How to Make a Tube Pillowcase: The Magic Burrito Method with Jenny Doan
Need a quick, satisfying sewing project? The tube pillowcase (sometimes called the "burrito pillowcase" or "magic pillowcase") is one of the most popular beginner projects on the internet — and for good reason. In about 15 minutes, you can turn three pieces of fabric into a beautiful, professional-looking pillowcase with a decorative cuff and hidden seams. No exposed raw edges, no French seams required.
Jenny Doan's tube pillowcase tutorial has been watched nearly 4 million times, and once you try it, you'll understand why. It's like a magic trick: you roll everything up into a tube, sew one seam, pull it right-side out, and — ta-da! — a gorgeous pillowcase appears. Let's make one!
What Is a Tube Pillowcase?
A tube pillowcase is a method of sewing a decorative pillowcase where all the fabric pieces are layered and rolled into a tube before sewing. The magic of this method is that you sew just one long seam, and when you pull everything right-side out, all the raw edges are completely hidden inside. You get a pillowcase with a beautiful contrasting cuff and a tiny accent strip — all finished in one pass.
It's the perfect project for beginners, last-minute gifts, charity sewing drives, or just refreshing your bedroom without spending a fortune. Once you get the hang of it, you can make a pillowcase in 15 minutes flat.
What You'll Need
🧵 Main pillowcase fabric — 27" (¾ yard)
This is the body of your pillowcase. Pick something soft and fun! Cotton quilting fabric works great. Shop fabric.
🎨 Cuff fabric — 9" (¼ yard)
A contrasting or coordinating print for the decorative band at the open end. This is where you can get creative!
✨ Accent strip — 2" × width of fabric
A thin strip in a third fabric (or matching the cuff) that creates a little "piping" effect between the cuff and body. Just 1" wide when folded!
✂️ Rotary cutter, ruler & mat — Shop rotary cutters
📌 Pins — you'll need several to hold the tube together
🪡 Sewing machine — basic straight stitch is all you need
Tip: This makes a standard-size pillowcase (about 20" × 30"). For a king-size, add 10" to the length of your main fabric and cuff.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cut Your Three Fabric Pieces (1A)
You need three pieces, all cut to the full width of the fabric (selvage to selvage, about 42"):
Main body: 27" long (¾ yard)
Cuff: 9" long (¼ yard)
Accent strip: 2" long (just a thin strip)
Stack all three pieces together, match up the fold lines, and use your long ruler to trim off the selvage edges so everything is exactly the same width.
Step 2: Press the Cuff and Accent Strip (2A)
Take your cuff piece and fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press it with your iron so it holds a nice crisp fold. Do the same with your accent strip — fold it in half lengthwise and press.
These folds create the finished edges that will show on your pillowcase. The cuff becomes a double-thick decorative band, and the accent strip becomes a tiny pop of color between the cuff and body.
The layering is the key to the magic — watch Jenny walk through it step by step!
Step 3: Layer Your Fabrics (3A)
This is where the magic setup happens. Pay attention to the order — it matters!
Bottom layer: Main pillowcase fabric, right side up (pretty side facing you)
Middle layer: Cuff fabric (folded), placed on top with raw edges aligned on one long side and the fold pointing toward the center of the main fabric
Top layer: Accent strip (folded), placed on top of the cuff, raw edges aligned with the same edge
All the raw edges on one side should be lined up. The cuff's fold faces inward, and the accent strip sits right on top.
Step 4: Roll It Into a Tube (The Burrito!)
Here comes the fun part! Starting from the folded edge of the cuff (the side opposite the raw edges), roll the main pillowcase fabric up toward the raw edges — like you're rolling a burrito. Keep rolling until all the main body fabric is tucked inside the cuff. (4A)
Now take the back layer of the cuff (the piece that's been lying flat underneath) and bring it up and over the roll, wrapping it around to meet the raw edges at the top. Pin through all the layers — you should have about 4-5 layers of fabric along that raw edge. (4B)
Step 5: Sew the Long Seam (4C)
Sew a ¼" seam along the entire pinned edge. This is the only seam that creates the cuff — so make sure all layers are caught.
Once you've sewn the full length, reach inside the tube and gently pull the rolled-up main fabric out through one of the open ends. As you pull, the pillowcase will magically turn right-side out with the cuff perfectly attached, the accent strip peeking out, and all raw edges hidden inside!
Step 6: Close the Pillowcase
Almost done! Fold the pillowcase in half so the body fabric is right sides together. Now sew across the top (the closed end) and down the open side to close the pillowcase.
For the side seam, you have several options to finish the raw edge:
• Zigzag stitch over the raw edge to prevent fraying
• Serge it if you have a serger
• French seam for an extra-polished interior
Turn your pillowcase right-side out one last time, give it a quick press, and you're done!
Step 7: Admire Your Work!
Look at that — a beautiful pillowcase with a contrasting cuff, a little accent strip peeking through, and not a single raw edge in sight. You made that in about 15 minutes!
Pro Tips for Success
Why Quilters Love This Method
The tube pillowcase method is beloved because it eliminates the guesswork. There's no fussy measuring of seam allowances for the cuff, no trying to sew a straight edge on an already-attached band. Everything is constructed in one clever step, and the result is always clean and professional.
Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up fabric from your stash. That gorgeous print you've been hoarding? The jelly roll strip that's too pretty to cut? A couple of fat quarters you grabbed at a quilt show? They're all perfect for pillowcases.
You've Got This!
If you can sew a straight line, you can make a tube pillowcase. It's one of those projects that feels so much more impressive than the effort it takes — which is exactly the kind of sewing we love. Make one for yourself, make a set for a friend, or make a stack for every bed in the house. Once you start, it's hard to stop!