Stitch A Pillow Case For Operation ConKerr Cancer

We’re asking for your help to get involved with ConKerr Cancer, an organization dedicated to giving sick children love and comfort in the form of handmade pillowcases.

Our goal is to provide 1,000 pillowcases to children in need during 2014. We know we can meet and exceed that goal with your help! To join in this effort, stitch one, two or a few pillowcases using fun, kid-friendly fabrics.

Visit conkerrcancer.org to learn about volunteer efforts in your community, download additional pillowcase instructions and find other ways to donate to the cause.

Join our Sew Your Support Flickr group to post photos of your pillowcases before sending them in-plus view other photos for design inspiration.

Follow these instructions to make a pillowcase for this year’s Sew News charity effort. Add piping, ribbon or trim to personalize the case, if desired.

TIP: Use the same fabric for the body and band and choose one coordinating fabric for the trim for a different look.

Supplies

• 7/8 yard of print cotton fabric (body)
• 1/3 yard of contrasting fabric (band)
• 1/8 yard of coordinating fabric (trim)
• Matching all-purpose thread
• Serger (optional)

Cutting

Prewash and dry the fabrics; press.

From the body fabric, cut one 27″x44″ rectangle.

From the band fabric, cut one 11″x44″ rectangle.

From the trim fabric, cut one 3 1/2″x44″ strip.

Sewing

Use 1/2″ seam allowances unless otherwise noted. If using a serger, set it for a wide 4-thread overlock and cut off 1/4″ of fabric as you stitch.

With wrong sides together, fold the band rectangle in half lengthwise; press. With wrong sides together, fold the trim strip in half lengthwise; press.

Position the trim strip over the band rectangle with long raw edges aligned; serge or stitch. Press the seam toward the darker fabric.

With right sides together, position the trim-strip long folded edge along the body rectangle long edge; pin, and then serge or stitch. If not using a serger, zigzag-finish the seam. Press the seam toward the body rectangle.

Fold the pillowcase in half lengthwise with right sides together, matching the band and trim seamlines; pin, and then serge or stitch the raw edges (B; pick up from SS Vol 1, page 62). If not using a serger, zigzag-finish the seam.

Turn the pillowcase right side out; press.