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Finish the One Million Pillowcase Challenge’s Roll It Up pillowcase by sewing French seams along the side and bottom edges after attaching the band. Sew the first pass with wrong sides together at a scant 1/4 inch, trim and turn the case, then sew the second pass with right sides together so the raw edge is completely enclosed.
What a French seam does on this pillowcase
A French seam uses two stitching passes to hide the seam allowance inside the seam. As Linda explains in the 2016 American Patchwork & Quilting tutorial, “We’re going to show you how to make a French seam, which is a double seam that encloses the raw edges inside of itself so there’s no raw edges left.”
On the Roll It Up pillowcase, the rolled “burrito” construction already encloses the seam where the band joins the body. French seams finish the remaining side and bottom edges.
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Materials and measurements
- Band: 3/8 yard of 44/45-inch-wide, 100% cotton fabric.
- Body: 7/8 yard of 44/45-inch-wide, 100% cotton fabric.
- Sewing machine and all-purpose thread.
- Pins, fabric scissors or a rotary cutter, and an iron for pressing.
The finished pillowcase measures 30 × 20 inches, a standard-bed-pillow size. Pattern seam allowances are 1/2 inch unless a step specifically states another allowance. Confirm your receiving charity’s fabric rules before cutting: the organizer reports that many contacted charities prefer 100% cotton, but acceptance requirements vary locally.
#1 Best Overall
Simplicity S9530 Decorative Pillow & Pillowcase Sewing Pattern, Three Pillow Sizes with Appliqué Options, One Size
- PATTERN S9530 SIZING: Simplicity one-size pattern includes decorative pillows designed for a comfortable, adjustable fit. Check the finished measurements on the envelope before cutting so your make turns out just right.
- IN THE ENVELOPE: Printed tissue pattern pieces and clear step-by-step illustrated sewing instructions guide you from start to finish. The envelope also lists the suggested fabrics and the notions you need, so you can shop for materials with confidence.
- AMERICAN SEWING HERITAGE: An American sewing icon since 1927 and proudly made in the USA, Simplicity has been trusted by home sewists for nearly a century for accurate, easy-to-follow sewing patterns.
- MAKE IT UNIQUELY YOURS: Create custom pieces using your favorite fabrics, prints, trims, and embellishments. Personalize your pillow to reflect your style, or use the cover photos as inspiration for handmade makes that are truly your own.
- EASY AND REWARDING TO SEW: A satisfying sewing project for beginner and intermediate sewists, perfect for home refreshes, housewarming gifts, seasonal decorating, and handmade presents.
French-seam procedure
- Match wrong sides. After the band is attached, turn the pillowcase so its wrong sides face each other. Align the raw side and bottom edges and pin if needed.
- Sew the first pass. Stitch both edges with a scant 1/4-inch seam. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure it.
- Trim and press. Press the seam, then trim stray threads and any excess allowance close to the stitching. Do not cut the stitches.
- Turn right sides together. Turn the pillowcase so the right sides face each other. Press the folded edge firmly; this fold positions the first seam inside the enclosure.
- Sew the enclosing pass. Sew the second seam at the pattern’s stated allowance. Keep the first seam’s trimmed raw edge fully inside this new seam.
- Turn and inspect. Turn the case right side out and press. Inside, the side and bottom seams should be continuous with no exposed raw edges; outside, the edges should lie smooth without puckers.
French seams compared with the Roll It Up construction
| Feature | Roll It Up (burrito) construction | French seams on the finished case |
|---|---|---|
| Edges enclosed | The band-to-body seam is enclosed while the layers are rolled together. | The remaining side and bottom raw edges are enclosed. |
| Stitching order | Construct and roll the band assembly, then pull it through and press. | Wrong sides together first; trim and turn; right sides together for the second pass. |
| Passes | Uses the pattern’s construction seams for the band enclosure. | Two passes on each side and bottom edge. |
| Bulk | The rolled layers can create extra bulk at the band and corners while sewing. | The doubled side and bottom seam is neat but can be bulky in thick fabrics or at corners. |
| Fabric suitability | Works best when the rolled layers can be turned without straining the seam. | Especially clean on lightweight to medium-weight woven cotton; bulky fabric leaves a larger enclosed allowance. |
| Beginner use | The pattern’s illustrated burrito method keeps the band finish tidy but requires careful rolling. | The measurements are simple, but accurate trimming, turning and pressing are essential. |
Preventing common French-seam problems
- Raw edge still visible: The second seam was too narrow or the first allowance was not trimmed. Recheck that the entire first seam is inside the enclosing pass.
- Holes at the ends: Backstitch both passes and make sure the side and bottom seams meet cleanly at the corner.
- Uneven width: Mark or guide the scant 1/4-inch first pass, then use the pattern allowance for the second pass.
- Bulky corners: Trim stray threads and excess allowance before turning, without clipping the stitching.
- Wavy edges: Press after each pass and avoid stretching the fabric as you sew.
Donating through the One Million Pillowcase Challenge
American Patchwork & Quilting launched the challenge in 2010 to help quilters, sewers and crafters donate pillowcases to local charities. The organizer’s April 24, 2024 information page displayed a current total of 1,017,328 pillowcases and records that the one-million milestone was reached in December 2020.
The goal remains useful even after that milestone: make a pillowcase, contact the intended organization before delivery, and record the donation as requested. Ask about accepted fabric, finished size, laundering or hygiene standards, packaging, labeling and drop-off arrangements. A charity may require rules that differ from the pattern’s standard 30 × 20-inch finished size.
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- Make 8 Easy Projects : Make a total of 8 beginner Sewing Art & Craft kit with cute dogs and cats plush dolls. Tools and precise visual step-by-step instructions for stress-free learning also included for plush craft
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- Safe Tools & Materials : Plastic needle tools are provided, ensure the safety of children during usage. All materials are all from reliable and secure source. All our products are tested thoroughly for safety standards, making sure your kids can enjoy kids sewing kits without any worries
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Tobin Stamped Pillowcases, Rose Vine, 20" x 30" Embroidery Kit, Pink
- Two standard 20" x 30" stamped pillowcases
- Features designs that are stamped on white poly/cotton fabric. Design is printed with easy to follow blue ink that will easily wash out.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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