How to Sew a Pillowcase Pattern With the "Burrito" Method

Choose a Size

The pillowcase pattern can easily be changed to fit a standard, queen, or king-sized pillow; you just cut the pillow's main pieces differently. The cuff and trim use the same amount of fabric in all sizes. You'll need different amounts of the main fabric depending on your pillowcase size.

• Standard Pillow 3/4 yard
• Queen Pillow 1 yard
• King Pillow 1 1/4 yard

You have a few options here if you want to change it up. If you'd prefer a pillow without trim, skip that step, and your pillow will turn out fine. You can also change up the overall effect and use the same fabric for the main body of the pillow and the cuff.

Cut Your Fabric

Once you've chosen your fabric it's time to cut it. The cuff and trim fabric are the same for all sizes.

• Cuff 11 x 43 inches
• Trim 1-34 x 43

For the main fabric:

• Standard 27 x 43 inches
• Queen 31 x 43 inches
• King 37 x 43 inches

Prepare the Trim

Fold your trim fabric in half longways with the wrong sides together. Press well with your iron.

Layer Your Pieces

Assemble the pillowcase layers.

1. Lay your pillowcase cuff fabric down, right side up. 
2. Lay your main fabric down on top of the cuff, right side up, matching the raw edges.
3. Lay the trim piece on top of the other pieces, matching up the raw edges. 

Make the Burrito

Starting at the bottom of the main fabric, roll it upwards, forming a tube or a "burrito". Stop when you get the center of the cuff fabric, you'll see the bottom half of it sticking out from under your tube.

Finish the Burrito

Roll up the cuff fabric in the same way, rolling it up until the raw edge meets the top edge of the trim. Pin, making sure that all layers get pinned together, including that skinny trim piece.

Sew Raw Edges

Sew together the raw edges of the fabrics with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. You'll be left with a long tube of multiple layers of fabric. 

Unroll the Burrito

Grab the main fabric from inside the burrito tube and gently pull it out. Continue pulling until the pillowcase is completely turned right-side out.

Iron

Give the pillowcase a good press with your iron.

Sew French Seams

To enclose those raw edges, you'll need to sew a French seam. Sewing a French seam may sound intimidating, but it's pretty straight forward. 

1. Putting wrong sides together, fold the fabric to form the shape of your pillowcase. Match the trim and seam and pin.
2. Sew around the two edges with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. 
3. Clip the corner where the side and bottom seams that you just sewed meet.

Finish French Seams

Turn the pillowcase inside out, so the right sides are together. Use a chopstick or pencil to gently push out the corner that you clipped. Press well.

Sew the bottom and side seams together, this time using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. This will enclose those raw edges.

Finish Pillowcase

 Turn the pillowcase right side out and give a good press with your iron. You're finished!