Pillowcase to Drawstring Bag Tutorial

Yesterday we showed our drawstring bag version of the train pillowcase design as part of American Patchwork & Quilting's 1 Million Pillowcase blog hop; today we're sharing how to make it.

Drawstring pillowcase, featuring Nancy Halvorsen's Ho-Ho-Ho Let It Snow collection

We used the basic pattern directions that you can find here (thank you, AP&Q and 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge!) with just a few changes.

In addition to what you find listed in the directions, you'll need:

(1) 4" x 42" strip for the casing (ours is the green tonal you see below)

(2) 1" x 42" strips for the drawstring (we used solid gray)

We also used a 13" x 42" strip for the pillowcase sleeve; making it slightly wider means more of it shows beyond the casing.

Add the train pieces to the pillowcase as directed (you'll see we added ours at the bottom of the bag, rather than along the side).

Press the 4" x 42" casing strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Trim 2" off of one end and then press each short end in approximately 1/4" to create a finished edge. Lay out the 11" (or 13", your choice) x 42" sleeve strip and center the folded casing strip on top, raw edges matching. Center the casing strip so the sleeve strip extends at each end. Pin in place. 

We used the burrito method of assembly (find it here if you're not familiar with it--super easy!). So with the casing pinned to the sleeve, add and roll up the pillowcase, and then fold the opposite raw edge of the sleeve around and pin. 

Stitch along the raw edges and pull the pillowcase out of the tube. Press the casing and sleeve away from the main pillowcase. 

Topstitch the opposite long edge of the casing strip down. 

Join the short ends of the two 1" x 42" drawstring strips. Press the long strip in half lengthwise, then open and fold each long edge in to the center fold line and press. Fold again on the center crease and topstitch. 

Use a safety pin to feed the drawstring through the casing. Trim drawstring as desired and knot each end. 

Your drawstring pillowcase is complete! 

Note: If you decide to use this as just a pillowcase, remove the drawstring from it to avoid potential strangling from the drawstrings.

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5 Summer Sewing Ideas

Where do you find summer sewing inspiration? When warm, sunny days are calling your name, it can be hard to make time for a little soul-soothing stitching. We've got inspiration and ideas to get you started!

1. Everyone needs a tote bag
Between trips to the beach, farmer's markets, or even just running errands around town, nothing puts a spring in your step like a new bag. Plus, even if the bag is quilted, it's so much smaller than a quilt--you can finish it quickly without spending those sunshine-y days hidden away in your sewing room. 

Try a nautical-themed tote using our beachy Cabana collection from Kanvas. The tote is designed by Joanie Holton and Melanie Greseth of Tailormade by Design and the pattern is featured in the Summer 2013 Quilts and More issue. 

Photo courtesy Quilts and More magazine

Find the magazine here.
Find the kit and learn more about Tailormade by Design here.
See the entire Cabana collection here.

2. Nothing says "summer" like themed prints!

Melons? We have 'em! Mad for Melons

Cocktails? Complete with plastic flamingo drink stirrers! Happy Hour II

Headed for the beach? Ocean Avenue

Take me out to the ballgame... Who's on First

3. Can you say "panel quilt?" 
Nothing goes together faster--Add pieced borders for added interest--but the majority of the work is done for you. Little effort, big results! 

Kimberly Bourne's "Circus Circus" panel quilt, featuring her Under the Big Top fabric collection, is featured in the summer issue of 2013. Easy pinwheel blocks and a fussy-cut parade border enhance the main big top scene. Quick to sew, perfect for a little one. 

Photo courtesy of Quilts and More magazine

Find the magazine here.

Find the kit here.

See the entire Under the Big Top fabric collection here.

4. Hit your summer reading list
Have a Kindle, Nook, or other e-reader? A handmade case will keep it safe as you tackle that summer reading list, whether it's relaxing chick lit, inspiring biographies, or a murder mystery. 
You can find Ebony Love's e-reader tutorial here on our blog. 

5. Pick a "Christmas in July" project
You'll be so glad to have it done when busy December rolls around. And, since the deadline is far off, even 15 minutes of sewing a day will get you there. 
Starting next week, we'll be introducing our 2013 holiday fabric lines here on the blog and on Facebook, and our July blog hop will feature tutorials using these fabrics as well. Stay tuned!

Ho, Ho, Ho Let It Snow by Nancy Halvorsen

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