Sew a High-End Bed Pillowcase with Decorative Inner Flap SUPER-EASY & CHEAP!

Welcome back Shiny, Crafty People! Tim Totten here!
Today we're making a high-end looking pillowcase that, because of the clever inner flap, looks reversible AND covers the end of the pillow that normally sticks out!
Not only does this SUPER-EASY design highlight an accent fabric to dress up a standard pillowcase, but it also keeps your pillow in place so it doesn't squeeze it's way out of your pillowcase like oozing toothpaste!
Materials & Tools Required:
2 pieces of the main outer fabric cut 21" x 31" (1 yard of 42"+ wide cotton)
2 pieces of inner accent fabric cut 10" x 21" (1/3rd yard of 42"+ wide cotton)
Matching thread (if desired)
Sewing machine
Scissors or rotary cutter
Measuring tape or acrylic grid
This pillowcase is a great way to add some class to your pillows with just a tiny amount of expensive fabric. Imagine buying that $12 a yard stuff for just the interior accent piece (you only need to buy 1/3rd yard for this project) and getting the other yard for the outer fabric on sale!?!
Don't forget to LIKE the video and click the SUBSCRIBE button for future videos!

[@lydiacervantes1454]

Love it, all my pillows will have a beautiful pillow case.

[@m.n.shumate448]

TIMOTHY TOTTEN...I JUST FOUND YOU...YAY!!!! Love this pillowcase...& your work station...& your sense of humor!!!

[@timothytotten9409]

Thank you! I aim to please lol

[@Linda-ep3mc]

Eleanor Burns is my favorite aswell. My first quilt was her log cabin in a day. I love watching her!!

[@timothytotten9409]

Omg, me too! I love her. She taught me so much with her PBS show.

[@laurabarber6697]

Great English Pillowcase! 1st time I've seen seeing the side of the accent color in place💝

[@denisestilling2810]

Doing a French seam will prevent ravelling and leave a clean seam...just a thought.

[@timothytotten9409]

Great idea! I’ll have to add that to a future video. I appreciate the suggestion.

[@LJHill59]

I enjoy your straight forward instructions, sharing about your life, your enthusiasm and realism. Your channel is awesome!

[@chrisroper8979]

I love this pillow case. I have a memory foam pillow and the case on it it kinda silky and I can't keep a pillow case on it. But I can with this one. Thank you very much.

[@chelseasummers2365]

I have the same problem. I bought memory foam pillows from IKEA and my pillowcases are so tight on them. So I thought I would jump on KZbin to see if I could make some. My mom suggested I use sheets to make the pillowcases because it has a beautiful border finish at the top so that’s what I plan on doing. Plus it’s cheaper than buying fabric by the yard.

[@cherrierichardson1032]

I love this. I’m a beginner, but I’m gonna give it a try!

[@PetaGehrmann]

Constantly amazed when I see US tutorials like this that you have open-ended pillowcases as standard, that's just nuts... very glad that Australia/NZ took after the UK & our standard has the flap/sham (?). Definitely make the change, it will be simple but life-altering.

[@AnitaSouthall]

I'm Australian too and I never realized anyone did it different to here 🤣🤣🤣

[@PetaGehrmann]

@@AnitaSouthall it just makes no sense 🤯

[@heatherpoole1902]

I just found you, and am now subscribed. Thanks for the cheerful, clear guidance - my pillowcases turned out great!

[@timothytotten9409]

I’m glad to hear it!

[@velmamilagros]

Wow!! Love this video!! The way you explaing, the loud and clear language!! I understood!!👍 And about the mistak, let me tell you something. I sew 10 things and put 9 in the garbage!!🤣 So, when I see someone like you, making a little mistake, its make me feel hopeful!! YOU MAKE MY DAY!! THANKS!!🤗

[@sharonhoare5790]

In the UK ones similar - only with one inner flap they are called housewife pillows. Good video, thanks for sharing. 🧵

[@sharonhoare5790]

Forgot to say I really love the grid on your cutting table. Can you say what it is made of?

[@timothytotten9409]

It’s a self-healing mat that is translucent with a printed grid below. This one happens to be 6’ wide by 12’ long. So quite a lot of space to roll out materials.

[@AnitaSouthall]

I do like the ones with two flaps or with a self trim on the outside to give a crisp finished look

[@almahall2936]

I like the honesty you have shown in your videos, showing mistakes and fixing them, You are right , other videos do not show that.

[@JosyJo14]

Awesome make Timothy.... Here in Australia 🇦🇺 we are able to buy these sorts of pillow cases.... (not all are these types. Depends on how much you pay for them) back in the day we had these all the time. Thanks for sharing this Tutorial with us... Now I'm sure to make some for my kids in fun fabrics. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@timothytotten9409]

Thanks! These are not a common version in the US. There’s always a push for cheaper stuff, which I think is why standard sleeve type cases are so common.

