By Beddora | Canadian Bedding Essentials
A pillow case is one of the most approachable home sewing and crafting projects you can take on. It requires minimal materials, produces a result you use every single day, and opens the door to a level of personalization that no mass-produced bedding option can match. For Canadians who enjoy making things with their hands, or who simply want their bedroom to reflect something specific and personal, knowing how to make a pillow case is a genuinely useful skill.
Beyond sewing, crochet offers its own set of pillow case possibilities. And for those who want the end result without the process, custom pillow cases and personalized pillow cases bring the same creative outcome through a different route. This guide covers the full range, from cutting fabric for the first time to caring for a finished piece so it lasts, plus what to know if you'd rather skip the project entirely and buy ready-made pillow cases.
DIY vs Buying: Which Makes More Sense for You?
Making a pillow case costs less in materials but takes time, tools, and a bit of skill to get a clean result. Buying a ready-made case costs more per piece but guarantees consistent sizing, tested seams, and finished edges without any trial and error. If you're making a one-off gift or want full creative control over fabric and print, DIY wins. If you need several matching cases quickly, want guaranteed fit and durability, or don't have sewing equipment on hand, buying makes more sense. A useful middle ground is to sew or crochet the decorative outer layer while pairing it with a ready-made pillow insert, which handles fit and support while you handle the look.
How Many Pillowcases Should You Own?
A reasonable baseline is two to three pillowcases per sleeping pillow, enough to have one in use, one in the wash, and one spare. Guest rooms and dorm setups can get by with two per pillow, while households that wash bedding weekly may prefer three or four in rotation to avoid doing laundry mid-week. For dorm-specific planning, our dorm bedding buying guide covers Twin XL sizing and quantity recommendations in more detail.
How to Make a Pillow Case: The Sewing Basics
Learning how to sew pillow cases is one of the best starting points for anyone new to home sewing. The construction is straightforward, the seams are forgiving, and the finished product is immediately useful.
What You Need
- Half a metre of fabric per standard pillow case, or three quarters of a metre for a body pillow case
- Matching thread in a colour that complements or blends with your fabric
- Sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter with a cutting mat
- Sewing machine with a straight stitch setting, or needle and thread for hand sewing
- Iron and ironing board for pressing seams flat before stitching
The Basic Method
The envelope closure method is the most beginner-friendly approach to how to make a pillow case. Cut your fabric to the right dimensions, fold one end under to create a clean hem, then fold the fabric around the pillow insert with the hemmed end overlapping at the back. Stitch the two open sides, turn right side out, and the pillow insert slides in through the overlap without needing a zipper or buttons.
For a standard queen case, cut your fabric to approximately 75 by 90 centimetres before hemming. For a king case, extend the length to around 90 by 100 centimetres. A body pillow case requires a longer cut at approximately 55 by 170 centimetres to accommodate the full insert length. For an exact size chart across every pillow type, see our pillowcase size guide.
Pressing seams flat with an iron at each stage produces a much cleaner finished edge than skipping this step. It takes an extra few minutes and makes a visible difference in how professional the final result looks.
Fit Tolerance: How Exact Do Your Measurements Need to Be?
A pillowcase doesn't need to be a perfect match to the insert; a little extra room actually makes the case easier to put on and take off for washing. Aim to cut your fabric 2 to 4 centimetres larger than the insert's actual dimensions on each side before hemming. Cutting too tight causes the case to strain at the seams and wear out faster, while cutting too loose leaves the insert shifting around inside.
Closure Types: Envelope, Zipper, Button, and Flap
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Envelope closure: The most beginner-friendly option, using an overlapping fabric fold at the back with no hardware needed. Easiest to sew, easiest to wash, but slightly less secure for very active sleepers.
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Zipper closure: Gives the cleanest, most secure finish and is common on decorative and throw pillow covers, but it requires more sewing skill and a bit more time.
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Button closure: A middle ground between envelope and zipper, adding a decorative detail while still being simple to sew, though buttons need occasional reinforcement over time.
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Flap closure: Similar to envelope but with a wider overlap, common on Oxford-style cases, giving a slightly more finished, tailored look.
