Learn how to make an Oxford pillowcase cover with our step-by-step guide. Perfect the mitered corners for that extra professional finish.
The decorative edging on an oxford pillowcase cover can transform a plain cushion cover. Experiment with a mixture of pattern and plain fabrics to add your own stylish twist to our design.
What you'll need
- Fabric measuring 48 x 27cm and 48 x 37cm for the back panels
- 8 strips of contrasting fabric measuring 8 x 58cm
- Matching thread
- Contrasting thread
- Needle
- Tape measure
- Set square
- Ruler
- Dressmaker’s chalk
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine (don't have one? Read our guide to the best sewing machines)
- Iron and ironing board
How to make an Oxford pillowcase
Step 1
Along two of the long edges of your back panel pieces create a double hem as these will be the edges of your envelope opening. Fold the fabric over by 1.5cm and press, and then fold the fabric over the previous fold by another 1.5cm, press, pin and tack in place.
Set your sewing machine to straight stitch to sew the hems on the right side of the fabric.
Step 2
With one of your fabric strips, align the centre of the strip with the centre of one of the sides of your front cushion panel by finger pressing the centre points.
Step 3
Pin the edges wrong sides together and tack in place and then straight stitch with a 1.5cm seam allowance, starting and stopping at the tailor’s chalk markings.
Step 4
Repeat until all four sides of the cushion panel have edging.
Step 5
Attach the other four strips to the sides of the back panel pieces, lining up the panels so that they have a 10cm overlap for the envelope opening.
Step 6
Where the strips overlap at the corners, pin the two strips together with right sides facing. Using dressmaker’s chalk, mark a 45 degree angle across the overlapping fabric.
Straight stitch along this line, press the seam open and then trim the excess.
Repeat this process with all the corners until they are all mitred, meaning the seam sits at a 45 degree angle.
Step 7
With right sides facing, pin and tack the cushion panel together. Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, sew all four sides of the cushion together with a 1.5cm seam allowance.
Step 8
Turn the cushion cover right side out and press. Pin and then top stitch or ‘stitch in the ditch’ where the edging meets the main cushion panel, so that the cushion pad fits snug within the cover.
Once you've perfected the pillowcase, try more of our easy sewing projects to make with a sewing machine—our easy guide to how to make a lavender pillow is a particular favorite!