pillowcase Cuff

Wash before using!