How much fabric?

Measure the width and length of a pillow case that fits your pillow. Multiply the length by 2 and add 17cm (6¾in) for a flap and 8cm (3in) for a hem. To the width, just add 3cm (1¼in) for seam allowances.

1

Cut pieces of fabrics and sew them together, taking 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowances, to make one finished piec of the right size. Zigzag the seam allowances together for durability – these pillowcases are going to be used and washed a lot – and press them to one side.

2

Decide which end of the piece will be the internal flap that holds the pillow in. At that end, press under a double 1cm (3/8in) hem. At the other end, press a double 4cm (1½in) hem. Sew the hems close to the edges.

3

Some of the folding in the next couple of steps might seem counterintuitive, but trust us... Lay the piece right side down and fold back 15cm (6in) for the flap at the end with the smaller hem. Press the fold.

4

Turn the whole piece right side up and open out the flap. Fold up the other end so that the hem lies against the pressed fold.

5

Fold the flap over the hem up to the pressed line: the fold will be 'facing the wrong way' at this stage, but it’ll be the right way on the finished pillowcase, and you always get a neater result doing it like this.

6

Pin and then sew the side seams, reversing at each end to secure the stitches, then zigzag stitch the seam allowances. Turn the pillowcase right side out, and the flap will neatly enclose the seams.