Satin Pillowcase Tutorial


Ahh ... so smooth, so comfortable. You'll never want to lay your head on plain old cotton again!

Have you read Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell? It's a charming book. At one point, Eleanor is told to use a satin pillowcase to keep her curly hair from drying out. Follow these instructions to make your own satin pillowcase! And read the book!

To make one medium-sized pillowcase you will need:

  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Iron & ironing board
  • 2/3 yard of one color satin
  • 1/3 yard of another color satin
  • Scissors

1. Lay the 1/3 yard satin RIGHT side UP. 

2. Lay the 2/3 yard satin on top of the 1/3 yard. It does not matter which side of the 2/3 satin is facing up. Roll the 2/3 satin, leaving a few inches flat. Match the long flat edge of the 2/3 satin with the long edges of the 1/3 satin.

3. Cover the 2/3 satin roll with the other side of the 1/3 satin. Like a burrito. Or a folded sandwich - the 1/3 satin is the bread, the 2/3 satin is the meat!

4. Pin the three long flat edges together. Use plenty of pins - satin is slippery!


5. Sew the pinned side together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

6. Stick your hand inside the sandwich. Pull the whole thing inside out.

7. Iron flat with the LOWEST heat setting.

8. Pin with WRONG sides together - we're going to finish this pillowcase with encased seams (french seams). 

The pretty side - the side you'll lay your head on - should be on the outside.


9. Sew the two pinned sides with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. You do not need to sew the bottom or 1/3 satin side.

10. Trim excess fabric from the seams. Leave less than 1/6 inch. This will ensure that the seam will be fully encased when you're sewing the french seams.

11. Turn inside out. Iron flat with the LOWEST heat setting. Pin along the hemmed edges. Sew with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, fully encasing the earlier seam.

12. Turn right side out.

And you're done!



This is a great beginner sewing project. If you have a 40% off Joann Fabrics coupon, this pillowcase craft will cost less than $5 dollars. 

Make them for a bridesmaid gift - use your wedding colors. Make one for your mom. Or sister. Or yourself!

Shared this idea at these fabulous parties!

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