Hold the pillowcase up to your body and stand in front of a mirror to decide the finished length, then mark where you'd like the upper edge or waistline.
Spread the case on a flat surface. Measure 1 1/2" above the waistline mark and draw a line across the pillowcase, parallel to the short end (2). Cut off the excess fabric on the line. Note: For a skirt about the same length as the pillowcase, release the stitching of the seam across the end and don't trim any fabric.
For a double-fold hem, press under
3/4" around the upper edge. Fold under
again 3/4" and press and pin in place.
Set the sewing machine for a medium straight stitch. To create a casing for the elastic, start at the side fold or seam and edgestitch close to the inner fold leaving a 1" opening to insert the elastic. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the
stitching. Edgestitch the upper fold (3).
Attach a bodkin or large safety pin to one end of the elastic. Thread the elastic through the waistband casing, making sure the loose end doesn't slip into the opening as you pull the elastic through. Tip: Pin the elastic loose end close to the opening to secure it while threading the other end. Be sure the elastic stays flat and doesn't twist in the casing.
When the elastic is completely around the waistline, pin both ends together and secure the ends to the skirt. Try on the skirt and adjust the elastic so it feels comfortable. Pin the elastic together at the determined size.
Take off the skirt and trim the excess elastic 1/2" from the pin. Sew the elastic together. Overlap the ends 1" and zigzag (4), or simply match the ends and sew across several times 1/2" from the ends (5).
Stretch the waistband so the joined elastic pops inside. Stitch across the opening to finish the waistband.
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