What does how to sew a pillowcase have to do with Ronald McDonald House Charities? Well… Have you had a personal experience with a Ronald McDonald House? While I haven’t personally, I had a very close friend stay in one while her baby was in the NICU, so I know second hand how powerful staying at one can be for families. Today I’m going to share some ways that you can raise money and awareness for RMHC and use what talents YOU have to make a difference.
In addition to raising money for RMHC many local houses are looking for basic household goods, toiletry items or even handmade items. Today I’m going to show you how to make a pillowcase {many local houses are looking for bedding!} and then talk about some of the other opportunities to help out. Starting a fundraiser for RMHC is as simple as doing something you love {like I love sewing} and asking people to support you in doing that. I could ask people to donate a certain amount for each pillowcase that I make. So not only can I donate to my local house, but I can also help RMHC meet their national goal. You can find out more fundraising information here rmhc.org/RaiseLove.
Some easy ideas include:
Make handmade items for local houses
Donate needed food and toys
Raise funds through neighborhood challenges
Get your kids involved by hosting a bake sale, or asking for pledges for jumping rope, juggling or walking. You can have a blast with a juggling challenge… I think I need to learn first!! {ha!}
Find out more details and make your pledge here: rmhc.org/RaiseLove
Now to how I’m using my talents for RMHC…
How to Sew a Pillowcase-
I’m going to show you how to sew a simple pillowcase. This pillow has a neat envelope on the end so you pillow doesn’t show or slide out. Funny story.. a few years ago I was visiting my parents and I noticed the pillow case on my bed had been cut. I asked my mom and she said it had a weird flap on the inside so she had cut it out. I told her that flap was for keeping the pillow in the case and covered.. we both had a good laugh.. she hadn’t been able to think of what that extra fabric could be for!
You will need 1 yard of the main fabric and a 1/2 yard of the contrasting edge. Cut of main fabric. 2 x 21″ 23.5″ rectangles. That is the print fabric below. For the solid cut 1 – 21″ x 8.5 and 1 – 21″ x 16″. The wider one will be the pocket side. The finished measurements are: 29.5″ x 20″ so if you have a longer pillow – adjust the length of the main part when you cut to add inches. {ex: instead of 23.5″ cut it 27″}.
Sew the short ends of the print together with right sides touching. Then sew the solid pieces on to each end of the print. You will now have a long strip of fabric. Print in the middle and solid on each end {or whatever your fabric design}
Hem both short ends by turning under 1/4″ then another 1/4″. Stitch along both ends. Make sure the hem folds back to the wrong side of the fabric.
With right sides together, match the two seams where the solid meets the print. Pin on both side of the pillowcase.
On the side of the pillowcase the has the longer solid, fold it back. The fold should be even with the other side hem.
You can see in this photo.. the side towards us is folded back and the other side has a hem on the end. Pin the folded side well so it doesn’t slide while you sew. Sew both long sides of the case now.
Here’s what the inside of the case looks like. Here is the side without the fold.
And the side with the fold. Turn right side out and put in your pillow.
Once it’s turned right side out the inside edge should look like this. Tuck the pillow inside the extra flap to keep it secure.
Now that you know how to sew a pillowcase, what can you do with this skill? Pillowcases always make fun gifts or donations and can be easily personalized.
How can you use your gifts and talents to help others through rmhc.org/RaiseLove? I’d love hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.
Here are a few other bedding related sewing tutorials:
Reading Pillow
Helen says
So cute, yet so simple to make. I will include your tutorial in my next roundup of sewing projects to raise awareness for RMDH
Do I have your permission to share the tutorial on Hello Sewing? Here is what it would look like – 30 sewing projects for beginners https://hellosewing.com/30-super-cute-easy-sewing-projects-beginners/
Emily says
yes please share!