How to Upcycle a Shirt into a Cozy Pillow

Pillows are an essential part of our daily lives. We use them to rest our heads after a long day, to support our backs while we sit, and even to decorate our homes. The good news is that making a pillow from an old shirt is both simple and cost-effective.

With just a few steps, you can create a stylish and comfortable pillow that will upgrade the look and feel of any room. Whether you’re a novice sewer or an expert crafter, this DIY project is perfect for anyone who wants to up-cycle their old shirts into something useful and beautiful. Here’s how to make a pillow from an old shirt in a few easy steps.

Section: How to Make a Pillow with a Shirt

Creating a pillow with an old shirt is a fun and eco-friendly way to upcycle your wardrobe. If you have a shirt that you no longer wear or doesn’t fit quite right, read on to learn how to turn it into a cozy memory foam pillow.

Choosing the Right Shirt

The first step to creating a shirt pillow is to select the right shirt. It’s important to choose a shirt that is large enough to create a comfortable and functional pillow. Look for a shirt made of soft and durable material such as cotton or flannel. You can also use a shirt with sentimental value to create a personalized and cherished pillow.

Gathering Materials

In addition to the shirt, you’ll need a few other materials to make your pillow. These include memory foam stuffing, scissors, a ruler, and sewing supplies such as a needle and thread or a sewing machine. You can also use buttons or other embellishments to add a decorative element to your pillow.

Preparing the Shirt

Start by washing and drying your shirt to ensure that it is clean and free from any dirt or debris. Next, remove any buttons or embellishments from the shirt and lay it flat on a surface. Use scissors to cut off the sleeves and collar, leaving only the main body of the shirt.

Measuring and Cutting

Using a ruler, measure the length and width of the shirt. This will give you the dimensions for your pillow. Cut the shirt to the desired size, leaving a seam allowance of 1-2 inches on all sides.

Sewing the Pillow

Now it’s time to start sewing your pillow. Fold the fabric in half, with the right sides facing each other, and sew along three sides of the fabric, leaving one side open. Use a backstitch to secure the seams and prevent them from unraveling.

Adding Stuffing

Once the pillow is sewn together, turn it right side out and stuff it with the memory foam stuffing. Be sure to pack the stuffing in tightly to create a supportive and comfortable pillow.

Closing the Pillow

After the pillow is fully stuffed, use a needle and thread to close the open side of the pillow, using a hidden stitch to create a seamless finish.

Decorating Your Pillow

Now that your pillow is complete, you can add any embellishments or decorations that you like. You can sew on buttons, embroidery, or patches to make your pillow unique and personalized.

Caring for Your Pillow

To keep your pillow looking and feeling great, it’s important to care for it properly. Spot clean any stains or spills using a mild detergent and cold water. Avoid washing the pillow in a washing machine, as this can damage the memory foam stuffing.

Conclusion

Creating a pillow with a shirt is a simple and satisfying DIY project that can breathe new life into old clothing. With a few basic materials and some simple sewing skills, you can make a customized and comfortable pillow that will provide years of use and fond memories. Try it out for yourself and see how easy and fun it can be!

Materials Needed

In this section, we will discuss all the materials you will need to make your shirt pillow. First and foremost, you will require a shirt – any shirt which you are willing to sacrifice for a good cause! It could be an old t-shirt, a button-down shirt or even a sweater. The material of the shirt is important to consider for the type of pillow you want. For example, a t-shirt will make for a softer, more flexible pillow while a button-down shirt will provide more structure.

Next, you will need a pair of scissors to cut your shirt into pieces. Ensure that your scissors are sharp enough to cut through your shirt fabric with ease. A sewing machine or needle and thread will come in handy when sewing the pieces of material together.

Finally, you will need pillow stuffing that will go inside your shirt pillow. This can be easily purchased from any craft store or online.

Cutting and Measuring

Before you begin cutting up your shirt, decide how big you want your pillow to be. This will help you determine how much material you will need to cut. Measure the length and width of your desired pillow size, and then add an inch all around for seam allowance.

Next, lay your shirt flat on a surface and fold it in half so that the sleeves are aligned with the bottom of the shirt. Use your scissors to cut along the seams of the sleeves and the collar until you have two separate pieces of material.

