Embroidering Pillowcases

Embroidered pillowcases make a lovely gift, with or without matching sheets. Everyone can use new pillowcases!

What to embroider? A monogram is classic. You can add a small embellishment either side of the monogram. Stitch a name or favorite saying for a young person. Embroider small flowers or a border design. For a teenager, select a design that matches the teen's interests (sports, music, hobby or career goal). Select a lightweight, open design, such as redwork, or a lightweight font for lettering. Keep the colors muted or tone-on-tone (the same color as the fabric but a shade darker) for an elegant look. Or go wild for a fun look.

If possible, open the hem so you can embroider a single layer of fabric. Starch the fabric to make it more stable, using several light coats. Use a lightweight tear-away or cut-away stabilizer. Center the design within the hem band. After embroidering, remove as much excess stabilizer as possible, then re-stitch the hem. If you cannot easily open the hem, and must stitch through both layers of fabric, use a water-soluble stabilizer.

You can make your own pillowcases. Use a high quality cotton fabric (quilt shops carry cottons with a high thread count). Measure a purchased pillowcase, adding extra for the seam and the hem. For example, a standard pillowcase is 20" x 32", so you would cut your fabric 40-1/2" x 36-1/4" for a 1/4" seam and a 4" hem (with 1/4" extra to turn under). Embroider the hem area, then stitch the side seam and hem. Be sure to use an overedge stitch on the side seam. If you want to get really fancy, add a freestanding lace edging.

Next issue: marking for placement

from Mary Jane Allen of Perfect Little Stitches

You can make a beautiful
door decoration with a
styrofoam wreath and these
free-standing lace-ish flowers
which stitch up quickly and easily.

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