Patchwork Pillowcases

The last time I made pillowcases was probably in the first few months I started sewing with my machine. I didn't know much about sewing at the time and wanted an easy project to complete. Since then, I feel like I've learned a lot about sewing, though I still wouldn't call myself anything beyond a novice. I've been in a quilting mood lately, so of course I had to make a new set of pillowcases! I love how this spring theme came together- the pillows look so cute with the flowers and butterflies!

I was able to use fabric from my stash for this project, so it's difficult for me to give an exact amount used. You will probably need at least half a yard to 3/4 of a yard of each fabric used for the patchwork front of the pillow. I would recommend 3/4 to a full yard for the back fabric.

Materials:

• 4 different fabrics (3 for the patchwork, 1 for the back)

• 2 zippers (I used 22 inch zippers because that's what I had at the time, but you could probably get away with using 20 inch zippers)

• 4.5 x 4.5 inch sewing ruler (this is optional, but will help immensely with cutting squares)

• Other sewing supplies: machine, thread, scissors, rotary cutter, etc.

Instructions:

*Finished pillowcases were about 20x20.

Start by cutting 4.5 x 4.5 inch squares of the fabrics you want for your patchwork piece. You'll need 39 squares total per pillow (if you are following my exact pattern that's 16 of one color, 15 of another color, and 8 white).

Begin sewing the squares together in an alternating pattern as shown in the picture above. The seam allowance will be 1/4 inch for everything in this project, unless stated otherwise. Make sure the "pretty sides" of the fabric are facing inward, towards each other when you sew, so everything looks good. It also helps if you iron down your seams after you sew.

Once you have a rough diamond (1, 3, 5, 7, 5, 3, 1), turn it on it's side (on the cutting mat) so the piece resembles a square. Using a straightedge and rotary cutter, trim the sides up to make a perfect square with diagonal patchwork (pictured below).

You may notice you have extra squares. These will be used for the border. Cut each square in half to make triangles. Stitch them together in alternating colors to form a strip (there should be 7 triangles for each side of the border).

Once you have all four of your border strips made, sew them onto the main patchwork piece (short side inward). Don't stitch the corners yet. When all the border strips have been connected, then fold the whole piece in half (as a triangle). Sew the corners, then fold in half the other way to sew the other two corners.

The pillowcase front should measure about 21 x 21 inches. If it's a little off, don't worry about it - as long as it's square it will turn out okay. Take the fabric you want to use for your backing and cut a piece the same size as your pillowcase front. The fabric I chose for this part was thinner than I thought, so I ended up using two layers of it and quilting them together.

Sew your zipper onto each piece of fabric, connecting the two. Be sure to double and triple check that you have it right before sewing! It's a terrible experience to seam rip along a zipper.

Once the zipper is correctly in place, turn the fabric so the "pretty sides" are facing each other and pin them together.

Sew up all remaining sides of your pillowcase. Unzip the zipper to turn it right side out. It's optional, but if you want you can iron the edges for a crisp finish. The first pillowcase is done!

If you want to make a matching set, just repeat these instructions. I hope you had as much fun making these pillowcases as I did!