[@chaklet1ct]

Never seen this before. I have a new trick for making beautiful pillowcases. Thank you for your Great tutorials

[@doreenparkins9500]

This is Awesome!! It’s simple enough for me to try, as a beginner. I’ve been given some fabric, by a friend, whose daughter died. Her daughter used to sew a lot and had a stash of fabric she left behind. I’d like to surprise my friend by making something out of some of the fabric to give back to her. I know a quilt would be nice but that’s for me to try when I have more time and patience. I’ve also watched your “making quilt squares out of mask scraps” and it has inspired me so I’d like to try that as well! Thank you so much for sharing your project ideas idea and great tutorials ! Best regards, Doreen

[@chelseasummers2365]

What a thoughtful gift. I think your friend would really appreciate and treasure the pillowcases.

[@joandykes8883]

I always wanted to know how to make this. You explain everything so well. Thank you for making this video Tim you are a good teacher 😷😷😷😷😷

[@loristec3275]

Very nice idea! I would like to see the table you have your machine recessed into!

[@p.quinones453]

My pal who makes all of her bed linens is sooooo jealous of your Australian pillowcases! I love 'em! Thanks muchly!

[@jafallica]

What a fantastic tutorial!

[@zibahayatshahi3507]

Beautiful❤

[@bbuunnyycc]

Who knew making a pillow case was so easy?! Tfs

[@melissabaker6392]

Omg I love this

[@mariazaragoza879]

Thank you for sharing

[@karenkay8928]

I love this method! Thank you. My sewing skills are from my Gram too!

[@jennifercooper279]

My husband needs this! I'm not sure how, but he manages to completely remove his pillowcases through the night.

[@edithhandbagsvalentin4691]

Great idea

[@lindabower4950]

Very nice pillow case, I really enjoyed your video. I would really enjoy more of your show-how videos. Thank you so much.

[@triplewinlin5576]

You always cheer me up :) Please feel free to sing, hum, or whatever while you share your talents with us!

[@margaretperry2392]

Looks great, this is how Australian pillow cases are made, with the inner flap.

[@timothytotten9409]

We Americans are not as spoiled, lol! Looks like I need to start buying my pillowcases from Australia.

[@katemorgan4346]

I love your videos! And love this pillow case! Thank you!

[@jahl5130]

Thanks I just made a cute pillow case for my grandson. Looking forward to your next video.

[@kimberglund54]

I have a pillow case like this that I bought and love it because my pillow case doesn't come off so it is a dual purpose. Thank you for this tutorial so I can make some really cool ones.

[@timothytotten9409]

In a world where most of us can buy the things we want with little difficulty, personalized gifts are hard to find. This lets you make something that will fit someone’s personality perfectly! I’m expecting to make a dozen or more of these this year! Enjoy your sewing!

[@bethjesperson846]

It drives me crazy when the pillow sticks out and the case comes off. But finding a pillow case with either the inner flap or a zipper is next to impossible. I'm going start by using this idea to hack my current pillow slips. This is a great little project that I've wanted to make this pattern up for a while now and it looks like I might have enough leftover fabric to make one up for the quilt I'm currently making. In fact I might just make sure to by an extra 1/3 of a yard of fabric when planning future quilts - it'll be a great way to gift or store the quilt.

[@newcreations1064]

Thank you for that,now i can make my own pillow cases .

[@lindaproszkowski4821]

Thank you for sharing. Enjoy watching your videos.

[@cindym4577]

Gorgeous fabrics! I love the double flap idea

[@cberg1791]

Love your videos

[@StitchingWithLove]

Can’t wait to make these! Bookmarked and searching for a schmootz picker-upper to tidy up seam ripping.

[@bgrainger3477]

Loved this. Thank you. 👍🏼👏

[@nickijaycox7773]

You had me at Pillowcase! 😁🥰 Love it

[@GuillermoVeronicaSancen]

Great video! will be making the grandkids some. Very easy to follow Thanks 😊

[@mikkigracey8840]

I do love it. Thanks!!!!!!😊

[@LadyLucas01]

You have amazing ideas

[@sharonbull4483]

Nice instructions. And great info.

[@sandioney4761]

Great idea! Maybe I would topstitch around flap side to give a more finished edge ... Maybe.

[@melissakelley6073]

Hello. My name is Melissa. I just found you here on KZbin. I think you’re wonderful and inspiring. I need a new machine and have been putting it off however, now I’m jazzed and will go shopping. Sweet. Thanks again. Melissa 🤓

[@timothytotten9409]

Go for it! I’m glad that you’re inspired!

[@lindaj5492]

11:00 “It’s almost like I made that mistake on purpose” - I’m going to borrow that line 🤗

[@timothytotten9409]

We have a rule in our business: make new mistakes. I don’t mind when my staff makes new ones as long they’re not repeating ones they should have learned from! Lol

[@pamelavance648]

Its a lesson. It's only a mistake if you didn't learn I'm great at positive spins

[@gramma03sg]

@@pamelavance648" it's only a mistake IF, you learned from it".

