Master the Size of Travel Pillow Case: Easy Sewing Tutorial for a Perfect Fit

Finding the right accessories can significantly enhance comfort, whether you’re embarking on a journey or simply seeking solace at home. A well-fitting pillowcase for your travel pillow is essential for hygiene and personal preference. While many standard sizes exist, knowing the specific dimensions of a travel pillow case designed for a common 14″ x 20″ travel pillow allows you to ensure a perfect fit or even sew your own. This tutorial focuses on the ideal Size Of Travel Pillow Case for this popular pillow dimension, offering a simple guide for creating a soft, washable cover.

Understanding the Ideal Travel Pillow Case Size

Travel pillows commonly measure around 14 inches by 20 inches. To create a pillowcase that fits snugly yet is easy to remove for washing, the fabric dimensions for sewing need to accommodate the pillow size plus seams and a hem. This tutorial uses a fabric piece measuring 24 inches by 30 inches, which, when sewn, results in a finished pillowcase perfectly sized for a 14″ x 20″ travel pillow. This generous size allows for a comfortable fit and a tidy hem finish. Consider making gifts for students traveling abroad or even gifts for someone traveling to greece that include a custom pillowcase.

Supplies Needed

To sew a travel pillowcase of this size, you will need:

• 2/3 yard of washable cotton fabric.
  Supplies needed for sewing a travel pillowcase: fabric and basic sewing tools

Fabric Cutting Instructions

Begin by cutting your fabric:

• Cut one fabric rectangle measuring 24 inches by 30 inches. This dimension is crucial for achieving the correct finished Size Of Travel Pillow Case.
  Cotton fabric cut to 24×30 inches, ready for making a travel pillow case of standard size

Sewing the Travel Pillowcase

Follow these simple steps to construct your pillowcase:

1. Along one of the 30-inch edges, press under 1/4 inch towards the wrong side of the fabric.
   Pressing a 1/4 inch fold along the 30-inch edge of the travel pillowcase fabric
2. Along the same edge, press under an additional 3-inch hem.
   Pressing a 3-inch hem for the opening of the travel pillow case
3. Edgestitch along the folded edge of the 3-inch hem.
   Edgestitching the folded 3-inch hem on the travel pillowcase fabric
4. Fold the fabric in half with right sides together, aligning the 24-inch raw edges. Pin the edges together.
   Folding the fabric in half, right sides together, and pinning the 24-inch raw edges before sewing the travel pillow case seams
5. Serge or sew the seam along the pinned edge. If using a regular sewing machine, sew a straight stitch with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, then finish the raw edge with a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying. This seam forms one side of the pillowcase. You might also consider how this fits with other travel comfort items like a neck support collar for travel.
6. Fold or “wrap” the seam allowance forward and serge (or straight stitch + zigzag) the remaining raw edge at the bottom of the pillowcase. This enclosed seam creates a neat finish.
   Close-up view showing the folded or 'wrapped' seam allowance before serging the end of the travel pillow caseSerging the end seam of the travel pillow case after folding the allowance forward
7. Press the finished pillowcase flat.
   Pressing the finished travel pillow case flat after sewing
8. Turn the pillowcase right side out and insert your 14″ x 20″ travel pillow.
   Completed simple travel pillowcase with a pillow insert inside

Sewing a Travel Pillow Insert (Optional)

If you wish to sew your own 14″ x 20″ pillow form to fit the pillowcase, here’s how:

1. Cut a fabric rectangle measuring 20-1/4 inches by 28-1/2 inches. This size accounts for seam allowances for a 14″ x 20″ finished insert.
   Fabric cut to 20.25×28.5 inches and folded for sewing a travel pillow insert
2. Fold the fabric in half, matching right sides and aligning the 20-1/4 inch cut edges. Pin the edges. This is similar to making a pillowcase, just with different dimensions optimized for the pillow form itself, which ultimately impacts the effective size of travel pillow case needed. Compared to purchasing options like the brookstone double comfort travel pillow, sewing allows customization.
3. Serge or sew one short edge.
   Serging one short edge of the folded fabric for the travel pillow insert
4. Fold or “wrap” the seam allowance forward and serge (or straight stitch + zigzag) the long edge of the pillow.
   Serging the long edge of the travel pillow insert fabric
5. Stuff the pillow with super-soft fiber fill and serge (or carefully sew by machine or hand) the opening closed.
   Stuffing the travel pillow insert with fiber fill and preparing to close the opening

These simple projects are quick and rewarding. Knowing the correct size of travel pillow case and how to make one allows for personalized comfort and makes for thoughtful handmade gifts. These pillows and cases are especially appreciated as comfort items for individuals undergoing medical treatments. Making items like these is a great way to use your skills for charitable outreach.

For more ideas on sewing projects for charitable purposes, explore various “Sew To Give” initiatives that connect crafters with needs in their local communities and beyond. Planning for comfort during travel, whether for yourself or others, is key, much like preparing for trips with specific gear such as a guava lotus vs newton travel crib.