2 ways to sew pillowcases with a flap: pros and cons

Bedding has many requirements. In particular, a pillowcase must cover the pillow well and not slip off, which is why this bedding element is most often sewn with a pocket. See the detailed master class on how to sew 2 versions of pillowcases with a flap and how they differ. I also offer a pattern for a standard square pillow measuring 70 by 70 cm.

For those who have never sewn bedding before, recommendations on choosing fabrics will be useful. You can view them HERE Tips - For the home - Choosing fabric for sewing your own bedding - Fabrics and materials - Forum ✂ KomoK, this will help you make the right choice and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Pillowcase pattern with a flap

This model is sewn from one piece of fabric and has only 2 side seams. The fold line is located in the center, and the place for folding the flap is also marked on the pattern. We leave 1 cm for seams plus 2 cm for hemming the top and bottom open edges.

First sewing method - using a double French seam.

First of all, for both models, you need to finish the open edge. Fold the bottom edge of the pillowcase and the flap twice by 1 cm and sew a straight stitch.

Next, fold the fabric as follows:

Fold the flap to the right side

Fold the top half so that the edge of the pillowcase matches. It looks the way we will put it on the pillow. The fabric is folded RIGHT SIDE UP!

Sew along the sides, trim the fabric 3 mm from the seam, and turn the item inside out. We sew the second seam on the wrong side; it will allow hiding the open edge without using an overlock stitch.

What are the PROS of such a pillowcase? Very strong seams. Even repeated washing will not allow them to come apart.

The CONS are also obvious, but they relate to aesthetic characteristics. If the pillowcase is slightly turned inside out, the seams running along the inside of the flap are visible.

How to avoid this?

Use the second method of sewing a pillowcase with a pocket

After hemming and finishing the edge, fold the fabric in this way:

Fold the top half down to the flap line, wrong side up!

Fold the pocket up.

Next, sew 2 side seams and finish with a zigzag stitch. If you have an overlocker, the operation is performed in one step.

The pillowcase is ready!

PROS of the model: simplicity and speed of sewing. There are no rough seams or "ears" on the inside.

CONS. Such a pillowcase is not durable; compared to the model with a French seam, it will last less time.

I hope the tips will be useful to you, especially if you are a beginner seamstress or a young mother who wants to sew bedding for a baby's crib herself. And what pillowcase sewing methods do you know?