How to Sew a Single Duvet Cover & Pillowcases in Linen (Step-by-Step Guide)

There’s nothing quite like sleeping under breathable, natural linen—especially when you’ve made it yourself!

In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to sew a UK single duvet cover and two matching pillowcases using our beautiful signature checked linen.

We used our sea green check linen (150cm wide), finished with simple linen bias ties.

What You’ll Need

• Linen fabric (150cm wide) - Sea Green Check linen or see other options here
• Natural linen bias binding (for ties)
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine
• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
• Pins or clips
• Iron

UK Single Duvet Size

Standard UK single duvet: 135cm x 200cm (53" x 79")

Fabric Requirements

Duvet Cover

To allow for seams and ease: 2 pieces each measuring 145cm (57") x 210cm (82.5")

Recommended purchase: 4.2 metres (4.6 yards) of 150cm-wide linen

Pillowcases (2 standard UK)

Standard UK pillow: 50cm x 75cm
Fabric needed per pillowcase (with envelope closure): 80cm (31.5")
For two: 160cm (63")

Recommended purchase for both pillowcases: 1.6 metres (1.75 yards)

Total Fabric Needed

• Duvet cover: 4.2 metres
• Pillowcases: 1.7 metres

Total: 6 metres (6.5 yards)

How to Sew a Single Duvet Cover

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

Cut:

• 2 panels: 140cm x 205cm
  (55" x 81")

This gives:

• Seam allowance
• Slight ease for shrinkage (linen is machine washable)

Step 2: Align the Pattern

If using checked linen:

• Carefully match the checks before pinning
• This makes a big visual difference in the finished piece

Step 3: Sew the Seams

1. Place panels right sides together
2. Pin along both long sides and one short side (this will be the top)
3. Sew with: 1.5cm seam allowance (⅝")

Step 4: Finish Raw Edges

Use one of the following:

• Overlocker (serger)
• Zigzag stitch
  

Step 5: Create the Opening

On the bottom edge:

• Fold raw edge under 1cm + 1cm (⅜" + ⅜")
• Press and stitch to create a neat folded hem. WHILST YOU ARE DOING THIS, PROCEED TO THE NEXT STEP:

Step 6: Add Linen Bias Ties

Using natural linen bias binding:

1. Cut 3–4 strips, each: 30cm (12") long
2. Fold and stitch into ties
3. Attach evenly along the opening edge while folding over the hem.

Typically: 3–4 pairs of ties spaced evenly

Step 7: Turn & Press

• Turn right sides out
• Push out corners neatly
• Press all seams flat

Your duvet cover is finished!

How to Sew Matching Pillowcases (x2)

We made simple envelope-style pillowcases for standard-sized pillows

Step 1: Cut Fabric

Per pillowcase:

• 1 piece 90cm x 52cm
• 1 piece 75cm x 52cm
  

Step 2: Hem the Top Edges

On the short sides of each pillowcase piece:

• Fold 1cm + 1cm (⅜" + ⅜")
• Stitch to create a clean, folded hem

Step 3: Fold the Pillowcase

1. Lay one short piece and one long piece right sides together, aligning the bottom unfinished edge
2. Fold the top of the longer piece down by 10cm and pin the layers in place

Step 4: Sew Side Seams & Bottom

• Sew with 1.5cm (⅝") seam allowance
• Finish edges as before with an overlocker or zigzag stitch

Step 5: Turn & Press

• Turn right sides out
• Press neatly

Repeat for the second pillowcase.

Care Tips for Linen

• Machine washable at 30–40°C
• Air dry for the best texture
• Linen softens beautifully over time

Why Choose Linen?

• Naturally breathable (perfect for UK climates)
• Durable and long-lasting
• Sustainable and biodegradable
• Gets softer with every wash