Giving Thanks – Quilter’s Blog Hop Party: Elf on a Shelf Pillowcase How-To

The Elf on a Shelf fabric seems to be a bestseller this year! At my most recent quilt event, there were many pillowcases made for the little ones to sleep on during December. Today, participating in the Giving Thanks – Quilters’ Blog Hop Party, I thought I would share a little how-to, including a video. I will also be sharing some Elf on a Shelf fabric with one lucky reader who will receive two pillowcase kits, cut and ready to sew. To enter the giveaway, simply add a comment to this post describing one holiday project you are working on. The give-away is open through November 26.

I’ve been making pillowcases for years, especially during the time I served as a regional coordinator for the not-for-profit group ConKerr Cancer, A Case for Smiles. It is such a wonderful organization that delivers pillowcases to hospitalized children that are battling cancer and other life-altering illnesses. My volunteers and I especially like to make pillowcases using the “hot dog” method, also known as the “burrito” method, which is how I quickly made the one in the video.

What You’ll Need

Pillowcase Body fabric – 3/4 yard fabric, cut 26 1/2″ x 40 1/2″

Pillowcase Cuff fabric (contrasting with Body fabric) – 1/3 yard, cut 10 1/2″ x  40 1/2″

Note: any measurements close to this will work, some people like larger cuffs, some smaller, as long as a pillow fits.

Step 1. Place pieces right sides together, cuff on bottom, body of case on top. Be aware of any directional fabrics. Pin across sparingly as these pins will be removed in the Step 3.

Step 1

Step 2.  Roll up the body of the pillowcase towards the pinned edge to about an inch or two from the top.

Step 2

Step 3. Carefully fold the bottom of the cuff up around the rolled body creating the “hot dog”, pin all 3 layers in place. Here is where the first pins are removed. Use more pins for this step if necessary.

Step 3

“hot dogs” ready for chain-piecing

If making several pillowcases at once, make up all your “hot dogs” and chain piece.

Step 4. Sew a 1/4″ – 1/2″ seam along the pinned edge. Remove pins as you sew.

Step 4

Step 5. Pull out the cuff fabric from inside the bun – carefully – and you’ll find the cuff securely fastened with enclosed seams. Press towards the cuff and if desired, top stitch the cuff in place with matching or coordinating thread.

Step 5 – pulling cuff from the inside

Ready to press . . .

Optional topstitching

Pillowcases ready for Step 6 – completion!

Step 6. Fold your pillowcase right sides together, stitch down the side and across the bottom. Serge, overcast stitch or straight stitch with an added zig-zag are recommended as these pillowcases are sure to be in and out of the washing machine. Press and you are finished!

Making pillowcases is a fun, easy project, especially at the holidays. Try it and you’ll be looking at fabric differently, thinking what a great pillowcase that would be!

Welcome to all new readers, thanks to the Giving Thanks – Quilters’ Blog Hop Party. If you enjoyed the post and want to follow me in my quilting adventures, subscribe to the right. And don’t forget to check out the other participating blogs, they are awesome!

Up next for December – I’ll be sharing my holiday projects.