Personalized Pillowcases

Personalized Pillowcases

By Kristal Wick

I love surprising my family and friends with personalized gifts.  These pillowcases are easy to make and great for all ages.  You can make them for any holiday and customize them with a name, special wish or inspiring words like dream, joy, love or happiness.   Children especially love falling to sleep with their head on their very own pillow.  Be sure to sign each pillowcase as they are works of art made with love for those you love.

Supplies Needed

• Rit Liquid Dye:  Cherry Red, Evening Blue, Purple
• 3 White Cotton Pillowcases
• Fabric Markers in Assorted Colors & Tips
• Large 8-Cup Glass Bowl
• Measuring Cup & Spoons
• Spoon for stirring dye
• Rubber Gloves
• Plastic Wrap
• Paper Towels
• Plastic Table Cover
• Cardboard to fit inside pillowcase
• Pencil or water soluble fabric marking pen
• Microwave

Dyeing Instructions

1.  Launder pillowcases to remove any sizing or finishes that could interfere with dye absorption.

2.  Cover work surface with plastic table cover.

3.  Dye Preparation:  Shake dye bottle before opening.  Wearing rubber gloves, measure 3 Tablespoons dye and pour into glass bowl.  Add 8 cups hot water; stir well.

4.  Immerse dry pillowcase into dye solution.  (Note:  I like a more mottled effect so I used a dry pillowcase.)

5.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap.  Line microwave with paper towels to protect against spills.  Place bowl in microwave and set on High for 2 minutes. 

6.  Repeat steps 3 through 5 for each dye color.

7.  Carefully remove bowl from microwave.  Let cool and remove plastic wrap.

8.  Rinse pillowcase in cool water until water runs clear.  Wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse, dry and iron fabric.

9.  Insert cardboard inside pillowcase so the markers don’t bleed through.

Amy

Dye pillowcase Purple following instructions above.  Plan your design by sketching out your drawings with a pencil or water soluble marking pen.  You can draw freehand or use stencils.  Begin by drawing the letters AMY in the center of the pillowcase.  Then draw a swirled line around the letters.  Add stripes around the outer edges.  When you are satisfied with the design, outline the design and letters with a black fabric pen.  Then color in the outlines like a coloring book.  Let dry.  Heat set fabric markers by ironing over the designs using a cotton setting for 2 to 3 minutes.

Ho Ho Ho

Dye pillowcase Cherry Red following instructions above.  Plan your design by sketching out your drawings with a pencil or water soluble marking pen.  You can draw freehand or use stencils.  Begin by drawing HO, HO, HO diagonally in the middle of the pillowcase.   Then draw holly leaves and berries around the outer edges and in the border of the pillowcase.  When you are satisfied with the design, outline the design and letters with a black fabric pen. Then color in the outlines like a coloring book.  Let dry.  Heat set fabric markers by ironing over the designs using a cotton setting for 2 to 3 minutes.

Sweet Dreams

Dye pillowcase Evening Blue following instructions above.  Sketch out the message “Sweet Dreams” in the center of the pillowcase.  Then draw hearts with wings in the border of the pillowcase. When you are satisfied with the design, outline the design and letters with a black fabric pen. Then color in the outlines like a coloring book.  Let dry.  Heat set fabric markers by ironing over the designs using a cotton setting for 2 to 3 minutes.