[@marjoriethistlewaite2727]

Nice touch!

[@UR_behAviOr_iS_so_tch_hairband]

I don't normally watch sewing tutorials if they are more than 5 minutes without fast-forwarding multiple times. Your video was an exception. I love zippered pillow cases but I don't want deal with sewing in zippers. This is a fantastic & much more creative idea. Thank you very much for taking the time to do this video.

[@ruthinasalasestrada7151]

Love it! Thank you

[@marydivo1688]

Nice idea thanks for sharing.

[@sally4102]

Great Idea! I see Christmas gifts.

[@malgorzatawandycz7912]

Hi Tim, That is a really cool idea, will have to try it out. Have a great day and God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@donnaabotsway3552]

Thanks for the fun video I made one along with you I love it!!

[@NCottageDesigns]

Love watching your videos, such quick projects. I am going to make some kids pillow cases for my craft shows. 💕

[@barbarahillegass2135]

Absolutely love this method♥️. Excellent instruction!

[@alwayssummer8029]

Lovely idea ... I'm going to make some!

[@karenboyd6293]

FYI you have a Queen size case. A standard is 26". Currently the queen size is most popular, but it would be good to check your own pillow before making this. If you put a smaller pillow in, it will be sloppy and could slip out.

[@timothytotten9409]

Good point! Whenever I’m making cases I typically measure the pillows first, since there are so many options. Would have been smart for me to mention that in the video. Oops!

[@debistokes6962]

If you don’t mind a suggestion - do a straight stitch along the opening of the pillowcase to 1) give it a finished look and 2) it will help keep the extra fabric inside the case.

[@randaalsabbagh7654]

Very nice

[@joleenlower2877]

I love it!!!!!!!

[@eileens8589]

That’s great!!! Thanks!

[@bamagurl7]

What?!! my seam ripper would never do that

[@kathleengreen6889]

I like your pillowcase, but can it be sewn with French seams?

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

Going to try. New to your channel. What about French seams? Would it work?

[@timothytotten9409]

Yep would work great!

[@ksharpe8137]

Brilliant!! New subscriber here. ❤️

[@annamoreau8537]

Nice touch to a pillowcase, I’m always annoyed when pillow starts creeping out of pillowcase. Thanks

[@m0ther0ne]

This is a standard pillow case in the UK. The flap is not to hide the pillow, its to keep the pillow from falling out.

[@timothytotten9409]

Cool. Luckily in this case, when we use a nice contrasting fabric, it can do both!

[@glendataina]

What mat do you use/brand to cut fabric on? Do you have a tutorial on making an ironing mat?

[@loricollett207]

What sewing machine do you have? Love your instruction!

[@timothytotten9409]

I either use a Singer S16 or a Janome 1600P.

[@suzannanderson9721]

Would surging make a sturdier pillowcase for children an a finished project. I absolutely like your video and personality.

[@timothytotten9409]

Yes it totally would!! Thanks for the compliments.

[@connie8183]

What are measurements of fabric for queen and king size pillowcases?

[@traceylove9264]

Would you put a link to buy the rotary cutter?

[@suejames3208]

Go on ebay. They are in different sizes.

[@ramonarodriguez6283]

Am I wasting my time washing and drying my materials before my sewing projects?

[@timothytotten9409]

Nope. I’m was just lazy lol. It’s not a bad idea to wash in advance because some of the materials will certainly shrink a bit. I always wash before making a quilt, because if those pieces shrink, the quilt would be wonky.

[@b.millar5831]

In Britain we call these a 'housewife' pillowcase which is used for standard everyday use. Not high end at all. 🤣

[@timothytotten9409]

You might tell from my accent that I’m from the United States. So these do, indeed, cost extra here and are usually found in more expensive stores and hotels. But thank you for the info on the name in the UK.

[@b.millar5831]

I'm an American too, living in the UK for many years. It's funny how everyday items in one country can be unique and rare in another. All down to cultural habits. 👍

[@rosinadoran8664]

To many open seems 😢

[@Ronibearable]

Your case is too large for that pillow. With a housewife pillowcase, you want it to be tight both side to side and top/bottom. The other thing that had me scratching my head was... why did you not use that serger? The way you made that pillowcase, it will ravel because you did nothing with the raw edges.

[@weedpatch8505]

What is a “housewife” pillowcase? He did refer to a serger as an option for those who own one. I like batiks for pillowcases bc of tight weave and they get softer with washing.

[@timothytotten9409]

I would use the serger for my own pillowcases, but there are people who don't have one, so I wanted to make the most accessible version. I added a wider seam allowance to stop fraying. If the full 1/2" gets frayed away, it's time to get rid of that case, imho.