Shop Beddora's ready-made pillow cases and covers for every bed at Beddora.ca.
Fabric Considerations Before You Cut
Thread Count and Weave: Does It Matter for a DIY Case?
Thread count measures how many threads are woven into a square inch of fabric, and while it's often used as a shorthand for quality, weave type matters just as much. A percale weave (crisp, matte, one-thread-over-one-thread-under) tends to feel cool and breathable, while a sateen weave (glossier, with a looser thread pattern) feels smoother and slightly warmer. For a DIY case, choosing a quilting-weight cotton in either weave works well; the main thing to avoid is anything too loosely woven, which will fray excessively when cut and sewn.
Percale vs Sateen for a Handmade Case
Percale is generally easier to work with for beginners since it holds its shape and doesn't shift much under the presser foot. Sateen has more drape and a subtle sheen that can look elevated for a gift piece, but it's slightly more prone to slipping while cutting and sewing, so pin generously if you choose it.
Should You Pre-Wash Fabric Before Sewing?
Yes. Cotton and linen fabrics can shrink noticeably on their first wash, sometimes by a few percent in each direction, which is enough to throw off your measurements if you cut before washing. Pre-wash and dry your fabric using the same settings you'll use for the finished case, then cut and sew from there so the final dimensions hold.
Certifications Worth Knowing: OEKO-TEX and GOTS
If you're buying fabric for a DIY project or shopping for a ready-made case, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification confirms the fabric has been tested and found free from harmful substances, which matters most for anything in close, prolonged contact with skin. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification goes further, verifying the cotton was grown organically and processed under environmental and social standards throughout the supply chain. Neither certification is required for a safe pillowcase, but they're useful signals if you're specifically prioritizing organic or chemical-free materials.
Pillow Case Crochet Patterns: A Different Kind of DIY
Crochet pillow case covers are not a replacement for a fabric sleeping case but they are a beautiful outer layer for decorative pillows. A crochet pillow case cover sits over an existing pillow case or insert and adds texture, warmth, and visual interest to a bedroom, living room, or reading nook.
Choosing the Right Yarn
Cotton yarn is the most practical choice for a pillow case crochet pattern used in a bedroom or living space. It is washable, holds its shape well, and does not shed onto surrounding fabrics the way some acrylic blends do. Mercerized cotton produces a slight sheen that works well for decorative pieces. Chunky cotton yarn creates a relaxed, textured look that suits modern and Scandinavian-influenced interiors popular in many Canadian homes.
Basic Crochet Pillow Case Construction
Most pillow case crochet pattern designs work in two flat panels crocheted to the same dimensions as the pillow insert, then joined on three sides with a slip stitch or joining row. The open fourth side can be left as is for a casual look, finished with a button band, or closed with a length of ribbon threaded through a row of chain spaces.
For a standard 45 by 45 centimetre throw pillow insert, swatch your chosen stitch pattern first to establish your gauge, then calculate the number of chains and rows needed to reach the target dimensions. Blocking the finished panels with water and pins before joining them flattens the work and produces a much more consistent finished size.
A crochet pillow case cover is also one of the best ways to use up leftover yarn from larger projects. Striped designs, colour block panels, and textured stitch combinations all lend themselves to working with multiple partial skeins in coordinating colours. For more decorative pillow styling ideas beyond crochet, see our guide on choosing cushions and throw pillows.
Custom and Personalized Pillow Cases: When You Want the Result Without the Process
Not everyone has the time or inclination to sew or crochet, but the appeal of a pillow case that reflects something personal is universal. Custom pillow cases and personalized pillow cases fill that gap with printed designs, embroidered names, monograms, and images that turn an everyday item into something with real meaning.
