Lena Rivera
Looking to add a splash of colour to your bedroom or jazz up an old pillow? Consider making your own pillowcase! It's an easy craft project that can be done by people of all ages and skill levels, and the results are both fun and functional. You can choose to sew your own pillowcase, which requires minimal sewing skills as it's mostly straight lines, or you can paint a store-bought pillowcase to add a unique design. Either way, the process is simple and inexpensive, and you can easily find the necessary supplies at your local craft store or online. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and create a one-of-a-kind pillowcase that reflects your personal style!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Acrylic paints, fabric medium, paintbrush, pencil, pillow covers, cardboard, iron, fabric, waxed paper, stencils, scissors, ruler, thread, sewing machine |
| Pillowcase Size | Standard: 20" x 30" to 22" x 32", Queen: 21" x 31", King: 21" x 37" |
| Design | Sketch design with pencil, mix paint with fabric medium, place cardboard between fabric layers, paint, allow to dry, heat set with iron |
| Sewing Technique | Straight lines, double hem, envelope casing, zig-zag stitch, serger |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
When it comes to choosing the right fabric for your DIY painted pillowcase, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a fabric that is suitable for painting on. Some recommended fabrics for painting include cotton, cotton-polyester blends, linen, corduroy, and certain synthetics. The type of paint you use will also impact the final result—acrylic paint, for instance, can be used on its own if the pillow will be for display only, but a fabric medium should be added if the pillow will be used and washed regularly.
Another important consideration is the quality of the fabric. Higher-quality fabrics tend to have a higher thread count, which affects the smoothness and durability of the material. A standard cotton thread count is between 100 and 150, while higher-quality pillowcases usually start at 180. Fabrics with maximum softness and durability are ideal, as they will contribute to a comfortable and restful night's sleep.
Natural fabrics, such as linen and silk, are excellent choices for pillowcases. Linen, in particular, is light and breathable, making it perfect for summer bedding. Silk provides a sumptuous and delicate feel, but it is more expensive than other materials. Satin is another option that is soft and gentle on the skin, and it has the added benefit of reducing wrinkles.
If you're looking for something more affordable, nylon is a popular choice that can resemble silk. However, it may not be ideal if you tend to perspire during sleep due to its lack of absorption. Polyester is another affordable option, but while it feels silky smooth, it may not be as durable or breathable as other fabrics.
When selecting your fabric, it's a good idea to consider the size of the pillow you'll be covering. Standard pillowcases are typically around 21" by 27", while queen-size and king-size pillowcases are larger to accommodate bigger pillows. You may also want to add a border or accent trim to your pillowcase, so choosing a complementary fabric for this purpose can enhance the overall design.
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Preparing the pillowcase for painting
To prepare your pillowcase for painting, you should first wash the pillowcase, especially if you plan to wash it after painting it. This is because, after painting, you should not machine dry the pillowcase.
Next, iron the pillowcase. If you are using a painting board, place a piece of waxed paper on the board and then put the pillowcase on top, with the side to be painted facing down. This will prevent the soaked paint from making a mess on the board. Alternatively, you can place a piece of cardboard inside the pillowcase and behind it, so that the paint does not bleed through to the other side.
If you want to create a stencil, you can cut this out of cardboard and place it on the pillowcase before painting. You can also use a pencil to sketch out your design lightly on the pillowcase.
Fabrics that are suitable for painting include cotton, cotton-polyester blends, linen, corduroy, and some synthetics.
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Painting techniques and tools
Pillowcases can be painted using a variety of tools and techniques. The most important thing is to use the right type of paint and fabric. Suitable fabrics include cotton, cotton-polyester blends, linen, corduroy, and some synthetics. It is recommended to use fabric paint or a mixture of acrylic paint and fabric medium. You can also use paintbrushes, pencils, stencils, and cardboard to create your design.
Before painting, it is a good idea to prewash the pillowcase, especially if you plan to wash it in the future. It is also important to place a piece of cardboard inside the pillowcase to prevent the paint from bleeding through. If using a stencil, cut it out of cardboard with scissors or a Xacto knife. You can also sketch your design lightly with a pencil before painting.
When mixing paint, always follow the directions on the package. Test your paint colors on fabric or paper first to achieve the desired consistency and color. If needed, use distilled water to thin the paint slightly. Once you have finished painting, move your pillowcase to a safe spot where it can dry undisturbed for 24 hours.
After the paint has dried, it is time to heat set it. Place a piece of fabric, such as a white pillowcase, over the painted area and heat your iron to a high setting. Keep the iron moving for about 15 seconds to prevent burning. Allow the pillowcase to cool before inserting the pillow.
It is important to note that you should not machine dry your painted pillowcase. Wait 4 to 5 days before washing it to allow the paint layers to dry fully.
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Drying and heat-setting the paint
Firstly, allow your painted pillowcase to air dry thoroughly. This is an important step as it ensures the paint is completely dry before heat setting, which will lock in the colour. The recommended drying time varies, with some sources suggesting at least half an hour, while others recommend air curing for up to two weeks in a warm, dry environment for the best results. If you are short on time, you can speed up the drying process by placing the painted fabric under a lamp.
Once your pillowcase is completely dry, you can begin the heat-setting process. There are several methods you can use, each with its own set of instructions:
Using an Iron:
Cover your ironing board with aluminium foil and place the painted side of the fabric face down. Preheat your iron to the maximum temperature safe for your fabric. Then, press the iron against the backside of the fabric for at least 15-25 seconds per square foot. If you need to iron directly on the painted side, use a press cloth and repeat the process without the cloth on the unpainted side. For delicate fabrics, set the iron to a lower temperature and iron for a longer period, ideally for at least two minutes, but preferably 3-5 minutes. Keep the iron moving to prevent scorching.
Using a Commercial Clothes Dryer:
Place the painted pillowcase in a commercial dryer for 45 to 60 minutes. Make sure to preheat the dryer to a minimum temperature of 250°F.
Using an Oven:
Loosely roll the fabric between layers of unprinted newsprint and place it in a dry oven. Set the oven temperature to 350°F and heat for 2 to 3 minutes. For a commercial conveyor oven, set the temperature to 350°F and heat for 3 minutes, with a second pass if necessary. The fabric should be hot to the touch after heating.
After heat-setting, do not wash your pillowcase for 10 to 14 days. When you do wash it, use lukewarm water with gentle agitation and a mild detergent.
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Sewing and finishing touches
Now that you have painted your pillowcase, it's time to sew it up and add some finishing touches. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:
First, decide on the size of your pillowcase. A standard pillowcase is typically 21" by 36", while a queen-size pillowcase is 21" by 31", and a king-size pillowcase is 21" by 37". You can adjust the size slightly to get a snug fit.
Next, cut your fabric to size, allowing for a seam allowance. You will need to cut two pieces of fabric for the front and back of the pillowcase. If you want a contrasting fabric edge, cut separate pieces for this. Remember to add an extra inch or so all around if you plan to add a decorative trim or cuff.
Once your fabric is cut to size, it's time to start sewing. Place the fabric pieces right sides together and pin them in place. Start sewing along the long edge near the opening of the pillowcase, using a 3/8 inch seam allowance. When you reach a corner, pivot the fabric and continue sewing the short end. Trim away any excess fabric from the corners to reduce bulk.
If you wish, you can finish the raw edges of the seam with a zig-zag stitch or a serger. Now, turn the pillowcase right side out and give it a good press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles.
For a simple finish, you can add a double hem to the open end of the pillowcase. Fold the fabric under twice, about 1/2" each time, and stitch the hem in place, encasing the raw edge. Alternatively, create an envelope-style closure by folding over a larger flap, about 6", and stitching it in place. This will neatly cover the end of the pillow and hold it in place.
Finally, insert your pillow into the finished case, and you're done! Remember to wait at least 24 hours after painting to allow the paint to dry, and avoid machine-drying your painted pillowcase to prolong its lifespan.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need fabric paint or acrylic paint mixed with a fabric medium, a paintbrush, a pillowcase, cardboard, a pencil, waxed paper, an iron, and a shirt painting board.
First, iron your pillowcase. If you are painting an old pillowcase, you may want to wash it first. Place waxed paper between your pillowcase and a shirt painting board to prevent the soaked paint from making a mess.
You can sketch out your design lightly with a pencil or use a stencil. Place a piece of cardboard inside the pillowcase to prevent the paint from bleeding through. Then, paint your design. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours, then heat set the paint with an iron.
Fabrics that are suitable for painting include cotton, cotton-polyester blends, linen, corduroy, and some synthetics. You will need about a yard of fabric to make a pillowcase.