Cutting Residue Pieces

After cutting off the sleeves and collar of your shirt, you will have some leftover pieces of fabric. These pieces can be used to create decorative details for your pillow. Cut out small squares or triangles from the remaining fabric to add a pop of color or texture to your design.

Stitching the Fabric Together

Now that you have all the pieces of your shirt fabric cut out, it is time to sew them together into your desired pillow shape. First, place the two large pieces of shirt fabric together with the outside of the shirt facing inward. Pin them together for stability.

Next, use your sewing machine or needle and thread to stitch around the edges of the pillow, leaving a small gap for stuffing. Ensure that your stitches are tight and secure, so your pillow doesn’t fall apart.

Stuffing the Pillow

Once you have sewn the edges of your pillow together, it is time to stuff it with your chosen pillow stuffing. Begin by inserting small amounts of stuffing at a time until the pillow is filled to your desired level of firmness.

Closing the Gap

After stuffing the pillow, you must close the gap that was left unstitched earlier. Use your sewing machine or needle and thread to sew the gap shut, ensuring that your stitches are hidden and not visible on the outside of your pillow.

Decorative Touches

To give your pillow a unique and personalized feel, consider adding some decorative touches. You can choose to sew on buttons, lace, or other embellishments to add texture or color. For a more personal touch, consider embroidering a message or design onto the front of your pillow.

Caring for Your Pillow

To ensure that your new pillow lasts a long time, it is essential to care for it properly. Wash the pillow in cold water and hang it to dry. Avoid using high heat when drying the pillow as it may cause the stuffing to clump together.

Conclusion

Making a pillow with a shirt is a simple and affordable way to add a unique touch to your home decor. With just a few materials and some basic sewing skills, you can create a pillow that is tailored to your style and personality. So why not grab an old shirt and get started? The possibilities are endless!

Steps to Make a Pillow with a Shirt

Step 1: Choose the Right Shirt

When making a pillow with a shirt, you need to choose the right shirt that you want to use. It could be an old t-shirt, a shirt with your favorite prints, or a shirt that is just too small to wear anymore but holds some sentimental value. Shirt fabrics have different thickness and textures, which will affect the overall look and feel of your pillow. For example, a cotton t-shirt will have a softer texture than a denim button-up shirt. Make sure to choose a shirt that you don’t mind cutting up and that will fit the size of pillow you’re trying to create.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

In addition to the shirt, you’ll need some basic sewing supplies, including scissors, needle and thread, pins, and stuffing. Consider what type of stuffing you want to use for your pillow – you can use fiberfill, feathers, or even old clothes or towels. If you’re not an experienced sewer, consider getting a sewing machine to help streamline the process.

Step 3: Cut and Sew the Shirt

To start, lay the shirt out flat and cut it into two equal pieces along the side seams. Pin the two pieces right-sides together with the top edges aligned. Sew the pieces together, leaving a 1/2 inch seam allowance on the edges and a 4-6 inch gap for stuffing. Flip the pillowcase inside out through the gap you left.

Step 4: Stuff the Pillow

Now it’s time to stuff the pillow. Use the stuffing material of your choice and start filling up the pillow. Make sure that you evenly distribute the stuffing and fluff it to your desired level of firmness. Be careful not to overstuff the pillow, which can cause it to look lumpy and unevenly shaped.

Step 5: Finish and Close the Pillow

Once the pillow is stuffed, it’s time to close it up. Use a needle and thread to stitch the gap shut. Try to use small and discreet stitches so that they are not visible on the outside of the pillow. Once you’ve finished stitching, you can fluff your new pillow and put it on display in your home!

In conclusion, creating a pillow from a shirt is a great way to repurpose old clothing and add a unique touch to your home decor. With the right shirt and tools, you can create a cozy and personalized pillow that will be sure to impress your friends and family. So why not give it a try?

That’s it!

Now you know how to turn an old shirt into a comfortable pillow. It’s a fun and easy way to upcycle your wardrobe while also creating a cozy addition to your home. We hope you enjoyed this DIY project and give it a try soon. Don’t forget to thank us later when you cuddle up with your new pillow! We’ll see you again in our next article full of creative ideas. Happy crafting!