What Personalization Works Best
- Names and monograms are the most classic personalization for pillow cases, used for children's bedrooms, wedding gifts, and guest rooms
- Family photos printed onto pillow case fabric have become a popular gift option for grandparents, new parents, and milestone occasions
- Custom text with meaningful quotes, dates, or inside references works well for commemorative gifts
- Coordinated colour and pattern combinations let you match a custom pillow case to an existing duvet cover or room palette that is not available in standard retail options
Gift, Guest Room, and Dorm Use Cases
Personalized cases work especially well as gifts precisely because a standard retail pillowcase rarely feels personal on its own; a name, date, or photo turns it into something the recipient wouldn't buy for themselves. For guest rooms, a neutral custom set signals a bit of extra care without being overly personal to the household. For dorm rooms, a printed or monogrammed case is an easy way to make a shared or temporary space feel more like home; pair it with our dorm bedding buying guide for the rest of the setup.
Throw Pillow Cases and Decorative Covers
Throw pillow cases serve a different function than sleeping cases. They are the visible surface of the decorative pillows that define the look of a bed, sofa, or reading chair. Because throw pillow cases take more visual prominence, the fabric, colour, and finish matter as much as the fit.
Custom throw pillow cases let you coordinate exactly with your existing textiles or introduce a specific accent colour that ties a room together. For Canadians refreshing a space seasonally, having a few sets of interchangeable throw pillow cases in different textures and tones is a cost-effective way to shift the feel of a room without redecorating. For current styling directions, see our throw pillow trends guide, and for general styling advice, our perfect throw pillows guide covers arranging and layering.
Hotel-Style and Luxury Pillow Case Finishing
The hotel look comes less from thread count alone and more from finishing details: a crisp percale weave, a clean flat-edge or piped border, and cases sized slightly generous so the pillow fills them out fully without straining. If you're sewing your own, adding a simple flanged border (an extra few centimetres of flat fabric stitched around the edge) is one of the easiest ways to bring that finished, hotel-style look to a handmade case.
Special Cases: Body Pillow and Pregnancy Support Options
A body pillow case is longer than a standard sleeping case and designed to fit a full-length body pillow insert. These inserts typically run between 140 and 170 centimetres in length and require a case with enough give to accommodate that full length without pulling at the seams. Our body pillow Canada guide covers insert sizing in more detail if you're buying rather than sewing.
A pregnancy body pillow case serves the same function with one added consideration: comfort during a period when sleep position and surface feel matter significantly. Many pregnancy body pillow cases are made from softer, more breathable fabrics that minimize friction and heat retention, since pregnant individuals often run warmer during sleep. Cotton jersey and bamboo blend fabrics are common choices for this reason; see our pregnancy body pillow benefits guide for more on choosing the right support shape.
When sewing a pregnancy body pillow case, choose a fabric with a slight stretch so the case slides on and off the insert easily for washing. A zipper closure or wide envelope opening is more practical than a narrow hem that requires wrestling the insert in and out. For general body pillow cover selection, our choose body pillow cover guide walks through fabric and closure options.
Choosing the Right Pillow Case by Sleeper Type
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Hot sleepers: A crisp percale weave or a bamboo blend breathes better than sateen or heavier cotton.
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Sensitive skin: A softer, tightly woven cotton or a silk case reduces friction against the skin overnight; see our silk vs satin pillowcase comparison.
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Side sleepers: A slightly generous case fit prevents the pillowcase from bunching up under a firmer, higher-loft pillow common with side sleeping; our best pillow by position guide covers loft matching.
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Kids: Durable, machine-washable cotton in a fun print holds up best to frequent laundering.
Price and Value: DIY, Ready-Made, and Custom Printed
DIY cases are generally the lowest-cost option once you already own basic sewing tools, since fabric for one case is inexpensive. Ready-made cases from a retailer sit in the middle, offering tested fit and finish without a time investment. Custom printed or embroidered cases usually cost the most per piece because of the personalization process itself, but they deliver something neither DIY nor standard retail options can, a result that's genuinely unique to the recipient. Which option offers the best value depends on whether you're optimizing for cost, time, or sentimental impact.
Pillowcase Durability and Expected Lifespan
A well-made cotton pillowcase, whether sewn at home or bought ready-made, typically holds up for one to two years of regular weekly washing before the fabric noticeably thins or the seams start to fray. Crochet covers can last considerably longer since they're washed less often, but the yarn can lose shape over many years of use. Custom printed cases tend to show wear on the print before the fabric itself fails, which is why washing them inside out matters so much for longevity.
