I recently made my mom some travel pillowcases. She likes to take two pillowcases so she can replace the one with icky plane germs as soon as she gets to her destination. Smart mom. :) Even if you don’t plan to sleep, it’s nice to stuff a pillow between you and the uncomfortable arm rest, especially in a window seat.

Did you know that pillows don’t count against your carry on allowance? True! A pillow or blanket are typically allowed in addition to a carry on. :P But who wants to carry a pillow around the airport? So why not a pillowcase with a strap to go over your rolling luggage handle?

You will need:
A 12″ x 16″ travel pillow insert (or make one!)
1/2 yard of 42″ wide fabric (I used a kid’s twill print from JoAnn)
1″ wide elastic – optional

Cut fabric 13.25″ tall by 42″ wide
Cut elastic 13.25″ long (not stretched)

Hem BOTH short ends. Press 3/8″ to the wrong side, then fold over another 3/8″ to enclose the raw edge.

Edge stitch the hems.

Fold one end over 16″.

Fold the other end right up to the end underneath and back over towards the center. So the whole pillowcase should be 16″ wide.

Lay the elastic over the folded part and towards the middle. Pin everything.

Sew the raw edges with a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Trim the seam allowances to 1/8″

Turn wrong side out, poke out the corners and press. Sew with a 3/8″ Seam allowance.

Now turn it right side out again and press lightly. All the raw edges should now be enclosed. The elastic strap should be on the back/flap side.

 Fold back the envelope flap and stuff your pillow in. I find it’s easiest to punch the pillow down when folding the flap back over.

 

You could also cut this a bit bigger and stuff a blanket in there too! I won’t tell. :P

  Slide on top of your carry on!