Make simply beautiful pillowcases

Prima online 20.02.2007

Update basic white pillowcases with simple trimmings to complement your colour scheme

Customised pillowcases

Ricrac
Stitch on two rows of ricrac braid about 2cm apart.

Fabric ties
Cut three strips of fabric 50 x 3cm. Press under 6mm on all edges. Press in half lengthwise and stitch. Cut each strip in half and stitch unfinished ends to both sides of pillowcase, about 15cm apart.

Buttons
Sew on brightly coloured buttons about 13cm apart. Attach press studs beneath buttons to fasten.

Ribbon roses
Sew on small ribbon flowers about 9cm apart.

Lace
Stitch on three rows of lace threaded with satin ribbon, spacing them about 2cm apart.

Fabric band
Cut a 20cm-deep strip of fabric. Press under 1cm across the width and stitch to edge of pillowcase. Stitch narrow ribbon to enclose the opposite raw edge.

We used: Buttons, ricrac braid, lace, all John Lewis (0845 604 9049). Ribbon, ribbon roses, both MacCulloch & Wallis (020 7629 0311). Printed cotton fabric, The Cloth House (020 7437 5155).

Tip: When adding a trim across the whole width of a pillowcase, undo the side seams for the necessary amount, add the trim and sew up the side seams again for a neat finish.