I have king size pillowcases but standard and queen size pillows. When I buy a king size sheet set, and it comes with king size pillowcases, what do I do? For 38 years, I have simply used them and folded under the end or tucked the end inside. I’m at the beginning of my 60th year around the sun, and in a rash move today, I decided to take my king size pillowcases and make them fit my pillows.

The steps are below. I’m better at sewing than I am stopping to take pictures of each step! Ask questions if you need to. Don’t be shy!

If you are already an experienced seamstress, I shortened my king size pillowcases by laying a pillowcase that I know fits my pillows, on top of the king size pillowcase, matching up the already finished end. I mark a line with my iron, 3/4” longer than the pillowcase I’m using as a pattern. Then I use a french seam to shorten the pillowcase.

If you are new to sewing, but need more pictures, I’ll try my best! By the way, I just moved recently, and most of my sewing tools are still packed up, so if you have a ruler or rotary cutter, use the tools you know how to use!

STEP 1: I have 2 different blue king size pillowcases here. One has a seam on the short end, and one has a fold on the short end. Both can be shortened the same way. Using a pillowcase that you know fits your pillows, as a pattern, lay it on top of the king size pillowcase, matching up the open ends. Smooth it out so the layers are even. Using a fabric pencil or just your fingers to finger press a line, make a mark 3/4” away from the smaller pillowcase end. (see next step)

STEP 2: On your king size pillowcase, make a mark. I finger pressed the line, then lightly pressed with my iron. This is your sewing line.

STEP 3: (French seam method) With the pillowcase right size out, stitch on the line that you marked in step 2, using pins on either side to keep the layers from shifting.

STEP 4: (French seam method) Trim a scant 1/4” away from the stitched line. Note: You are trimming off the side away from the finished open end of the pillowcase.

STEP 5: Turn the pillowcase that used to be king size, inside out. Press the seam and stitch 3/8” away from the edge. Trim the threads, turn right side out. Your king size pillow case is now ready to put on your pillow!

NOTES: You can use any method you want for that edge. You can use a serger, make a regular seam and zigzag or use a pinking shears on the raw edge. There are a lot of options. I like to use a wider french seam because it looks nice, it’s easy to do, and gives it a little longer life. But, friends, it’s a pillowcase, not a fancy suit, so I put about 10 minutes into each one, and I’m done!

Now, if someone would come along and make the bed!

Until next time, I hope you find this to be an easy way to make your king size pillowcases into queen or standard pillowcases with 1 to 2 seams total!

Anne Morris - Prairie Woman Arts