How to Sew a Pillowcase with Ruffles

Learn how to sew a simple pillowcase with ruffles with this quick, easy sewing tutorial. This is a beginner friendly sewing project that can be made in just a few hours.

If you can sew straight seams you can make these pillowcases no worries. If you still need some help check out my tips on learning how to sew before you get started on this project. 

You can learn how to thread up your sewing machine and wind a bobbin which are two essential parts of sewing.

Simple projects like these remind me of why I enjoy sewing so much. Its so nice to have the ability to whip up a few pillowcases in the afternoon while drinking a cup of tea. I’m a simple kind of homemaker that loves a low cost, diy project. Making beautiful pieces for my home brings a special touch to the space that store bought pieces just don’t bring. 

Please note this post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclosure here. 

I love using linen or cotton fabrics that bring a natural, organic feel to my home. A great tip to save money is to shop secondhand. 100% cotton or linen duvet covers are perfect for repurposing and that’s what I used to create these pillowcases with ruffles. 

I found a vintage, 100% cotton Laura Ashley duvet cover in a thrift shop for $6. It has a beautiful vintage blueprint, which is called toile. I love the heritage feel it brings.  

How to sew a pillowcase with ruffles tips:

• Get to know the basics behind sewing gathers and ruffles before diving into this project.
• Find pretty tablecloths or duvets secondhand to repurpose and save money. 
• You could add lace or more ruffles to the sides of the pillowcases. 
• Serge or zigzag stitch the seams to stop fraying. I personally left mine to save time. 
• You could sew these together using french seams to avoid needing a serger.

What you will need: 

• 2m fabric
• Thread
• Sewing machine 
• Fabric shears

How to sew a pillowcase with ruffles

Start by cutting out two rectangles of fabric 74cm x. 50cm. These will be the pillowcase front and back pieces. 

Cut out four ruffles 15cm wide by 77cm long. The length is 1.5.x the side length plus 2cm.

You will also need to cut out a inner flap piece that folds over the pillow on the open side so the pillow inner is hidden. Cut one at 25cm x 50cm.

Begin sewing the ruffles. Place one pair right sides together along one of the long sides and both ends.  Repeat for the second ruffle. Turn out to the right sides.

Change the sewing machine stitch length to be 4 or longer and begin gathering up the ruffles. Sew a row of gather stitching 5mm from the raw edge. Sew a second row of gather stitching 5mm from the stitching line. Repeat for the second ruffle.  

Place the ruffles on either side of the pillowcase and gather up to be 2cm smaller than the sides. Pin the ruffles to be 1cm below the top edge of the pillowcase. Pin along the side to hold in place. Once you get to the bottom pin the ruffle 1cm above the bottom of the pillowcase.

Fold 1cm to the wrong side of the back pillowcase piece. Edgestitch down. 

On the left side of the pillowcase inner flap, fold 1cm to the wrong side. Then fold 4cm and edgestitch down. 

Place the inner flap on top of the ruffle on the right side. Pin in place. Sew together with a 1cm seam. 

Place the back on top of the front right sides together. Pin the left side in place. Pull back the inner flap on the left side and place the back up against the seam. Pin in place then fold the inner flap back over the top and pin down. 

Sew the top and bottom edges of the pillowcase together with a 1cm seam allowance. 

Turn through to the right sides and you’re finished! 

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More sewing projects and tips:

• How to Sew a Zippered Pouch
• 10 Unique Christmas Gift Basket Ideas
• Simple Christmas Tree Skirt Pattern
• How to Make Cushion Covers – 10 Minute Envelope Cushions

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