Molly's Sketchbook: Sampler Pillows

These pillows are a simple way to add a unique and beautiful touch to existing pillow cases. The embroidery stitches all use 2 colors of thread and are beyond the back-stitch-chain-stitch basics. The detail of the stitching makes these pillows both a joy to look at and to make. A full run down of all of the embroidery stitches pictured below can be found on my Two Color Embroidery Tutorial.

(Here's a close-up of the embroidery!)

Materials

• Two 100% linen pillow cases, one in cream and one in natural. Joelle found these at Muji a neat Japanese home goods store in SoHo.
• Ten Balls of Valdani embroidery thread in earthy tones (with a couple bright accents)
• A water soluble Clover fabric marker
• A white Chaco Liner (or a piece of tailors chalk)

Marking

First and most importantly, iron your pillow cases: Spray them with thoroughly water and then press them with a very very hot iron. Joelle calls this the "soak and fry" method. Since linen wrinkles so easily this is a crucial step.

Next, using your fabric maker or chalk, mark a line 2 inches in from the pillow opening along the whole length of the pillow case. Mark the next line 1 3/4" inches in from the first line. Mark your final line 1" from the second line.

The second pillow case is marked slightly differently:

Mark 1 1/2" in from the edge. Then mark 3/4" in from that line. Finally mark 2" from the second line.

(A 6.5"X 24.5" rotary ruler makes marking these pillow cases really easy!)

Embroidery

Embroider down the full length of the marked lines using a different stitch for each line from my Two Color Embroidery Tutorial.

The stitches pictured above are (from bottom to top):

Double Threaded Hourglass

Threaded Herringbone

Asterisk

Basic Weaving

Pekinese

Wrapped Ribs

When you're done make sure to spray away the marked lines and iron the pillow cases again.

Comments

[Valerie]

Brilliant! Is linen pillowcase as comfortable compared to cotton? What kind of linen fabric did you use to sew the pillowcase?

[purl bee]

Hi Valerie,
the pillowcases were pre made. They're from a shop called Muji, you can find it online here:
http://www.muji.com/

Linen is really nice to sleep on and it gets softer and softer everytime you wash it.

[Ritch in Love]

Thanks for the great tutorial! Will be putting it to use this month on one of my commutes to work.

[Mary Corbet]

I love these pillow cases! They're so simple, and so pretty!

Unfortunately, Muji doesn't sell online in the States. It's hard to come by nice linen pillow cases without a deep casing - these look perfect for extra embellishment.

This is wonderful tutorial, and the cases look fun to work! Neat stitches, nice colors!

Thanks!!

[Becka]

Oh, I love these! I wish we had Muji here too, why did I not stock up while in London!

[Kerry]

What a cool idea! Thank you for sharing - these pillowcases are just gorgeous, very elegant!
Hugs,
Kerry

[Sacha]

Would good cotton cases work just as well?

[purl bee]

Hi Sacha,
Yes, cotton cases will work. Cotton is great for embroidery, a blend of linen cotton would be nice too. Good luck!

[Audra]

This is one of my favorite Purl projects. I've completed one pillowcase, and I can't stop staring at it-- it's just exquisite. What an elegant way to add handmade beauty to a home. Beginning embroiderers should not be intimidated-- just take your time and follow the excellent tutorials provided by Purl. Thank you Molly!

[sofie]

So lovely, and something I could actually do!
Love your designs and I am so happy to happen upon your site!