Care Tips: Making Your Pillow Cases Last
Whether you have sewn, crocheted, or purchased a custom pillow case, the same care principles extend its life.
- Wash pillow cases every one to two weeks in warm water to remove oils, dead skin cells, and allergens that accumulate during sleep
- Turn personalized pillow cases with printed designs inside out before washing to protect the print from friction against other items in the load
- Wash crochet pillow case covers in a mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle and reshape while damp to maintain the original dimensions
- Avoid high heat drying for cotton and linen cases, as high temperatures cause shrinkage and fibre breakdown over time
- Iron pillow cases while slightly damp if a crisp finish is important, pressing from the reverse side for cases with embroidery or printed designs
Ready to upgrade every pillow in your home? Shop Beddora's full range at Beddora.ca.
Make It, Personalize It, or Choose It: Your Perfect Pillow Case Starts Here
Whether you are learning how to sew pillow cases for the first time, working through a pillow case crochet pattern on a quiet weekend, or ordering custom pillow cases as a gift that actually means something, the result is the same: a pillow case that fits your home and your life rather than whatever happens to be in stock.
Beddora supports every approach. For those who want quality ready-made options across every size from throw pillow cases to pregnancy body pillow cases, the Beddora pillow collection delivers the same attention to fabric, fit, and finish that any handmade piece deserves. Shop the full collection at Beddora.ca and find the right case for every pillow in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much fabric do I need to make a standard pillow case?
For a standard queen size pillow case using the envelope method, you need approximately half a metre of fabric with a width of at least 115 centimetres. A king size case requires around three quarters of a metre. A body pillow case needs closer to one full metre depending on the length of your insert. Always add a few centimetres to each measurement to account for seam allowances and any slight inaccuracies in cutting.
2. What is the easiest method for how to sew pillow cases for beginners?
The envelope closure method is the most beginner-friendly approach. It requires no zipper or buttons, uses only straight seams, and can be completed in under an hour with a basic sewing machine. The finished pillow slides in through a fabric overlap at the back, which holds it in place without any additional closures. It is the method most sewing instructors recommend for first-time pillow case projects.
3. What yarn works best for a pillow case crochet pattern?
Mercerized or worsted weight cotton yarn is the most practical choice for a pillow case crochet pattern used in the home. It is washable, holds stitch definition well, and does not shed onto surrounding fabrics. Avoid fuzzy or mohair blends for pillow covers that will be handled frequently, as the fibres transfer easily onto clothing and other textiles.
4. What is the difference between a body pillow case and a pregnancy body pillow case?
A standard body pillow case fits a full-length body pillow insert, typically between 140 and 170 centimetres long. A pregnancy body pillow case is designed for the same length range but prioritizes softer, more breathable fabrics that reduce friction and heat retention during sleep. Some pregnancy body pillow cases are also shaped to accommodate contoured pregnancy pillow designs rather than straight inserts.
5. How do I care for personalized pillow cases with printed designs?
Turn personalized pillow cases inside out before washing to protect the printed surface from friction against other laundry items. Wash in cool to warm water on a gentle or normal cycle and avoid bleach, which degrades printed designs quickly. Tumble dry on low heat or hang to dry. High heat in both washing and drying accelerates fading on printed fabrics regardless of the print quality.
6. Can I make throw pillow cases without a sewing machine?
Yes. Throw pillow cases can be made by hand with a needle and thread using the same envelope method as machine sewing, with a backstitch used in place of the machine straight stitch for strength at the seams. No-sew options using iron-on hem tape are also effective for non-stretch fabrics and produce a clean finished edge without any stitching. Crochet is another entirely hand-based method for creating decorative throw pillow case covers.
7. How often should I wash DIY and custom pillow cases?
DIY and custom pillow cases used for sleeping should be washed every one to two weeks, the same as any standard pillow case. Throw pillow cases on decorative pillows can be washed less frequently, every four to six weeks, since they are not in direct contact with skin during sleep. Crochet pillow case covers benefit from less frequent washing, as repeated laundering over time can affect the shape and texture of the yarn.
8. Should I buy a pillow and case as a bundle or separately?
Buying a matched bundle guarantees the fill, insert size, and case are all designed to fit together, which is the simpler choice if you're setting up a new bed or room from scratch. Buying separately makes more sense if you already have inserts you're happy with and only need new cases, or if you want full control over the case fabric or personalization that a bundle wouldn't offer.
9. Does higher thread count always mean a better pillowcase?
Not necessarily. Thread count is only one factor; weave type, fibre quality, and finishing all affect how a pillowcase actually feels and performs. A well-made percale case at a moderate thread count can feel better and last longer than a poorly constructed case with an inflated thread count claim.
10. What Canadian pillowcase sizing terms should I know?
Canadian retailers generally use the same Standard, Queen, and King naming as the rest of North America, with dimensions given in both inches and centimetres. "Housewife" and "Oxford" are UK-origin terms that occasionally appear on imported linens and refer to closure and border style rather than size, so it's worth checking the actual dimensions listed rather than relying on the name alone.
DIY and Custom Pillow Cases: Patterns, Personalization, and Care Tips
By Beddora | Canadian Bedding Essentials
A pillow case is one of the most approachable home sewing and crafting projects you can take on. It requires minimal materials, produces a result you use every single day, and opens the door to a level of personalization that no mass-produced bedding option can match. For Canadians who enjoy making things with their hands, or who simply want their bedroom to reflect something specific and personal, knowing how to make a pillow case is a genuinely useful skill.
Beyond sewing, crochet offers its own set of pillow case possibilities. And for those who want the end result without the process, custom pillow cases and personalized pillow cases bring the same creative outcome through a different route. This guide covers the full range, from cutting fabric for the first time to caring for a finished piece so it lasts, plus what to know if you'd rather skip the project entirely and buy ready-made pillow cases.
DIY vs Buying: Which Makes More Sense for You?
Making a pillow case costs less in materials but takes time, tools, and a bit of skill to get a clean result. Buying a ready-made case costs more per piece but guarantees consistent sizing, tested seams, and finished edges without any trial and error. If you're making a one-off gift or want full creative control over fabric and print, DIY wins. If you need several matching cases quickly, want guaranteed fit and durability, or don't have sewing equipment on hand, buying makes more sense. A useful middle ground is to sew or crochet the decorative outer layer while pairing it with a ready-made pillow insert, which handles fit and support while you handle the look.
How Many Pillowcases Should You Own?
A reasonable baseline is two to three pillowcases per sleeping pillow, enough to have one in use, one in the wash, and one spare. Guest rooms and dorm setups can get by with two per pillow, while households that wash bedding weekly may prefer three or four in rotation to avoid doing laundry mid-week. For dorm-specific planning, our dorm bedding buying guide covers Twin XL sizing and quantity recommendations in more detail.
How to Make a Pillow Case: The Sewing Basics
Learning how to sew pillow cases is one of the best starting points for anyone new to home sewing. The construction is straightforward, the seams are forgiving, and the finished product is immediately useful.
What You Need
The Basic Method
The envelope closure method is the most beginner-friendly approach to how to make a pillow case. Cut your fabric to the right dimensions, fold one end under to create a clean hem, then fold the fabric around the pillow insert with the hemmed end overlapping at the back. Stitch the two open sides, turn right side out, and the pillow insert slides in through the overlap without needing a zipper or buttons.
For a standard queen case, cut your fabric to approximately 75 by 90 centimetres before hemming. For a king case, extend the length to around 90 by 100 centimetres. A body pillow case requires a longer cut at approximately 55 by 170 centimetres to accommodate the full insert length. For an exact size chart across every pillow type, see our pillowcase size guide.
Pressing seams flat with an iron at each stage produces a much cleaner finished edge than skipping this step. It takes an extra few minutes and makes a visible difference in how professional the final result looks.
Fit Tolerance: How Exact Do Your Measurements Need to Be?
