I found this pillowcase for 25 cents at a thrift store. Isn’t it gorgeous!? I think the print is so summery. It’s so easy to turn a pillowcase into a tote bag. I lined and interfaced it to give it more stability, and it still took less than an hour.
The first step is to cut your pillowcase in half.
We’ll use the nice top edge as the top of the bag. Sew the bottom edge together.
I used Pellon Fusible Fleece to make my bag sturdy.
Just cut it a little smaller than the pillowcase piece and stuff them in. Make sure the adhesive side is facing the inside of the bag piece.
Iron it on.
If you want to add a little more vintage flair, pin a doily to the front.
I sewed around 1 time along the outside, leaving the scallops free to move.
To make the lining, cut two pieces of fabric 1/2″ larger than your bag.
I repurposed the bag my camera bag came in. It’s a nice material and it has a cute little logo on it.
Sew the two pieces together, right sides together, and trim the edges. I used pinking shears.
Now insert your lining into the bag.
Fold over the top 1/2″ and pin all along the top edge of the bag.
Use fabric or ribbon as handles. Insert the handles between the lining and the outer fabric before you stitch up the bag. Stitch right near the top and you’re done!
I have those shoes! This is cute with the doily – vintage pillowcases are one of my favorites to find.
LOVE that pillowcase print!! Great repurpose too. :)
That is really adorable.
This is such an amazingly simple and awesome project!!! There are all kinds of vintage bed sets that this would be perfect to work with!
A nice way to re purpose something old in to something new.
We are moving next week. Yesterday I packed up my sewing room, and today in clearing the linen closet found a bagillion pillowcases. Now I can give ’em to my beginning sewing friends with a link to this tutorial instead of dropping them off at the thrift store:)
I love this Kate!! And I love your shoes! :)
I love your posts. I feel like I can walk away and do them because of how you write.
Kim @ Singledou[b]t
Very resourceful use of packaging. I love recycling :)
Hi Kate, I love this idea! I have just set up a sewing class for young girls and this will be a lovely tutorial to share with them. I have lots of vintage bed sheets that will be perfect for this make! I am going to use some old canvas bags as the lining (left over from my boys’ party!)
Thank-you for such a simple but effective tutorial.
This is so adorable! I’m going to try this out when I’m more experienced with sewing. I still have that jo totes blue bag. Now I know what I’ll use it for!!
I can’t wait for some me sewing time to try this with one of my many vintage pillowcases. I love the doily!
You would! lol Completely brilliant to use your cam bag, Kate! Pinning right now :)
I have those sheets in my linen closet. They belonged to my grandmother….too funny! Love your site!
I had those sheets too.Pretty bag.