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The One Million Pillowcase Challenge’s original goal is complete: American Patchwork & Quilting says participants donated one million pillowcases in December 2020. The sewing and donation effort continues, however, and the publisher still invites makers to donate cases and record contributions. For anyone making one, the key step is to confirm a local charity’s requirements before choosing a pattern or fabric.
Is the One Million Pillowcase Challenge complete?
Yes—the numerical goal was reached in December 2020, ten years after American Patchwork & Quilting launched the challenge in 2010. The publisher continues to encourage donations and tally submissions. Its information page displayed 1,017,328 pillowcases when updated on April 24, 2024; that is a dated page tally, not a verified current total for 2026. American Patchwork & Quilting’s challenge information and FAQ provide the publisher’s milestone and status details.
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Jody Sanders, then editor of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine, described the aim as asking whether readers would make one million pillowcases to donate to local charities of their choice. In the publisher’s thank-you video, she announced that the goal had been reached. The thank-you video page records both statements.
How to choose a pillowcase pattern
Start by asking the intended recipient which sizes and construction styles it can use. American Patchwork & Quilting offers free patterns for basic, king-size, and travel-size pillowcases, as well as a roll-it-up method. The official pattern collection includes the full measurements and instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
| Pattern option | What to know |
|---|---|
| Basic | The listing says two contrasting pillowcases can be made with 1 1/8 yards of each of two coordinating fabrics. This is the publisher’s stated yardage for that pattern, not a universal amount for every size or design. |
| King-size | A separate size option is available; check its pattern for measurements and fabric requirements. |
| Travel-size | A smaller-size option is available; confirm that the recipient needs this size before sewing. |
| Roll-it-up | This construction method encloses the band seam as part of the sewing process. |
The pattern collection also links to a French-seam tutorial. It demonstrates sewing the fabric wrong sides together first, then turning the work and sewing again to enclose the raw edges along the side and bottom. This is distinct from the roll-it-up method, which encloses the band seam.
What fabric should you use?
Ask the receiving organization before buying fabric or sewing. American Patchwork & Quilting reports that most charities it contacted preferred 100% cotton, but that preference is not a universal requirement. A charity may have its own rules for fabric, size, laundering, packaging, or delivery. If it approves cotton, 100% cotton quilting fabric by the yard is one option; follow the organization’s specifications rather than assuming a fabric type will be accepted.
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- This pattern includes full color, step-by-step photo instructions to create all 3 sizes of pillowcases (Travel, Standard, King)
- Follow along step-by-step with Jennifer Bosworth for detailed instructions on making your Magic Pillowcase by watching the "How to Make a Travel Pillowcase | a Shabby Fabrics Sewing Tutorial" on the Shabby Fabrics YouTube channel
- Designed by Jennifer Bosworth for Shabby Fabrics
Where can you donate pillowcases?
The publisher suggests possibilities such as children’s hospitals, shelters, hospice centers, nursing homes, and other community organizations. Those examples are leads, not confirmation that a particular location currently accepts handmade pillowcases. The challenge FAQ directs donors to verify acceptance and restrictions locally.
- Choose the organization you hope to support and contact it before making or delivering pillowcases.
- Ask whether it currently accepts handmade pillowcases and whether it has requirements for size, fabric, laundering, packaging, or delivery.
- Select a pattern and materials that meet the organization’s answer.
- Follow its drop-off or mailing instructions, then record your contribution through the challenge information page if you want it included in the publisher’s tally.
Are quilt shops still participating?
Shop participation is not established as a current, nationwide program. Contact a nearby quilt shop directly if you want to join or organize a local sewing event. For an event, confirm the charity’s needs first, then arrange the pattern, fabric, sewing supplies, and handoff details around its requirements.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes sewing templates and easy instructions to sew (8) different types of decorative pillows.
- Completed DIY pillows measure from 12'' x 16'' to 18'' x 18''.
- Create cool home décor as you learn to sew with this beginner's sewing pattern!
- Customize your DIY pillows with fun prints and colors! Fabric suggestions for this pillow sewing pattern include velvet, sateen, brocade, linen, and more.
- Simplicity 8225 pillow sewing pattern for beginners is proudly made in the USA with instructions available in English, Spanish, and French.
Rank #4
- PATTERN S9574 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.
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