Pillowcase closures are the openings of pillowcases or pillow covers. Many people desire classic pillowcase closures and the best are those that help to bring a personal yet unique touch to your home. Acquiring this sometimes requires that you make your own pillowcase closures.
Seams
A pillowcase closure consists of seams that are sewn together. Some pillowcases are sewn to the pillow and can therefore not be changed, but most consist of one open seam on one end that allows you to change the pillowcase.
It is this open seam that is known or referred to as pillowcase closure. The other three seams are closed indefinitely.
Personal taste and preference
A pillowcase closure makes a great difference in a pillowcase. Just like pillows, pillowcase closures vary in shape, style, size and type, therefore choose the type that best suits your taste.
If you prefer to sew, note that there are different methods of finishing the ends of a pillowcase or the back of it. You will therefore need to know how best to close in a pillow for a professional look.
Different types of pillow closures
Zipper pillowcase closure
You can finish your pillowcase with a zipper. The zipper may be either an invisible one or a visible one depending on your preference. The invisible zipper is the most typical of pillowcase closures.
They hold pillows tightly in place. Zippers are best suited for large pillows and floor cushions as they are largely uncomfortable to use on bedding. The discomfort is due to the hard metal or plastic piece of the zipper.
Careful handling
Great professionalism is required if one opts to use them for bedding. Zippers are the best to use on silk pillowcases. There is need to use great care when washing as they can easily snag and tear. Always zip them before washing and be sure to use mesh wash bags. Zipper pillowcases are also known to tag on hair which makes them undesirable.
Envelope pillowcase closure
This pillowcase closure looks like an envelope. It has two pieces of fabric that overlap at the back, leaving you with a style that allows you room to slip in your pillow. It is also known as overlapped closure. It is both comfortable and quite appealing.
Quantity of fabric
The pillow is usually completely covered and you do not even see its end. The closure allows the pillow to stay perfectly in place without sliding out constantly.
Always use enough fabric when making this type of pillowcase closure. An envelope closure that is too short due to lack of enough fabric is likely to cause the pillow to slip off.
Advantages
It is not interesting to keep shaking a pillow back into its case. This problem is solved by an envelope closure. It is the perfect style for anyone who doesn’t prefer pillowcases with zippers on their closures.
It allows you to add beautiful buttons or ties to the closure and also allows you to remove the pillowcase for washing as often as you desire. The envelope type of pillowcases won’t wrinkle easily as the pillows have no room to move around.
Drawstring pillowcase closure
This pillowcase closure comes in various styles. It is common and is the best to use on tube pillows as it allows for neat closure at both ends of the pillowcase.
The ends are fitted with strings that are drawn over the pillow after the pillow has been fitted in. The strings are inserted in holes created by sewing the edges of the closure.
Hidden flaps pillowcase closure
This type of pillowcase closure has two ways of closing. The first way is where you make an open end. This however requires that you leave enough room at the end to cover the inner pillow fully.
Alternatively, you can add a hidden flap on the open end. This flap ensures that you are able to tuck in your pillow completely inside and keep it from showing.
Buttoned pillowcase closure
This type of pillowcase closure consists of buttons fixed on the edges or flaps of the pillowcase. The buttons can also be fixed inside the flaps or edges of the pillowcase to make the closure invisible.
Button pillowcase closure can be a cause of discomfort when used on beddings. Such a pillowcase offers you only one side of it to sleep on, therefore making it undesirable. A pillowcase with this type of closure is best used for décor purposes.
Permanent pillowcase closure
For this type, all the edges of the pillowcase are closed with an invisible seam after slipping in your pillow.
This type of closure is used for classic and exquisite looking ornamented pillows. They are long-lasting and are created to make a statement. Cleaning of this pillowcase closure is by way of hand vacuuming.
Velcro pillowcase closure
Velcro is a fastener that has been used for ages and is known as a tried, tested and true fastener. It is used to close up the open edge of a pillowcase by placing each piece of Velcro on the opening.
You can do this by sewing or gluing the Velcro in. Once done, it creates a pocket that is easy to open whenever need to remove the pillowcase arises. Done correctly, Velcro is perfect as it leaves your pillow with a seamless appearance on the outside.
Safety Pins
Safety pins can be used as a last option when you absolutely need to. They are a temporary fix that is used to keep a pillow from falling out of the pillowcase.
The downside to them is that they can accidentally pop open and this can result in injury should you be poked by one. They also have the potential to create large holes in your pillowcase due to their thickness.
Summary of tips to perfect pillowcase closures
- Use firm and long-lasting fabric that is both smooth and comfortable. It must be one that gives a nice soft feel to the touch.
- Use zippered pillowcase closures for large cushions and large pillows. They are the most ideal because their frequency of cleaning is much lower than that used for bedding.
- Clean your slip-stitched or permanent closure pillows by way of vacuuming.
- Ensure the seams and closures of your pillowcase are invisible.
- Use buttoned pillowcase closures for decorative purposes only as use on beddings can cause unnecessary discomfort.
- Use the envelope pillowcase closure for small to smallest pillowcases because it is the most ideal closure for beddings.
4 ways of making a pillowcase closure
There are 4 main ways of making a pillowcase closure.
Add a zipper
A zippered pillowcase closure is easy to fix on a fabric and is also easy to use and maintain. In case of damage to the zipper, replacing it with a new zipper is always easy and the task does not damage your pillowcase. Consider using polyester zips for your pillowcases as they tend to be soft and smooth, qualities that make them to last longer.
Making a zippered pillowcase closure
Start by measuring the edge of your pillowcase where you intend to fix the zipper. Ensure the length of the edge of the pillowcase and the length of your zip are equal.
Attach or fix the zip by sewing it on the inside of the pillowcase. Ensure your stitches are firm and neat for a professional look. Proceed to stuff in your pillow into the pillowcase through the enclosure.
Making an envelope pillowcase closure
Start to make your envelope pillowcase closure by taking measurements of the back and sides of your pillow. Fold in the right and left side of the pillowcase fabric pieces carefully.
Proceed to fold a little of the top and bottom parts over each other and make the seams using your sewing machine.
Making a permanent pillowcase closure
In order to make a permanent pillowcase closure, you need to slip-stitch it. Slip stitching is a technique designed for stitching a permanent pillowcase closure.
Start by closing the edges of your pillowcase with an invisible seam after stuffing it with your pillow. This will leave it with no opening on any side.
Slip-stitching
Measure your fabric and ensure you have at least one extra inch for allowance. Follow by placing the right sides together and pinning them to hold them in place.
Mark the sides of the bottom part with the markings being at 3 inches apart. Turn the corners of your pillowcase inside out. Hold the edges of your pillowcase firmly and sew the opening to create an invisible seam.
Making a drawstring pillowcase closure
Measure the length of your pillow and that of your pillowcase, ensuring that your pillowcase is longer than your pillow. Neatly fold the edges of the closure and stitch the folded part firmly.
Get your preferred cord or string. Attach a safety pin on one end of the cord or string. Insert the part with the safety pin into the created hole and push it in to the end until it comes out on the other side. Draw the two ends of your string and make a knot at the end.
And there, you now have that perfect pillow closure design you desire.
