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The roll-it-up pillowcase method is a way to sew a decorative band to a pillowcase body while hiding the band’s seam allowances inside the finished tube. It is also called the burrito, hot dog, or sausage roll method. You roll the body fabric, wrap the band around it, stitch the aligned raw edges, and then pull the body through the tube. The band turns right side out with a clean, enclosed seam.
What the roll-it-up method makes
This construction produces a pillowcase with a separate cuff or band and no exposed raw edges at that band seam. The roll-and-band operation is completed first. The pillowcase’s side and bottom edges are then sewn separately; the written pattern example uses French seams to enclose those edges as well.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe method is sometimes confused with instructions for rolling lavender stems in a pillowcase to remove dried buds. That is a gardening harvest technique, not this sewing construction.
#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.
Materials and measurements for the published example
The American Patchwork & Quilting example is one standard-size pillowcase plan, not a universal sizing formula. It uses 44/45-inch-wide, 100% cotton fabric and includes 1/2-inch seam allowances.
| Piece or supply | Published example |
|---|---|
| Band fabric | 3/8 yard |
| Body fabric | 7/8 yard |
| Fabric width | 44/45 inches |
| Finished pillowcase | 30 × 20 inches |
| Intended fit | Described as fitting a standard-size bed pillow |
| Notions | All-purpose thread, ruler, and marking pencil or pen |
Adjust the cutting dimensions when your pillow, fabric width, or desired overhang differs from this example. Do not assume the stated yardage will cover another pillow size or a narrower fabric.
Rank #2
- 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
How to sew the burrito pillowcase
- Cut and press the pieces. Cut the band and body according to your chosen pattern. Press the fabrics so the edges lie flat, and mark the seam line specified by the pattern.
- Lay out the band and body. Place the body fabric right side up. Put the band on top, right side up, aligning the raw edges that will form the cuff seam.
- Roll the body toward the band. Starting at the opposite edge of the body, roll the body fabric into a compact tube. Stop before the band’s aligned raw edges. This rolled body is the “burrito” or “hot dog” inside the band.
- Wrap the band around the roll. Bring the free edge of the band over the fabric roll so the band surrounds it. Match the band’s two raw edges and keep the body roll clear of the stitching line.
- Stitch the aligned edges. Sew one straight-stitch seam across the matched raw edges on a sewing machine, using the pattern’s seam allowance. Check that you are sewing only the band edges and not catching the rolled body.
- Pull the body through. Reach into the tube, grasp the rolled body, and pull it through the band. The band will turn right side out and its seam allowance will be enclosed inside the cuff.
- Press the cuff. Smooth the band and press the seam so the transition is flat and the band’s design is positioned evenly around the case.
- Close the pillowcase. Fold the assembled unit as directed by the pattern and sew the side and bottom edges. Finish those seams with French seams or another suitable method.
Finishing the side and bottom seams
French seams
The written Roll it Up! pattern demonstrates French seams. You sew the first seam with the wrong sides together, trim or grade the allowance as needed, turn the case, and sew again with right sides together. The raw edge is enclosed inside the second seam, giving the inside a clean finish without a serger.
Serger finishing
The PBS Wisconsin demonstration shows a serger for the later side-and-bottom L-shaped seam. That is an optional finishing choice, not a requirement for the roll-it-up assembly. A standard sewing machine still makes the roll-and-band seam.
| Finish | Best fit | Result |
|---|---|---|
| French seam | You have a regular sewing machine and want enclosed raw edges | Raw edges are enclosed inside a second seam |
| Serger seam | You own a serger and prefer a quick overlocked finish | Edges are trimmed and wrapped by overlocking stitches |
Neither option is established as universally best. Choose based on your machine, the fabric’s bulk, and the finish you want inside the case.
Why it is called the burrito or hot dog method
The names describe the shape and sequence rather than different techniques. The body is rolled into a long cylinder, the band wraps around that roll, and the joined tube is turned inside out. “Sausage roll” is another regional name for the same general construction.
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.
Common problems and fixes
The body is caught in the seam
Unpick the seam and re-roll the body more tightly, keeping its edge well away from the band’s stitching line. Pin or clip the aligned band edges before sewing.
The cuff is twisted
Before stitching, confirm that the band is not half-turned and that its design direction is correct. After turning, open the tube fully and press the band flat before closing the case.
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.
The seam allowance shows at the cuff
Check that the body was rolled toward the band and that the band completely wrapped the roll. A partial wrap or an incorrectly aligned edge can leave the allowance outside.
The side seams have exposed threads
The roll-and-band step does not automatically finish the pillowcase’s side and bottom. Use the pattern’s French-seam sequence or serge those later seams.
What to remember
- Roll the body before stitching the band edges; that is what encloses the cuff seam allowance.
- Burrito, hot dog, sausage roll, and roll-it-up describe the same pillowcase-band construction.
- The cited example uses 3/8 yard of band fabric and 7/8 yard of body fabric in 44/45-inch-wide cotton and finishes at 30 × 20 inches.
- A sewing machine is sufficient for the roll-and-band seam; a serger is only an optional way to finish the later side and bottom seams.
- French seams provide an enclosed finish when you do not use a serger.
The Bottom Line
For a clean-cuffed pillowcase, roll the body into the band, stitch the band’s aligned raw edges, and pull the body through. Finish the remaining side and bottom seams separately with French seams or an optional serger.
Quick Recap
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