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The Roll It Up pillowcase uses the burrito method—also called hot-dog or sausage-roll construction—to hide the band seam allowances inside a fabric tube. Cut a 10×41-inch band and a 26½×41-inch body, roll the body into the band, sew one long seam, then pull the tube right side out. The result is a 30×20-inch pillowcase for a standard bed pillow with no exposed raw edges at the band seam.
Materials and cutting plan
The pattern’s measurements include ½-inch seam allowances. Use 100% cotton quilting fabric for both pieces, with a contrasting fabric for the band if desired.
| Piece | Fabric required | Cut size | Finished use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band | 3/8 yard | 10×41 inches | Decorative cuff around the opening |
| Body | 7/8 yard | 26½×41 inches | Main pillowcase section |
- All-purpose sewing thread
- Fabric-marking pencil or pen
- Ruler or quilting ruler
- Sewing machine, pins, iron and ironing surface
The stated finished size is 30×20 inches, intended for a standard-size bed pillow. Keep the 41-inch dimension parallel to the fabric’s usable width when cutting; if your fabric is narrower, the specified pieces will not fit without changing the pattern.
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The body is rolled inside the band before the long seam is sewn. When the tube is turned out, the band’s seam allowance is trapped between fabric layers. This is why the method is also described as a burrito, hot-dog or sausage roll technique.
#1 Best Overall
Step-by-step construction
- Place the layers. Lay the 10×41-inch band right side up. Place the 26½×41-inch body rectangle on top, right side down, matching their long edges.
- Roll the body. Starting at the opposite long edge, roll the body fabric toward the band. Stop when the roll is about halfway up the band; do not roll the band itself.
- Form the tube. Bring the band’s bottom long edge up and over the roll. Align that edge with the other two long edges so three layers run along one line.
- Pin without catching the roll. Pin the aligned edges at right angles to the seam. Check between pins that the interior roll is free; accidentally sewing it into the seam prevents the tube from turning.
- Sew the long seam. Stitch along the pinned edge with a ½-inch seam allowance. Remove pins before the presser foot reaches them.
- Turn the tube. Reach into the tube and pull the band and the inner roll in opposite directions. The sewn edge will turn right side out. Continue pulling until the body is completely unrolled.
- Press the band. Smooth the cuff and press the seam so the band lies flat.
Finish the side and bottom seams
Zigzag finish
Fold the pillowcase with printed sides together. Sew the side and bottom edges with a ½-inch seam allowance, then run a zigzag stitch in the seam allowance to reduce fraying.
French seams
For a fully enclosed conventional seam, place the wrong sides together and sew a scant ¼-inch seam. Press the seam, turn the case so right sides face together, and sew a second ¼-inch seam. The second stitching line encloses the first seam’s raw edge.
Rank #2
- Moda All Stars Soft Spot by Moda Designers
- With Soft Spot, it's easy to show off your style at home, even if you're short on time
- Pillows don't require much time or fabric, so go ahead and pile them on the sofa, stack them in a big basket, swap them out with the seasons--or change them for no reason! Besides adding punch to your decor, pillows offer excellent opportunities to try a variety of techniques
- So why not experiment with a new-to-you shape, insert a zipper clousure, dabble in a different color scheme, or add a touch of applique? The Moda All-Star contributors share their expert tips so you can become a pillow-making pro! You'll learn how to make perfect pillow corners and gain insight on the benefit of quilting pillow tops
- See more in product description.
Pressing and accuracy checks
- Match the long edges before pinning; uneven alignment changes the cuff width.
- Use the stated ½-inch allowance on the band seam and on a zigzag-finished side and bottom.
- For French seams, keep the first seam scant so the enclosed allowance does not protrude through the second seam.
- Before closing the side seam, confirm that the body is fully unrolled and the opening is unobstructed.
Common problems and fixes
The tube will not turn right side out
The inner roll was probably caught in the long seam. Unpick the affected section, pull the layers apart, re-roll the body, and sew again while checking between pins.
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The cuff is twisted
Lay the band flat before rolling and keep all three long edges aligned. A twist introduced during the first fold remains after turning.
Raw edges show at the opening
Inspect the band seam after turning. The roll-it-up construction should enclose that seam; visible raw edges usually indicate that the layers were not aligned or the roll was sewn incorrectly.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Pattern rights
The downloadable pattern is for personal use only. Its notice prohibits electronic or printed reproduction without prior written consent and carries a 2010 Meredith Corporation copyright notice. The accompanying article is dated January 17, 2018, so verify the publisher’s current terms before sharing or distributing copies.
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- C & T Publishing-PillowPOP
Rank #4
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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