This project combines multiple skills and techniques, making it an excellent assessment for students as they learn to construct apparel. The pillowcases can be modified according to the size of the pillow, giving students another opportunity to practice their altering skills. The magic pillowcase is a favorite project for students in my course, and many students choose to make more than one. Some students will find the process intimidating, but others will jump in and enjoy the challenge. Once students understand the process, they may not want to make a plain pillowcase again.

If you are looking for a good community service project, consider having your FCCLA students make these pillowcases and donate them to a local organization working with children in foster care or a shelter for women and children.

Degree of difficulty: Easy to Moderate 

Skills Demonstrated

As students complete this project, they are demonstrating their abilities to

• Read and follow directions
• Measure fabric
• Cut fabric
• Measure and mark seam allowances
• Sew French seam
• Trim seam allowances
• Clip corners
• Turn fabric
• Sew straight seams, aligning seams and corners.
• Alter pattern, if needed
• Problem solve
• Think critically

Magic Pillowcase Pattern

https://www.alandacraft.com/2016/10/25/magic-pillow-case-tutorial/

CTSO Connection

The fourth purpose of FCCLA is “to encourage individual and group involvement in helping achieve global cooperation and harmony” (FCCLA, 2019). Embedding community service projects into an apparel production course is an excellent way for students to see how they can use their skills to benefit others in their community.

If you are looking for a good community service project, consider having your FCCLA students make these pillowcases and donate them to a local organization working with children in foster care or a shelter for women and children.

References

Deaton, S. (2021). Teaching Apparel Production. Presentation.

Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). (n.d.). About FCCLA. Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Retrieved January 12, 2023, from https://fcclainc.org/about#:~:text=The%20work%20of%20FCCLA%20helps,in%20four%20specific%20Career%20Pathways.