Pattern Description:
The Roll It Up(Kids’ Style) pillowcase pattern uses the clever burrito method to create a neat, professional finish with no raw edges.
Perfect for kids’ bedding, this easy project features a stylish band and fits a standard 30″ x 20″ pillow.
With simple cutting, rolling, and sewing steps, it’s a fun, beginner-friendly way to make custom, colorful pillowcases.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Finished Pillowcase Size: 30 x 20″ (fits a standard-size bed pillow).
- Seam Allowances: Measurements include 1/2″ seam allowances, which is the seam allowance used for straight seams throughout the project.
- Fabric Requirements (for one pillowcase):
- Fabric for band: 3/8 yard.
- Fabric for pillowcase body: 7/8 yard.
- Note: Yardages and cutting instructions are based on 42″ of usable fabric width.
- Cutting Instructions:
- From band fabric, cut: 1 – 10 x 41″ strip.
- From pillowcase body fabric, cut: 1 – 26 1/2 x 41″ rectangle.
- Other Notions:
- All-purpose sewing thread.
- Marking pencil or pen and ruler.
Instructions for Making the Kids’ Style: Roll It Up Pattern:
Preparation and Cutting
Before starting, ensure you have the necessary materials, which include 3/8 yard of fabric for the band, 7/8 yard of fabric for the pillowcase body, all-purpose sewing thread, and a marking pencil or pen and ruler.
Measurements provided already include the 1/2″ seam allowances that should be used for straight seams throughout the project. Yardages and cutting instructions are based on 42″ of usable fabric width.
Cut the Fabric:
- From the band fabric, cut: 1 – 10 x 41″ strip.
- From the pillowcase body fabric, cut: 1 – 26 1/2 x 41″ rectangle.
Rolling the Pillowcase Body
The first steps involve layering the fabrics to prepare for the “burrito” roll.
- Layer the Fabrics: Unfold the band strip and place it printed side up on a table. Next, take the pillowcase body rectangle and place it printed side down on top of the band strip, matching the long edges.
- Begin the Roll: Starting at the lower long edge, begin to roll the pillowcase body toward the band that is underneath it. As you roll, be careful to roll only the pillowcase body; do not roll up the band.
- Stop Rolling: Continue rolling the pillowcase body until you reach a point about halfway up the band. The long edges that were matched up in the first step must remain straight and together.
Forming and Sewing the Band Tube
This crucial step uses the band fabric to encase the rolled body, creating the finished band seam without any visible raw edges.
- Form the Tube: Bring the band’s bottom edge up and over the rolled pillowcase body to form a tube. Match up all three long edges (the two band edges and the body edge).
- Pin the Edges: Pin the three long edges together. As you pin, ensure that the rolled pillowcase body remains out of the way and is not accidentally caught by the pins. Once pinned, check inside the tube to confirm that all layers are lined up evenly. If the layers are uneven, remove pins, adjust, and repin.
- Sew the Tube Seam: Sew along the pinned edges using a 1/2″ seam allowance to create a straight seam. The bulk of the fabric will rest in your lap while sewing this seam.
- Sewing Tip: Sew at a slow speed to control the fabric layers. Use layers of painter’s tape or masking tape positioned 1/2″ from the needle as a guide to help keep the seam straight. Remember to remove each pin just before it reaches the sewing machine’s presser foot, and if you need to stop to adjust, leave the needle down in the fabric to prevent shifting.
- Secure the Seam: Use a backstitch at both the beginning and the end of the seam to secure it.
Turning and Pressing the Band
This is the “magic” step where the roll is turned right side out.
- Turn the Tube: Fold over a cuff at one end of the band. Hold onto the band with your fingers and gently pull it down, while simultaneously pulling up on the roll that is inside the tube. Continue pulling the band and the roll in opposite directions, similar to pulling a sleeve from a sweater, until the piece is turned completely right side out.
- Unroll and Check: Unroll the pillowcase body. All the seam allowances should now be fully enclosed inside the pillowcase band. This technique results in a clean finish with no raw edges on either side of the band.
- Press the Seam: With the help of an adult slightly tugging on the folded edge of the band, press the seam flat on the printed side where the band and body connect. Ensure the seam allowances are directed toward the band. Turn the piece over and repeat the pressing on the faded (wrong) side.
Finishing the Pillowcase
The final step is to join the side and bottom edges of the pillowcase.
- Fold and Pin: Fold the pillowcase in half with the printed sides facing together. Pin along the side and bottom edges. Make sure the heads of the pins stick off the edge so they can be easily removed as you sew. Pin the long edges first, starting at the band and moving toward the bottom. Ensure that the intersection where the band meets the body is pinned to match up properly. Then, pin across the short bottom end.
- Mark the Corner: Use a ruler and marking pen to mark a dot on the bottom corner 1/2” from each edge.
- Sew the Final Seam: Using a 1/2” seam allowance, begin at the top edge of the band and backstitch to secure the start of the seam. Sew a straight seam down the long side.
- Pivot at the Corner: When the needle reaches the marked dot (1/2” from the bottom corner), stop with the needle down in the fabric. Lift the presser foot and pivot the fabric, then continue sewing across the bottom of the pillowcase. Backstitch to secure the end of the seam.
- Reinforce and Press: To prevent the seam allowance from fraying, use a zigzag stitch in the seam allowance (to the right of the stitching line) across the pillowcase side and bottom.
- Final Turning and Pressing: Turn the pillowcase printed side out. Press the seam allowance flat. For the best results, you may need to roll the seam between your fingers to gently nudge it to the edge before pressing.
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