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Cutest Ever Pillowcase Shirt

by Ninzerbean on August 1, 2010

Table of Contents

License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Intro: Cutest Ever Pillowcase Shirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 1: Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 2: Measuring the Shirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

step 3: Measuring the Straps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

step 4: Turn your pillowcase inside out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

step 5: Sew the channel for the elastic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

step 6: Preparing to insert the elastic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

step 7: Inserting the Elastic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

step 8: Straps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

step 9: Topstitching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

step 10: You're Done . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

http://www.instructables.com/id/Cutest-Ever-Pillowcase-Shirt/
License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa)

Intro: Cutest Ever Pillowcase Shirt

I'm a huge fan of Japanese craft books in that though I can't read a word of what is written, the illustrations and photos are so easy to follow that I can make anything in
them. This 'ible is written in that same vein, I hope the photo's are enough for you to follow without even reading the text, though it's there is you need it.

Don't forget to vote for me in the sewing contest!

step 1: Supplies
Pillowcase
Tape measure
Sewing machine
Scissors
2 Safety Pins
1/4 inch wide elastic, about 25 inches

An iron would be nice

http://www.instructables.com/id/Cutest-Ever-Pillowcase-Shirt/
 Image Notes
1. Safety pins
2. Seam ripper
3. Tape Measure
4. Pretty pillowcase
5. 1/4 inch elastic
6. Wonderfully sharp scissors, an investment for a lifetime of use. Use only on fabric and never on paper.

step 2: Measuring the Shirt

I am medium sized, I measured from where I wanted the shirt to begin, to how long I wanted it to hang - that was about 18.5 inches. So I cut the pillow case 20 inches
long. Next I measured around my upper body under my arms with the elastic and made sure it was snug but not tight. That came to 24.5 inches. Add a half inch to that for
the sewing of the elastic together.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Cutest-Ever-Pillowcase-Shirt/
step 3: Measuring the Straps

Image Notes
1. After sewing the 3" wide strips together turn rightside out and iron with seam
down the middle.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Cutest-Ever-Pillowcase-Shirt/
step 4: Turn your pillowcase inside out
If you want to simply sew a channel for the elastic to run through that is fine but if you run two rows of stitching you will have a nice "gather" on the top.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Cutest-Ever-Pillowcase-Shirt/
step 5: Sew the channel for the elastic
Give or take an inch and a half for your folded over fabric, there are no rules here, do what looks good to you. Note that this seam is on the inside of the soon-to-be-shirt.

step 6: Preparing to insert the elastic

In this step I simply used my seam ripper to open up the side seam from the pillow case to insert the elastic with a safety pin attached to help to thread it all around the
channel. The safety pin helps you know where the elastic is as you are pushing it along.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Cutest-Ever-Pillowcase-Shirt/
 Image Notes
1. This is a seam ripper - no matter how good you think you are at sewing, you are are going to need one. I sewed my straps to themselves - twice.

step 7: Inserting the Elastic

All this is a lot more complicated to write about than to do.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Cutest-Ever-Pillowcase-Shirt/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Cutest-Ever-Pillowcase-Shirt/
step 8: Straps
I determined that the straps should be centered 5 inches from either side of the mid point of the front. I tried sewing them on to the front so they showed but ended up
hiding them behind as I think they look better. You are welcome to try sewing from the front and maybe putting on a button for decoration. Actually you are welcome to do
anything you want, as long as you don't bother anyone while doing it.

step 9: Topstitching
Topstitcthing is just sewing a small border along the edge of something, it helps to flatten the fabric and it looks nice.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Cutest-Ever-Pillowcase-Shirt/
step 10: You're Done
This took about 30 minutes to make, I made one the day before to get everything just right so the second one was pretty fast and easy. I wore it all day, to the the grocery
store, walked the wiener dog, made dinner, wrote this 'ible. I have a few more pillow cases, so I am going to make more, the next one might have slightly longer straps to
be a bit less modest... Hey, play around, that is what the seam ripper is for.

Don't forget to rate this 'ible, subscribe to me, leave comments or pics of what you make, I'd love to see.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Cutest-Ever-Pillowcase-Shirt/
 Image Notes
1. See those dark stitches? That is where I sewed the straps to the shirt.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Cutest-Ever-Pillowcase-Shirt/
 Related Instructables

How to Make a How to sew a Change a Shirt T-Shirt

T-shirt pillowcase from collar into a Pillowcase by
Pillowcase by Easy 5-Bandana Run-away Bag a t-shirt by Mandarin Collar randofo
The magical duct Blouse - make it by kcli katzenmoon with NO Sewing
tape kid in under 1 hour by K-Sue
for less than
$10 by Sage
Boucher

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Comments
32 comments Add Comment

desertdog says: Aug 5, 2010. 8:32 AM REPLY

I love anything that recycles something. Great work. I have a sewing machine that I have used one or two times. Got any good ideas for something for a
guy? By the way, you sure don't look 50. Good job.

