So what are pillowcase dresses anyway?
Pillowcase dresses are quite simply dresses made from the fabric found in a pillowcase (or two..). Based on the designs and the free patterns below, a simple pillowcase and some trimmings can make you a fantastic little dress for your daughter or granddaughter. We also have some wonderful options for women as well to make simple dresses and skirts.
Why do sewists like pillowcase dress patterns and projects?
I've really found pillowcase dresses to be a lot of fun and so simple (and inexpensive) to make. Pillowcases are often such a good source of interesting and attractive fabrics. If you find some nice designs on sale, you might even discover that the material is sometimes even cheaper than buying normal fabric. This really makes for a quick, easy, and inexpensive sewing project for any sewist.
How to start?
Look through your closet to find one or more pillowcases. You may also check your local stores for sales and garage sales or thrift stores for beautiful vintage designs. Look for interesting colors, prints, and textures. When you find something good, just choose a design below and get started. Most of these projects are quick and easy so you'll be done in no time.
Hover over the picture to show the title, click to open, or right-click and open in a new tab to keep this page open too. And don’t forget to pin so everyone can enjoy!
Pillowcase Dresses Free Patterns Roundup
Easy A line and Ruffle Trim Pillowcase Dress Top
Frozen Inspired Pillowcase Dress
Tiered Pillowcase style Dress
Women
Pillowcase Dress with Ribbon Trim for 18 inches Doll
Shirred Summer Dress with Tie Back Bow
Disney inspired Pillowcase Dress
Adorable Pillowcase Dress
Ruffle Pillowcase Dress
Sunshine Pillowcase Dress
Pillowcase Dresses and Tops
Cutie Red Pillowcase Red
Pillowcase Dress for Adults and Kids
Pillowcase Dress using Cut Fabric
Flower Pillowcase Dress
Pleated Bow Pillowcase Dress
Empire Waist Pillowcase Dress
Pillowcase Dress with an Embroidered Pillowcase
20-minute Pillowcase Dress
Pillowcase Dress with Pattern Size Chart
French Pillowcase Dress
Easy Pillowcase Dress
Double Layer Pillowcase Dress
Blue Bird Pillowcase Dress
Fruity Pillowcase Dress
Retro Ruffle Pillowcase Dress
Sweet Pillowcase Dress
A Refreshed Pillowcase Dress
DIY Pillowcase Dress
Simple Baby Pillowcase Dress
Fat Quarter Baby Dress
Shirred Pillowcase Dress
How to make a Pillowcase Dress
Pillowcase Dress for 0 3 mos and 2T
Fabric Tie and Elastic Casing Pillowcase Dress
Pillowcase Dress for Beginners
Pillowcase Dress with Ribbon
Fat Quarter Pillowcase Dress
If you want to learn even more about pillows and pillowcases. Here's a fun article we did about the history of the pillow.
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The “sassy dress” immediately caught my eye. Unfortunately, the link does not work. I went a bit farther to look up the page of the dress and it seems to have been taken down as it can not be found. Bummer!
Hi Celeste, thanks for letting me know, and sorry that one is no longer available. I’ve removed the link. Kind regards and happy sewing, Mayra
Do you know of a charity we can donate these dresses to?
I am a Family and Consumer Science teacher in Van Buren, AR. I love your site. I use it for ideas for lesson plans and basic sewing projects for my students. Thank you for your information and inspiration! DRieske
Hi Debra, thanks so much for the kind feedback. I really appreciate it.
I download your pillow dress pattern.
Let me know how it turns out please.
I have two pretty pillowcases I would like to make a skirt with. They are outlined as in a panel around the floral. Would that panel make the skirt look dumb? LOL
If you are retired or have time on your hands, you can make these dresses for girls in Africa. Visit their website: http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog/ and make girls happy and proud. Inexpensive to make using trift stores and dollar stores to gather fabrics and ribbons, and these dresses will go a long way into bringing happiness around the world.
Hi Carole, thanks for this timely reminder. Our readers can learn more about this wonderful charity here: https://so-sew-easy.com/little-dress-journey-hope/
How lovely! My hairdresser recently had a daughter and I was looking for something to make for her. A little dress like this will be perfect for when the baby is a little bigger. Thank you so much for sharing!
must try one for my granddaughter
Just what I was looking for. Thank you so much
Love it can I get back to this at another time in the free patterns area don’t have time now but would love to revisit it . Thanks for sharing
so many delightful creative cute dresses – thanks for your efforts and sharing 🙂
You are welcome Alicia, hope you make a few for the summer.