When cutting for pillow cases do you cut your selvages off?

I cut them off for every project, they can shrink differently than the rest of the fabric and cause puckering :D:D:D

yes! I cut them off.

Another one cutting them off every single time.

I always cut them off as well.

Me too!

My quilter friend that taught me a lot, always cuts off selvages ,so I do to.

I cut them off but not before I have the band and cuff sewn on and then I trim all parts to match bafore stitching the bottom and side( I use the French seam method for all seams in mine...

I always cut them off, and I LOVE making pillowcases. I have mostly solid sheets and there is nothing like a soft cotton, pretty print homemade pillowcase for me!

Ok thanks. I have cut the selvages and straightened the edges. Now I have another question. I have cut my body 27" by wof which is 42". But I am about to cut the 9" piece but the width is about 2" shorter in wof and that is after I also trimed the selvages. As it is the piece I have was cut kinda wonky but have enough except for the wof.
So do I assemble center and go on to sew then trim the body down? Have you had this problem?

That is why I wait until the cuff and trim band is on and then trim all parts to match before sewing the bottom and side.

Would it look stupid if I were to add alittle onto the wof for the cuff to give it just the same length? To get some of this fabric I would probably have to wait until sat. and then have to drive about 40 miles just to get some more and even with the selvage on it I think it is still a little short but not like it is now.
I don't have anything else to put with this pillow case to change it. What would you do?

I cut them off for everything.

Your case might be a bit narrower than normal but I have seen on decorator shows that they often use a full-size case on a queen size pillow to make it seem fuller and fluffier..so it should not be a problem.

You might look at http://www.overallquilter.com/video14/ (I think) for making a tube pillowcase with french seams. Very easy and fun to make. The instructions are very clear. I've made a bunch using these instructions. After you make the tube and turn it right side out, you trim up the side.

Hope this helps.

When it says to make a band 2 or 2 1/2 what do most of you like?

That is when I do mine...

I have done the folded band and alos added an extra seam and left it full width below the pillowcase cuff..I like both ways..

Thank you.

So you just cut the length that you need first then sew them together and trim. I wasn't going to use the french seam. It would still be ok to do it this way right?

Many of the intructions sites I have seen (including Fons and Porter and BHG All People Quilt and McCall's Quick Quilts ) do NOT use the French seam tube method but suggest and overcast stitch or serging those edges as their method...

If the band is a little shorter than the body I just trim to fit! It is just a pillowcase but if making a pair make sure they are both the same size. I like to use my serger!

I agree 100%!!!

I agree with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just remember that if you trim the width too much it won't fit on the pillow. I always use the length of the fabric for the width of the pillowcase so I can get a nice loose pillowcase. I hate them tight on my pillows. Some peoples pillows are real fat, like mine are.

I take selvages off all fabrics.

I cut them off unless it's a project I know will not be washed. Also my mom taught me that in instead of cutting them off, if they aren't going to show, you can cuth through the selvage every inch or two and that reduces or eliminates the shrinkage.

Making them the "tube" way is so easy and fun. Have made many this way!

Well, I'm sort of a skinflint when it comes to pillowcases. I don't make the entire pillowcase. I go to WalMart and buy a contrasting/coordinating color set of pillow cases (kingsize). Then I trim off the (?) hem section and replace that. I get a great pillowcase for less than the cost of 2 yards of fabric (what it takes for a set of pillowcases) that coordinates with my quilts. Only takes about half an hour too.

I wash my (washable) fabrics before using them.

If the selvage hasn't puckered, I'll use it in a pillow case.

Some pillowcases are cut only 40 inches - it will be a snug pillowcase, but then it won't slide off the pillow. :?

I prefer a narrower contrast band - so I cut mine between 1.0 and 1.5 inches.

And I thought I was the original skinflint, but had never thought of that. What a great idea!

Thanks for this tutorial! I have made several of these pillowcases and am making many more but now I will do the french seams on the sides and bottoms. Much easier and much neater that what I was doing. Thanks for this!

I always cut them off too!

Same here..I do it just like this too.

Yes, the selvages will draw up and not lay flat

Always cut them beforeyou use the fabric

Also cut them off every time.

i never use the selvage on anything, that is the way i was taught

Go to Missouri Quilt Co tutorial for pillow cases.
She really does a good job and they are really easy to follow.
I've made several and they come out great!
Silly Sewer Sandi

I love that tutorial. I do believe everyone will be getting pillowcases this year for Christmas along with their lap quilts. Thank you so much.patti :thumbup: