You can sew a toddler pillowcase in less than 20 minutes.

And I thought this is the perfect project to feature in honor of Pediatric Cancer Awareness month.

This is also a beginner sewing project that allows you to learn how to sew a french seam so the raw edges are enclosed on the inside of the pillowcase.

And yes, this is basically just a smaller-sized pillowcase using the burrito method.

But sometimes, even when you know how to do something, it doesn’t scale when you make it smaller.

Or is that just me?

Materials For A Toddler Pillowcase

Just like standard-sized pillowcases, you’ll want to grab some a 100% cotton fabric or some flannel from your stash that have a fun pattern as well as a matching solid color.

It’s easiest to work with fabrics that don’t have a directional pattern, but you can make it work if you want.

Let’s Sew A Small Pillowcase

How To Sew A Toddler Pillowcase

Yield: 1 pillowcase

Making a toddler pillowcase is as easy making a standard-sized pillowcase, just with smaller dimensions.

This tutorial walks you through how to sew a toddler pillowcase using the burrito method.

No Ratings

Materials

1/2 yard of patterned flannel
1/4 yard of solid color flannel that works well with the pattern

Tools

Rotary cutter and mat or scissors
Sewing clips
Sewing machine

Instructions

Grab your flannel fabrics.
Cut the patterned fabric to measure 18" x 27".
Cut the solid fabric to measure 9" x 27".
Place the solid fabric right side up.
Take the patterned fabric and place it right side down on the solid fabric.
Clip the top edges of the fabrics together, then start rolling the bottom edge of the patterned fabric toward the top edge.
Fold the bottom edge of the solid fabric to meet the top edge of the solid fabric, encasing the patterned fabric.
Sew the fabrics together using a 1/4" seam allowance.
Pull the patterned fabric out of the 'burrito' so that it's one panel of fabric.
Fold the fabric in half with the wrong sides together and clip both unsewn edges.
Sew the edges together using a 1/2" seam allowance.
Trim the excess fabric on the edges.
Turn the pillowcase wrong sides out.
Optional - use sewing clips to hold the edges in place while you sew to encase the raw edges.
Sew both edges using a 1/2" seam allowance.
Turn the toddler pillowcase right sides out and you're done!

Notes

I use a 1/2" seam allowance so that I can easily trim the excess fabric before finishing the French seam. A 1/4" seam allowance is also fine if you prefer.
A 13" x 18" toddler pillow is also often the same as a travel-sized pillow so these pillowcases should work travel pillows as well.

Who Needs Toddler-Sized Pillowcases?

If you are looking to make and donate toddler pillowcases, The Sandpiper Project would love your donations!

If you are looking to make a standard-sized pillowcase, you can use this DIY pillowcase tutorial and send some of those along too.

Pinterest image promoting The Sandpiper Project with a faded picture of women bringing blankets to a hospital.

You could also try organizations like Ronald McDonald’s charities or your local pediatric cancer units to see if they accept them.

Also since the finished size of this toddler pillowcase is 13″ x 18″ it may also fit certain travel pillows. So these are perfect for families who are traveling for treatments.

Handmade Pillowcases Always Bring Comfort

There is just something special about a handmade pillowcase that brings comfort to the recipient.

It doesn’t matter if it’s made from cotton or flannel, or if it’s a standard, toddler, or travel-sized pillowcase.

Handmade flannel pillowcase set on a wood chair. The main fabric is goofy, colorful monsters on a background and the border is a bright, almost neon green.

Since they’re made from fun and fabrics and a daily-use item, a handmade pillowcase always brings a smile to a child’s face.

So please consider making some pillowcases to donate!

How To Sew a Toddler Pillowcase

Materials For A Toddler Pillowcase

Let’s Sew A Small Pillowcase