A pillowcase doesn't need to be a perfect match to the insert; a little extra room actually makes the case easier to put on and take off for washing. Aim to cut your fabric 2 to 4 centimetres larger than the insert's actual dimensions on each side before hemming. Cutting too tight causes the case to strain at the seams and wear out faster, while cutting too loose leaves the insert shifting around inside.
Closure Types: Envelope, Zipper, Button, and Flap
Shop Beddora's ready-made pillow cases and covers for every bed at Beddora.ca.
Fabric Considerations Before You Cut
Thread Count and Weave: Does It Matter for a DIY Case?
Thread count measures how many threads are woven into a square inch of fabric, and while it's often used as a shorthand for quality, weave type matters just as much. A percale weave (crisp, matte, one-thread-over-one-thread-under) tends to feel cool and breathable, while a sateen weave (glossier, with a looser thread pattern) feels smoother and slightly warmer. For a DIY case, choosing a quilting-weight cotton in either weave works well; the main thing to avoid is anything too loosely woven, which will fray excessively when cut and sewn.
Percale vs Sateen for a Handmade Case
Percale is generally easier to work with for beginners since it holds its shape and doesn't shift much under the presser foot. Sateen has more drape and a subtle sheen that can look elevated for a gift piece, but it's slightly more prone to slipping while cutting and sewing, so pin generously if you choose it.
Should You Pre-Wash Fabric Before Sewing?
Yes. Cotton and linen fabrics can shrink noticeably on their first wash, sometimes by a few percent in each direction, which is enough to throw off your measurements if you cut before washing. Pre-wash and dry your fabric using the same settings you'll use for the finished case, then cut and sew from there so the final dimensions hold.
Certifications Worth Knowing: OEKO-TEX and GOTS
If you're buying fabric for a DIY project or shopping for a ready-made case, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification confirms the fabric has been tested and found free from harmful substances, which matters most for anything in close, prolonged contact with skin. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification goes further, verifying the cotton was grown organically and processed under environmental and social standards throughout the supply chain. Neither certification is required for a safe pillowcase, but they're useful signals if you're specifically prioritizing organic or chemical-free materials.
Pillow Case Crochet Patterns: A Different Kind of DIY
Crochet pillow case covers are not a replacement for a fabric sleeping case but they are a beautiful outer layer for decorative pillows. A crochet pillow case cover sits over an existing pillow case or insert and adds texture, warmth, and visual interest to a bedroom, living room, or reading nook.
Choosing the Right Yarn
Cotton yarn is the most practical choice for a pillow case crochet pattern used in a bedroom or living space. It is washable, holds its shape well, and does not shed onto surrounding fabrics the way some acrylic blends do. Mercerized cotton produces a slight sheen that works well for decorative pieces. Chunky cotton yarn creates a relaxed, textured look that suits modern and Scandinavian-influenced interiors popular in many Canadian homes.
Basic Crochet Pillow Case Construction
Most pillow case crochet pattern designs work in two flat panels crocheted to the same dimensions as the pillow insert, then joined on three sides with a slip stitch or joining row. The open fourth side can be left as is for a casual look, finished with a button band, or closed with a length of ribbon threaded through a row of chain spaces.
For a standard 45 by 45 centimetre throw pillow insert, swatch your chosen stitch pattern first to establish your gauge, then calculate the number of chains and rows needed to reach the target dimensions. Blocking the finished panels with water and pins before joining them flattens the work and produces a much more consistent finished size.
A crochet pillow case cover is also one of the best ways to use up leftover yarn from larger projects. Striped designs, colour block panels, and textured stitch combinations all lend themselves to working with multiple partial skeins in coordinating colours. For more decorative pillow styling ideas beyond crochet, see our guide on choosing cushions and throw pillows.
Custom and Personalized Pillow Cases: When You Want the Result Without the Process
Not everyone has the time or inclination to sew or crochet, but the appeal of a pillow case that reflects something personal is universal. Custom pillow cases and personalized pillow cases fill that gap with printed designs, embroidered names, monograms, and images that turn an everyday item into something with real meaning.
