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For one 20 × 26-inch pillow, Utah State University Extension’s basic pillowcase pattern finishes at 20½ × 30 inches. It uses a 27 × 42-inch body and a 9 × 42-inch contrasting border, joined with a rolled-tube method. The steps below keep to that pattern’s dimensions and ½-inch seam allowances.
Materials and fabric amounts
Use firmly woven 100% cotton or cotton-polyester blend fabric at least 42 inches wide, plus matching thread and basic sewing and cutting supplies. Prewash the fabric to help remove excess dye and reduce shrinkage, then straighten and press it before cutting. Utah State University Extension provides the material recommendation and measurements in its Designer Pillowcase instructions.
| Size | Target pillow | Finished case | Body yardage | Border yardage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20 × 26 in. | 20½ × 30 in. | ⅞ yd. | ⅜ yd. |
| Queen | Not stated in the Extension guide | Not stated in the Extension guide | 1 yd. | ⅜ yd. |
| King | Not stated in the Extension guide | Not stated in the Extension guide | 1⅛ yd. | ⅜ yd. |
The yardages are for one case under the Extension guide’s assumptions; they are not universal requirements. For the standard case, cut one 27 × 42-inch body piece and one 9 × 42-inch border piece. Check the usable width and print direction before cutting, especially for a directional design.
How to sew the pillowcase
- Prepare and cut. Wash, straighten, and press the fabric. Cut the body and border pieces to the Extension pattern dimensions above, keeping them on the straight grain.
- Pin the border to the body. Lay the border right side up. Place the body right side down on top, aligning one set of 42-inch raw edges, and pin them together.
- Roll the body. Roll the body fabric toward the pinned edge, stopping near the center of the border. Wrap the remaining border fabric around the roll, then align its raw edge with the pinned edges.
- Sew the long edge. Stitch through the aligned raw edges with a ½-inch seam allowance. Keep the rolled body clear of the stitching so it does not get caught. Press the seam, then pull the rolled body out through the side opening to turn the tube right side out.
- Close the side and bottom. Fold the case in half with right sides together, matching the border seam. Sew the side and bottom using a ½-inch seam allowance, pivoting at the corner.
- Finish and press. Finish the raw edges with zigzag stitching or a serger to help reduce fraying. Turn the case right side out and press.
Why other pillowcase patterns may measure differently
Patterns can target the same pillow but produce different finished dimensions or use another construction method. For example, Coastal Quilters specifies a 21 × 31-inch finished case for a 20 × 26-inch pillow, with ¼-inch seams. Its pattern uses joined strips and a double-fold opening hem rather than the rolled border described here. See its standard pillowcase pattern for that separate set of measurements and steps. Do not combine its dimensions or seam allowance with the Extension pattern.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WHAT YOU GET 4 STANDARD size pillowcases: 20"x26" (Pillows are not included).
- QUITE LUXURIOUS FABRIC This premium fabric from MINIPANDA is super soft, smooth and breathable. It will bring you the best experience in all seasons. The pillowcases are made of extremely comfortable and soft fabric with durable and long-lasting thickness. Quick to dry and fade resistant. Unlike those thin fabric that tears easily, these cosy pillowcases have a comfortable feel and fine stitches.
- ENVELOPE DESIGN The pillowcase is designed with envelope closure (No zipper). Easy on and off.
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS Machine wash cold, Gentle cycle, Tumble dry low, Iron on low heat if needed, Do not bleach or dry-clean.
- RISK FREE GUARANTEE Not in love with your purchase? We offer 30 days hassle free return and replacement service, no questions asked. minipanda is committed to providing the best quality bedding to all around the world. If you have any questions, you can contact us directly via Amazon, we will reply you within 24 hours.
Rank #4
- ULTRA-SOFT FEEL: Experience OEKO-certified (24.HCN.19195) pillowcases with double-brushed fabric that's gentle on skin. These pillow cases provide quiet, static-free sleep with soft and plush touch, offering both safety and cozy comfort
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Made from double-brushed fabric, these pillow cases standard size maintain vibrant color wash after wash. The durable construction ensures your pillow covers stay looking new even after multiple washes
- SECURE ENVELOPE CLOSURE: The convenient envelope design keeps pillows neatly tucked in place all night long. No more readjusting your pillowcases as you can enjoy uninterrupted sleep. 2 piece set includes 2 pillowcases of 20" x 26"
- VERSATILE USE: Perfect for bedrooms, guest rooms, dorm room, sofas, and decorative purposes. Great for pet owners — fur doesn’t stick to the fabric. These standard pillow cases complement any bedspread with beautiful colors that match your decor
- EASY CARE: Machine wash cold separately and tumble dry low. Do not bleach. These pillowcases stay soft and wrinkle-free, making them a low-maintenance favorite in your bedding rotation
Rank #3
- Soft bed pillowcase offers added comfort for a better night's sleep
- Includes (2) 20 x 30-inch Standard-size pillowcases in Dark Gray; matches the Amazon Basics 400 Thread Count Sheet Set (sold separately)
- Made of 100% cotton; wrinkle resistant and expertly woven to produce a lustrous sateen finish
- Machine wash, use only non-chlorine bleach when needed, and tumble dry low for easy home care
- Certified MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX, which means that products are tested for harmful substances and made in safer workplaces with reduced environmental impacts
Rank #2
- SOFT AND COZY: These soft pillow cases, made from super soft microfiber, create an inviting sleeping space for a restful night
- STYLISH AND VERSATILE: These dark gray standard pillow cases create a comfortable and chic sleeping space
- EFFORTLESS MAINTENANCE: Enjoy easy care with machine washable standard pillow cases; wash warm with no bleach and tumble dry low
- STANDARD SIZE FIT: The standard pillow cases are 20 x 30 inches to fit standard size pillows
- Produced in an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified factory, these dark gray pillow cases meet high safety and environmental standards
#1 Best Overall
- Pillow Case Pack of 4 - Pillowcase pack of 4 with each pillowcase measuring 20 by 26 inches (Pillows are not included).
- Brushed Microfiber - The brushed microfiber fabric offers a soft feel which leads towards a prolonged resting period
- Features - Features a 4-inch hem with piping on the front and an envelope closure on the backside for securely keeping the pillow inside
- Shrinkage and Fade Resistant - The microfiber material is processed to make it resistant to shrinkage and fading which adds to the longevity of the pillowcase set by keeping it in great condition
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS - Machine wash, tumble dry or iron on low temperature; do not bleach
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