My mother was a maker of all sorts. She did not go to hobby stores to purchase items to make her crafts, she made them from old tin cans, paper, glass, dried weeds, and anything she could find. Her interest in crafts has inspired me over the years to make things as well. I do not hold a candle to her craft abilities but I do have a great deal of fun! Too bad Instructables was not around when she was crafting! She would have loved this place. She would have had great fun entering the contest as well. I will be sharing my sewing abilities that my mother taught me. For this Instructable I decided to make a pillow case out of a t-shirt because I loved the colors in it and the character. It only took about an hour if not less to make. Let's make a t-shirt pillow case!

Step 1: Supplies

This is a great way to preserve that favorite t-shirt.

1 Extra large adult t-shirt
Matching thread
Scissors
Tape measure
Pen or marker
Sewing Pins not shown
Sewing machine or sew by hand
1 Pillow waiting to be dressed

Step 2: Cutting the Shirt

I made my pillow case to fit a standard size pillow. It was a little shorter in the length but it still covered the end because I pieced the hem. Perhaps an XXlarge t-shirt would make up the difference. If the design was the opposite direction there probably would have been enough fabric without piecing it.

I cut mine 20" X 23" centering the design.
I had a small piece left over that I used to piece the hem.

Step 3: Sewing the Seams

Before sewing the seams decide which direction on the bed you want the pillow case hem to face. Leave that end open and sew the other three sides. If making more than one make sure to reverse the hem so one will go on the left side of the bed and one on the right with the hem facing the correct direction on the bed.

With right sides together sew three sides leaving the end open; using a 1/4" seam allowance.
Trim loose threads.
Try it on the pillow to check the fit.
Adjust as needed.

Step 4: Adding the Hem

Fold the short piece in half with right sides together.
Sew the seam using 1/4" seam allowance.

Step 5: Pinning the Hem

With right sides together pin the hem piece to the pillow case matching one seam. ( The other side is folded so there will be no seam to match.)
Sew the hem to the pillow case as shown.

Step 6: Sunshiine's Final Thoughts

I thought this pillow case turned out very cute. It can be turned into a decorative pillow by sewing the ends. Either way is very cute.

In closing I would like to thank our instructables company, sponsors, authors, readers, and members, for making this community a great success! Many hours of time and hard work has been put into making this place the best DIY on the Internet. Have a splendorous day!
Sunshiine