First Machine Project: A Pillowcase

Step by step

Tick each step as you go if you like; ticks stay on this device.

Wash and pressWash, dry and press both fabrics first, the way you'll wash the pillowcase later.
Cut the piecesCut the body 45 x 31 inches and the band 45 x 9 inches. Trim off the selvages, the tightly woven edges.
Fold the bandFold the band in half the long way, wrong sides together, so it's 4 1/2 inches wide. Press the fold.
Pin the band onLay the body flat, wrong side up, with a 45-inch edge at the top. Lay the band along that edge with the band's raw edges even with the body's top edge. Pin all three layers every 3 to 4 inches.
Sew the bandSew 1/2 inch from the edge through all layers, backstitching at the start and end. Take out pins as you come to them.
Finish and pressZigzag along the raw edges of that seam, close to the edge but not off it. Press the band up and the seam allowance toward the darker fabric.
Fold in halfFold the whole piece in half right sides together, so the band ends match and the bottom corners match. Pin the bottom and the open side.
Sew bottom and sideSew a 1/2-inch seam up the side and across the bottom, backstitching at both ends. At the corner, stop 1/2 inch from the edge with the needle down, lift the foot, turn and continue.
Finish the seamsZigzag the raw edges of the side and bottom seams.
Turn and pressTurn it right side out, push the corners out gently, and give the whole pillowcase a good press.

Pick a print without a clear up and down for your first one. Then it can't come out upside down.
Ask a grown-up to help with the rotary cutter and the iron.

Keep fingers away from the needle, and take out pins before they reach the presser foot.
If you use a rotary cutter, cut away from yourself on a mat and close the blade after every cut.
An iron is very hot. Stand it on its heel between presses and keep the cord out of the way.