Pillowcase Instructions

[LLovesmysailor]

Pillowcases:

I always wash and iron my fabric. I don't like the sizing in it and more often then not, it softens up. I use vinegar and a lavender scent laundry bag for fabric softener. but I don't think that matters that much.

If someone donates 1 yard of fabric to this project, I cut 1 full one out of the fabric. 22 x 30", cut on the fold. I use a 1/4" seam and I do finish them with a zig zag. At the top, I press under 1/4" and then another 2" for the hem. I straight stitch, then zig zag. It just looks finished that way to me. The finished pillowcase will be 22" to 22.5" wide by 28" long.

With the other 6", I make a banded one. I measure out 24 1/4" on the bottom, with the band at the opening. Although, I did make one with the contrast band at the bottom, cause I wanted as much of the pattern to show as possible.
After I sew the 2 pieces together, I press the seam towards the band and I do topstitch it in place. You will have only 1 seam across the bottom and 1 side.
I like that look. My preference, plus I don't want them to fray apart. Same finish on the hem.

The other kind of banded one I make is this: I measure 22" lengthwise. Or I lay my "band" piece along the selvage edge and cut it to fit. This way you will have 2 seams to sew, with the fold at the bottom. I actually like to do it this way, casue I like the selvage edge. I still press and top stitch. Sometimes, it works better this way with the fabric pattern.

As I stated earlier, 22 x 30 matches the one that I brought home from the ship. I would prefer that you stick to those dimensions for uniformity. I have one friend who insists on making them bigger. Since she buys her own fabric, there's not much I can do about that. I just save hers for special requests, because I don’t want anyone to feel bad. Does this make sense?

As far as fabrics go, I am not locked into r,w,b stars and stripes. We have really opened our horizons and have found lots of great prints. When looking for fabrics, do a "face or back of the hand" test. If it feels rough to you, don't get it. I gave away some seersucker for that reason. Also, metallic threads or embroidered fabric probably wouldn't be good. too bumpy.

Stars are patriotic and spiritual for me. My favorite fabric has become white on white stars at Joanns. I buy the whole bolt everytime I see it. You can pair it with anything. I also shop thrift stores and have gotten some great prints.

There is cool patriotic looking fabrics in earth tones too. Joanns and Hancocks have good choices in their calico/cotton lines. If it looks like the USA, we use that too. A friend had a real cute print that had all sorts of regional type things on it.

Once the contact is announced, we will know how many male/females there are. I also plan to write to him/her to explain about the pillowcases so they have a heads up and can figure out how to disburse them once they arrive. I'll give you those details once I have them.

I have a standard letter that I include in each box of pillowcases.

I can't think of anything else, but feel free to ask questions.

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

Hey Lyn, thanks for posting this.

[Peggy W.]

Thank you Pillow for posting the directions again....I have found someone to help push me along..LOL I might really get a pillowcase made this month.

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

I will hold you to it Peggy! haha. You get it done, we're going to need help in October!

I show people our "stalking the military" picture all the time. That was so much fun! Giggling like teenagers.

[quilterx3waves]

I sew pillowcases very differently. I usually use my serger & use the roll all fabric into a tube method to enclose the seams. I will definately to comply to finished dimensions if you have them. Thanks

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

Quilter, no worries. you make them anyway you want. I have 2 quilting stores helping, plus a friend who makes them that way.

I am into production and these instructions save the most fabric, plus they are fast and simple. I only use 30" length cause then I can use the other 6 for a band or trim to make them different. We do not waste any fabric.

You will see for the Guam group how much "piecing" I will do on some of the pillowcases to make them different. Especailly the Raiders, since there are 6.

would you pm me your email address? I'd like to send you some other HAE information. And Welcome abroad the Heads at Ease pillowcase project.
Did you check out the number above to see what we have done since January?

[quilterx3waves]

Sewing I do well. computor is a little slower. I'll fiquare out how to get it to you.

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

I got it. you did good. information coming your way.

[DC - G'mother of My Fav Sailor]

Sue, I have a question. Many times the fabric is not really 44" just close, like 42 or 43. Now, when doing bands it seems that there are two options. One would be to shave off the size of the pillowcases. The other would be to cut front side full and on back side add a strip of plain white fabric. Advantage of that, especially if dealing with dark fabric would be to have the strip for my stenciled heart.

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

Actually, what I have started to do is this. I cut the body of the pillowcase so the band is joined at the selvage edge. then I cut the width of the fabric the same width as the band piece. I sew up one seam and then add the band. like it was on a fold.

Cause, you are so right. Not all fabric is created equal.

btw, the sports fabric is all 60" wide. Which really will go far. The backs are white on white stars. Thanks again!

[Kelleypen]

I have several students and teachers in my school who said they'd like to help when I told them about the project. Is there anything special I should tell them?

[Sue-Pillowcase lady]

Kelly, did you give them the instructions? There is a quiliting pattern out there with french seams that is supposed to be really easy. But I just do this basic pillowcase. that works for me.

Will you be the collection point when they finish? sounds like we will have many to send to before the end of the year. So my special instructions would be
HELP! hahah

just need to know if they are willing to mail direct or will you collect and then mail? We try to pick a mailing date so the pilowcases get there about the same time. Does this help?

[Kelleypen]

Most of them said they already knew how to make a pillowcase, but if they ask, I will give them your instructions. I think I am the collecting point. Would you want me to mail them directly or send them to you?