What Personalization Works Best
Gift, Guest Room, and Dorm Use Cases
Personalized cases work especially well as gifts precisely because a standard retail pillowcase rarely feels personal on its own; a name, date, or photo turns it into something the recipient wouldn't buy for themselves. For guest rooms, a neutral custom set signals a bit of extra care without being overly personal to the household. For dorm rooms, a printed or monogrammed case is an easy way to make a shared or temporary space feel more like home; pair it with our dorm bedding buying guide for the rest of the setup.
Throw Pillow Cases and Decorative Covers
Throw pillow cases serve a different function than sleeping cases. They are the visible surface of the decorative pillows that define the look of a bed, sofa, or reading chair. Because throw pillow cases take more visual prominence, the fabric, colour, and finish matter as much as the fit.
Custom throw pillow cases let you coordinate exactly with your existing textiles or introduce a specific accent colour that ties a room together. For Canadians refreshing a space seasonally, having a few sets of interchangeable throw pillow cases in different textures and tones is a cost-effective way to shift the feel of a room without redecorating. For current styling directions, see our throw pillow trends guide, and for general styling advice, our perfect throw pillows guide covers arranging and layering.
Hotel-Style and Luxury Pillow Case Finishing
The hotel look comes less from thread count alone and more from finishing details: a crisp percale weave, a clean flat-edge or piped border, and cases sized slightly generous so the pillow fills them out fully without straining. If you're sewing your own, adding a simple flanged border (an extra few centimetres of flat fabric stitched around the edge) is one of the easiest ways to bring that finished, hotel-style look to a handmade case.
Special Cases: Body Pillow and Pregnancy Support Options
A body pillow case is longer than a standard sleeping case and designed to fit a full-length body pillow insert. These inserts typically run between 140 and 170 centimetres in length and require a case with enough give to accommodate that full length without pulling at the seams. Our body pillow Canada guide covers insert sizing in more detail if you're buying rather than sewing.
A pregnancy body pillow case serves the same function with one added consideration: comfort during a period when sleep position and surface feel matter significantly. Many pregnancy body pillow cases are made from softer, more breathable fabrics that minimize friction and heat retention, since pregnant individuals often run warmer during sleep. Cotton jersey and bamboo blend fabrics are common choices for this reason; see our pregnancy body pillow benefits guide for more on choosing the right support shape.
When sewing a pregnancy body pillow case, choose a fabric with a slight stretch so the case slides on and off the insert easily for washing. A zipper closure or wide envelope opening is more practical than a narrow hem that requires wrestling the insert in and out. For general body pillow cover selection, our choose body pillow cover guide walks through fabric and closure options.
Choosing the Right Pillow Case by Sleeper Type
Price and Value: DIY, Ready-Made, and Custom Printed
DIY cases are generally the lowest-cost option once you already own basic sewing tools, since fabric for one case is inexpensive. Ready-made cases from a retailer sit in the middle, offering tested fit and finish without a time investment. Custom printed or embroidered cases usually cost the most per piece because of the personalization process itself, but they deliver something neither DIY nor standard retail options can, a result that's genuinely unique to the recipient. Which option offers the best value depends on whether you're optimizing for cost, time, or sentimental impact.
Pillowcase Durability and Expected Lifespan
A well-made cotton pillowcase, whether sewn at home or bought ready-made, typically holds up for one to two years of regular weekly washing before the fabric noticeably thins or the seams start to fray. Crochet covers can last considerably longer since they're washed less often, but the yarn can lose shape over many years of use. Custom printed cases tend to show wear on the print before the fabric itself fails, which is why washing them inside out matters so much for longevity.
Care Tips: Making Your Pillow Cases Last
Whether you have sewn, crocheted, or purchased a custom pillow case, the same care principles extend its life.
Ready to upgrade every pillow in your home? Shop Beddora's full range at Beddora.ca.
Make It, Personalize It, or Choose It: Your Perfect Pillow Case Starts Here
Whether you are learning how to sew pillow cases for the first time, working through a pillow case crochet pattern on a quiet weekend, or ordering custom pillow cases as a gift that actually means something, the result is the same: a pillow case that fits your home and your life rather than whatever happens to be in stock.
