I know everyone out there probably already knows how to make a pillowcase with French seams but some people still ask me about how to do it, so here goes.
Fabric Requirements:
¾ yard main print (1 ¼ yard if print is directional)
1/8 yard trim fabric
1/3 yard cuff fabric
1. From the 1/8 yard of trim cut a 2 inch strip the width of the fabric
2. From the 1/3 yard cuff fabric cut a 9 inch strip the width of the fabric
3. Fold the trim in half lengthwise (wrong sides together) and press. Also press the cuff and main fabric open.
4. Lay the cuff fabric right side up on the table.
5. Lay the pressed trim fabric on top of the cuff, keeping raw edges even along the top long edge. Baste using a 1/8 “seam allowance along raw edge.
6.Square up one side of the main fabric
7. Lay the squared up edge of the main fabric right side down on top of the cuff fabric keeping the raw edges even as before, and pin in 4 places to hold for the next step.
8. Starting at the bottom, roll up the main fabric to where the pins are.
9. Because the width of the 3 fabrics are slightly different just line them up on one edge. It will be evened up later.
10. Bring the cuff fabric up over the rolled up main fabric. Align the raw edges removing the 4 pins from step 7 and re-pin the roll
11. You have created a tube consisting of one side of the cuff, the trim, the main fabric, and the other side of the cuff.
12. Sew along the pinned edge using a ¼ inch seam allowance.
13. Unpin the tube and pull the main fabric out one side. All the seams are now hidden inside the tube.
14. Press well. At this point I like to sew down the trim so it lays flat after washing.
15. Fold in half wrong sides together and square up to 20.5” wide & 30.5” long
Making a French Seam: With pillow case folded in half with wrong sides together. Starting at the cuff and using a very scant ¼ inch seam allowance sew down the long edge, pivot, sew across the bottom of the case.
Turn the case inside out and press the seam. Using a 3/8 inch seam allowance start sewing at the cuff across the long side, pivot and sew across the bottom. This will encase the previous seam. Turn right side out and press.