Creating and donating a pillow case to a children's hospital is not only a generous gesture, but also an enjoyable craft. You can start this craft with your child or in a classroom to make an educational and charitable activity, as part of a knitting or crafting club or on your own. Before beginning the pillow case, you should consult the hospital you wish to donate to and ask about their need. Hospitals can often provide guidelines for the items they need, the ages of the children and any restrictions they might have. Verifying these criteria is important to ensure that your donation can be accepted.
Things You'll Need:
Things You Will Need
Purchase the fabric you will use to construct the pillowcase. Choosing a fabric that is hypoallergenic and, if possible, antimicrobial—like bamboo fiber—will help to ensure your pillowcase is appropriate for sick children.
Cut the fabric with your scissors into the appropriate size for a standard sized pillow case. Your pillow case should measure 21 by 32 inches.
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the finished side (the side you intend to be on the outside of the pillow case) inside.
Sew both long ends and one short end of the fabric together with your thread and sewing machine. Leave one short end open for a pillow to be inserted. Turn the fabric inside out so that the finished side is now outside.
Fold in a 1/2-inch hem on the open end of the pillow case. Ironing this hem down will make it easier to sew. Sew a straight stitch around the hem of the pillow case to hold it in place.
Warnings:
- Children's hospitals sometimes cannot accept homemade crafts. You may still donate an unopened purchased pillow case and use your crafted one for yourself.