Beddora supports every approach. For those who want quality ready-made options across every size from throw pillow cases to pregnancy body pillow cases, the Beddora pillow collection delivers the same attention to fabric, fit, and finish that any handmade piece deserves. Shop the full collection at Beddora.ca and find the right case for every pillow in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much fabric do I need to make a standard pillow case?
For a standard queen size pillow case using the envelope method, you need approximately half a metre of fabric with a width of at least 115 centimetres. A king size case requires around three quarters of a metre. A body pillow case needs closer to one full metre depending on the length of your insert. Always add a few centimetres to each measurement to account for seam allowances and any slight inaccuracies in cutting.
2. What is the easiest method for how to sew pillow cases for beginners?
The envelope closure method is the most beginner-friendly approach. It requires no zipper or buttons, uses only straight seams, and can be completed in under an hour with a basic sewing machine. The finished pillow slides in through a fabric overlap at the back, which holds it in place without any additional closures. It is the method most sewing instructors recommend for first-time pillow case projects.
3. What yarn works best for a pillow case crochet pattern?
Mercerized or worsted weight cotton yarn is the most practical choice for a pillow case crochet pattern used in the home. It is washable, holds stitch definition well, and does not shed onto surrounding fabrics. Avoid fuzzy or mohair blends for pillow covers that will be handled frequently, as the fibres transfer easily onto clothing and other textiles.
4. What is the difference between a body pillow case and a pregnancy body pillow case?
A standard body pillow case fits a full-length body pillow insert, typically between 140 and 170 centimetres long. A pregnancy body pillow case is designed for the same length range but prioritizes softer, more breathable fabrics that reduce friction and heat retention during sleep. Some pregnancy body pillow cases are also shaped to accommodate contoured pregnancy pillow designs rather than straight inserts.
5. How do I care for personalized pillow cases with printed designs?
Turn personalized pillow cases inside out before washing to protect the printed surface from friction against other laundry items. Wash in cool to warm water on a gentle or normal cycle and avoid bleach, which degrades printed designs quickly. Tumble dry on low heat or hang to dry. High heat in both washing and drying accelerates fading on printed fabrics regardless of the print quality.
6. Can I make throw pillow cases without a sewing machine?
Yes. Throw pillow cases can be made by hand with a needle and thread using the same envelope method as machine sewing, with a backstitch used in place of the machine straight stitch for strength at the seams. No-sew options using iron-on hem tape are also effective for non-stretch fabrics and produce a clean finished edge without any stitching. Crochet is another entirely hand-based method for creating decorative throw pillow case covers.
7. How often should I wash DIY and custom pillow cases?
DIY and custom pillow cases used for sleeping should be washed every one to two weeks, the same as any standard pillow case. Throw pillow cases on decorative pillows can be washed less frequently, every four to six weeks, since they are not in direct contact with skin during sleep. Crochet pillow case covers benefit from less frequent washing, as repeated laundering over time can affect the shape and texture of the yarn.
8. Should I buy a pillow and case as a bundle or separately?
Buying a matched bundle guarantees the fill, insert size, and case are all designed to fit together, which is the simpler choice if you're setting up a new bed or room from scratch. Buying separately makes more sense if you already have inserts you're happy with and only need new cases, or if you want full control over the case fabric or personalization that a bundle wouldn't offer.
9. Does higher thread count always mean a better pillowcase?
Not necessarily. Thread count is only one factor; weave type, fibre quality, and finishing all affect how a pillowcase actually feels and performs. A well-made percale case at a moderate thread count can feel better and last longer than a poorly constructed case with an inflated thread count claim.
10. What Canadian pillowcase sizing terms should I know?
Canadian retailers generally use the same Standard, Queen, and King naming as the rest of North America, with dimensions given in both inches and centimetres. "Housewife" and "Oxford" are UK-origin terms that occasionally appear on imported linens and refer to closure and border style rather than size, so it's worth checking the actual dimensions listed rather than relying on the name alone.