Ninzerbean says: Aug 10, 2010. 4:57 AM REPLY

Thanks, go look at the ible about making a T-shirt new again - it's definitely for a guy. http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-Your-Favorite-Old-T-Shirt-
New-Again/

SugarTeen52 says: Aug 9, 2010. 2:09 PM REPLY

Actually this is super fantastic. And very clear!! Great instructable, enter it in something if you ever get a chance!!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Cutest-Ever-Pillowcase-Shirt/
 Ninzerbean says: Aug 10, 2010. 4:53 AM REPLY
It's entered in the sewing contest - go vote! Thanks!

trophywife says: Aug 6, 2010. 6:10 PM REPLY

so cute! i love it! though i think i'll keep mine strapless. great 'ible!

Loucheena says: Aug 6, 2010. 1:07 PM REPLY

Would you recommend any particular japanese craft books? I like japanese designs but I don't know where I would find those kinds of craft books...and the
shirt's awesome!

Ninzerbean says: Aug 6, 2010. 3:46 PM REPLY

look on Etsy for Japanese craft books, I actually went to a book store in Japan, I also sort of figured out how to use Amazon jp, the shipping is actually
reasonalbe. I can't give you titles but this information will keep you busy for days.

miriam83 says: Aug 5, 2010. 11:34 PM REPLY

yay!!! been wanting to make something along these lines... and now, thanks to your steps, i'll be able to. thanks!

bertus52x11 says: Aug 5, 2010. 12:04 PM REPLY

I have forwarded this to my sister in law. She loved it! I'm encouraging her to join Instructables.

grannyg says: Aug 5, 2010. 7:54 AM REPLY

This is too cute. My granddaughter is going to love this. Actually, I have been making pillowcase dresses for the little granddaughters. It will be nice to make
one for my granddaughter in college. Thanks.

Ninzerbean says: Aug 5, 2010. 8:05 AM REPLY

Thank you!

carboman says: Aug 2, 2010. 1:39 AM REPLY

Awesome idea and possibilities!

Ninzerbean says: Aug 2, 2010. 5:16 AM REPLY

Funny! I was actually thinking about suggesting that idea but at 50 those thoughts don't stay in my head very long.

ringman57 says: Aug 5, 2010. 6:22 AM REPLY

No way your 50!

Ninzerbean says: Aug 5, 2010. 7:40 AM REPLY

Well only for 3 more days. Sunday is my birthday.

MyMenagerie says: Aug 5, 2010. 6:51 AM REPLY

This is a great idea! I have several old missmatched pillow cases to try! I only suggest top stitching the straps before sewing to shirt. It may be a bit easier!
Thanks a lot for the 'ible!

Ninzerbean says: Aug 5, 2010. 7:39 AM REPLY

Thanks, of course top stitch before - look again, see? I am just showing the straps lying on top of the shirt before I sew them to the inside. Great point
though in case there was confusion.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Cutest-Ever-Pillowcase-Shirt/
 luvit says: Aug 2, 2010. 5:32 PM REPLY
i dunno. when i wear this in town people stare at me a lot.

ac-dc says: Aug 5, 2010. 6:59 AM REPLY

That's because you aren't wearing pants.

Ninzerbean says: Aug 5, 2010. 7:36 AM REPLY

Oh, hey! I saw you!

Ninzerbean says: Aug 2, 2010. 6:12 PM REPLY

Maybe your shoes don't go...

porcupinemamma says: Aug 3, 2010. 10:20 AM REPLY

o.k thanks, now i understand

porcupinemamma says: Aug 2, 2010. 7:41 AM REPLY

P.S. I don't understand the star system. I clicked "outstanding" and it just showed 4.5 What's up with that>??

Ninzerbean says: Aug 3, 2010. 4:31 AM REPLY

4.5 is outstanding, 5 is best ever, Porcupinemama, I am thrilled you gave me a 4.5! No complaints here, I have only given a 5 to about 4 'ibles ever.
Thank you!

porcupinemamma says: Aug 3, 2010. 10:19 AM REPLY

but i gave you 5 not 4.5

caarntedd says: Aug 2, 2010. 7:16 PM REPLY

The rating system is somehow "weighted" so that the ratings can't be easily manipulated by the voters. If one or two people vote 5 it doesn't necessarily
mean that it's a good instructable.
A large amount of high votes will give a better than average result and a more accurate idea of the quality of the 'ible, a lot of low votes gives a less than
average result.
This stops people voting high for their friends and low for people they don't like despite the quality of the posting.
Do a graphical search (above) for instructables rating system, and you should see some forum topics from people that know more about this than I do.

ChrysN says: Aug 2, 2010. 7:09 PM REPLY

It's really cute, great instructions too!

porcupinemamma says: Aug 2, 2010. 7:39 AM REPLY

Wowzers! You look so cute Nizer. It sure doesn't look like a pillow case. It looks like it could have come from an up-scale boutique. Your instructions were so
clear . You rock! 10/10

aadball504 says: Aug 2, 2010. 6:23 AM REPLY

Very Cool!! reminds me of the tops popular in the 1980's great light summer top. Keep up the good work. D

Jayefuu says: Aug 2, 2010. 12:07 AM REPLY

Nice :D And next... "Smartest Ever Pillowcase Shirt" for those of us that can't pull off this look?

Jorsher says: Aug 1, 2010. 9:28 PM REPLY

Looks good, great job.

Creativeman says: Aug 1, 2010. 7:33 PM REPLY

Looks cool, good job Ninzerbean. Cman

http://www.instructables.com/id/Cutest-Ever-Pillowcase-Shirt/