Pattern Description:
This Snowball Band Pillowcase pattern finishes at 30×20″, perfect for a standard bed pillow. It features a decorative band made from eight Snowball blocks, each created using 5½” print squares with 1⅞” solid corner squares.
The completed block strip joins to a 25¾×41″ pillowcase body, blending vibrant prints with solid accents for a playful, modern finish.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
| Item | Requirement / Measurement | |
| Project | Snowball Band Pillowcase | |
| Finished Size | 30×20″ (fits a standard-size bed pillow) | |
| Fabric Collection | Rockets and Robots by Blue Sky Studios for Benartex (benartex.com) | |
| Usable Fabric Width | Based on 42″ of usable fabric | |
| Seam Allowances | ¼” for block piecing; ½” for pillowcase assembly | |
| Materials (Yardage) | ||
| Solid (band) | ⅜ yard | |
| Print (pillowcase body) | ⅞ yard | |
| Assorted Prints (band) | 8 – 5½” squares | |
| Key Cutting Instructions | ||
| From solid | 1 – 5½×40½” strip and 32 – 1⅞” squares | |
| From print | 1 – 25¾×41″ rectangle |
Instructions for Making the Snowball Band Pillowcase Pattern:
Materials and Cutting Preparation
Before you begin, review the required fabrics and cutting measurements. This pattern uses materials from the Rockets and Robots collection by Blue Sky Studios for Benartex. Yardages and cutting instructions are based on 42 inches of usable fabric width.
Cutting Instructions:
- From the solid fabric, cut:
- One 5½ × 40½-inch strip (for the band)
- Thirty-two 1⅞-inch squares (for block corners)
- From the main print fabric, cut:
- One 25¾ × 41-inch rectangle (for the pillowcase body)
Use a sharp rotary cutter and cutting mat to ensure clean, accurate edges. Consistent cutting will make your final seams align neatly during assembly.
Constructing the Snowball Blocks
The Snowball blocks form the decorative band on your pillowcase. Each block starts with a print square and has small solid corner triangles that create the classic Snowball shape.
- Step 1: Mark the Corner Squares On the wrong side of each 1⅞-inch solid square, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner using a fine pencil or fabric marker. To prevent stretching, place a piece of fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit) under each square as you draw.
- Step 2: Sew the First Corner Take one 5½-inch print square and position a marked solid square on one corner, right sides together. The diagonal line should run from edge to edge. Stitch directly on the marked line, then trim the seam allowance to ¼ inch. Press the triangle open so it aligns neatly with the corner of the print square.
- Step 3: Add the Remaining Corners Repeat Step 2 for the remaining three corners of the same print square, attaching one marked solid square to each corner. Be sure all the diagonal lines face toward the center of the block. When finished, press the seams open. This completes one Snowball block measuring 5½ inches square, including seam allowances.
- Step 4: Make Eight Blocks Repeat the process to make a total of eight identical Snowball blocks. Check that each block measures exactly 5½ inches square before moving on.
Assembling the Pillowcase Band
Once the eight Snowball blocks are complete, they are sewn together to form a horizontal strip that becomes the pillowcase band.
- Step 1: Join the Blocks Arrange the eight blocks in a row with the prints and solids oriented as desired. Sew the blocks together edge to edge using a ¼-inch seam allowance. Press the seams in one direction to create a smooth strip.
- Step 2: Check the Measurements The completed Snowball strip should measure 40½ × 5½ inches, including seam allowances. Trim any uneven edges for accuracy.
- Step 3: Add the Solid Band Strip Sew the 5½ × 40½-inch solid strip to one long edge of the Snowball strip, right sides together. This creates the completed decorative band unit.
- Step 4: Form the Band Loop Join the short edges of the assembled band (the Snowball and solid strip unit) together with right sides facing, forming a continuous loop. Press the seam open to reduce bulk.
- Step 5: Fold and Press the Band Fold the band in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, matching raw edges evenly. Press the fold sharply so the Snowball design faces outward. Set aside while you prepare the pillowcase body.
Constructing the Pillowcase Body
The main body of the pillowcase is created from the large print rectangle.
- Step 1: Sew the Pillowcase Body Fold the 25¾ × 41-inch print rectangle in half widthwise, right sides together, to create a 25¾ × 20½-inch rectangle. Using a ½-inch seam allowance, sew along both long edges and one short edge, leaving one short end open for the pillow opening.
- Step 2: Turn and Press Turn the pillowcase right side out and press flat, ensuring all seams are smooth and square.
Attaching the Pillowcase Band
- Step 1: Position the Band Slide the folded band over the open edge of the pillowcase body, aligning the raw edges. The Snowball blocks should face toward the body of the pillowcase. Pin all layers securely to prevent shifting while sewing.
- Step 2: Sew the Band to the Pillowcase Using a ¼-inch seam allowance, stitch through all layers around the open edge of the pillowcase, joining the band to the body.
- Step 3: Finish and Topstitch Press the band away from the pillowcase body, directing seam allowances toward the main body fabric. For a clean, professional look, topstitch ⅛ inch from the band seam onto the pillowcase body.
Final Touches
Give your finished pillowcase a final press, ensuring the Snowball band lies flat and even. Slip in your pillow to admire the crisp corners, playful prints, and bold contrast.
Your completed Snowball Band Pillowcase showcases precise patchwork and a decorative handmade touch, perfect for brightening any bedroom or gifting to someone special.
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