DIY: How to Make Pillows Out of Shirts

Have you ever thought about repurposing your old shirts that you don’t wear anymore? Instead of throwing them away or donating them, you can transform them into something useful and cozy – pillows! Making pillows out of shirts is a fun and easy DIY project that can save you money and help reduce the amount of fabric waste in your home.

With just a few simple steps and materials, you can upcycle your old shirts into decorative pillows that provide comfort and personality to your living space. Not only is it an eco-friendly option, but it’s a unique way to showcase your personal style and add a touch of nostalgia to your home decor. So, grab your old shirts and let’s get started on creating your own personalized pillows!

Creating functional and charming decor doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, transforming a shirt into a pillow is a fantastic way to incorporate upcycling into your home decor while creating a comfortable spot to rest your head. Not only is it a great way to preserve cherished garments, but it’s also an easy way to add a personal touch to your home.

In this article, we’ll go over a step-by-step guide to creating your own shirt pillows. Here are 10 subheadings that’ll guide you through the process:

Gather Your Materials

First off, you’ll need to gather your materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
– A shirt (preferably cotton)
– Pillow stuffing
– Scissors
– Needle and thread or sewing machine

Pick the Right Shirt

When selecting a shirt to use, look for one that’s in good condition and made of cotton. A shirt with a pattern or design will add some visual interest to your pillow.

Cut Out the Back of the Shirt

Next, flip your shirt inside out and use your scissors to cut out the back of the shirt. Aim to cut as close to the seams as possible so you’ll have less sewing to do.

Prepare the Sleeves

After you’ve cut out the back of the shirt, cut off the sleeves. Cut them as close to the seams as possible.

Cut the Shirt to Size

Determine how big you want your pillow and cut the rest of the shirt to size. Leave an inch or two on each side, so you’ll have room to sew the pieces together.

Sew the Shirt Together

With the right sides together, sew the shirt together. Be sure to leave a small opening to add in the pillow stuffing.

Add the Pillow Stuffing

Add pillow stuffing through the opening that you left. Be sure to add enough stuffing to make the pillow full and fluffy.

Close the Opening

After you’ve added the stuffing, sew the opening shut by hand or with your sewing machine.

Create Cute Accents

Get creative and add little accents like buttons, bows, or lace to give your shirt pillow a personal touch.

Show Off Your Work

Now that your pillow is complete, show it off! Place it on your bed, couch, or chair for a cozy, charming feel.

In conclusion, creating a pillow out of a shirt is a super easy and budget-friendly way to add a unique personal touch to your home decor. Give it a try and enjoy a comfy, custom pillow that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Choosing the Right Shirt for Your Pillow

When it comes to upcycling old shirts into pillows, not all shirts are created equal. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose the right type of shirt for your pillow based on your needs and preferences. Here are some things to consider:

Material and Fabric

The first and most important factor to consider is the material and fabric of the shirt. Look for materials that are durable and comfortable, such as cotton, flannel, or linen. Make sure that the fabric is in good condition, with no holes or tears that might make it difficult to sew.

Size of the Shirt

The size of the shirt is also an important consideration when making a pillow. A larger shirt will make a bigger pillow, while a smaller shirt will make a smaller pillow. You should also consider the size of the design on the shirt and how it will look when turned into a pillow.

Pattern and Design

The pattern and design of the shirt will determine the look and style of the pillow. Whether you want a plain-colored pillow or something with a bold pattern, choose a shirt that matches your taste and style.

Care Instructions

Make sure to check the care instructions on the shirt before using it to make a pillow. Some shirts may require special washing or drying instructions, and you don’t want to damage the fabric.

Cleaning History

Consider the cleaning history of the shirt. Is it stained or discolored? Has it been washed and dried multiple times? These factors can affect the quality of the fabric and the overall look of your pillow.

Sleeves and Collars

When cutting the shirt to make a pillow, you’ll need to decide if you want to include the sleeves and collars. Including these parts of the shirt can add extra texture and interest to the pillow, but omitting them can give a cleaner and more streamlined look.

Buttons and Pockets

Buttons and pockets can also be incorporated into the pillow design, depending on your preference. However, keep in mind that adding extra elements can make the sewing process more complicated.

Color Scheme

If you want your pillow to match the color scheme of a particular room, choose a shirt that complements the colors. Alternatively, you can choose a shirt with contrasting colors to make the pillow stand out.

Personalization

Another fun aspect of making pillows out of shirts is the opportunity to personalize them. Consider adding embroidery, applique, or other embellishments to make the pillow unique and special.

Sentimental Value

Finally, if the shirt has sentimental value to you, such as a shirt from a concert or sports game, incorporating it into a pillow can be a great way to show off your fandom while also adding a personal touch to your home decor.

Materials Needed to Make Pillows out of Shirts

Making pillows out of shirts is an affordable and straightforward do-it-yourself activity that can be completed in simple steps. The following are the materials that you will need to make a pillow out of your old shirt:

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pillows out of Shirts

Now that we have the materials ready, let’s take a look at the simple steps involved in making pillows out of shirts.

Step 1: Choose a Shirt

The first step involves selecting a shirt that you no longer use or wear. The shirt must be clean and dry. Any shirt, provided it is large enough to make the pillow, will do. You can choose a shirt that has sentimental value, such as a favorite band t-shirt, to make the pillow more personal and meaningful.

Step 2: Cut the Shirt

Next, lay the shirt down on a flat surface and cut the shirt’s sleeves and collar using a pair of sharp scissors. The cut should be made on the shoulder seams, ensuring that both sides are equal. Cut the shirt horizontally, leaving the body of the shirt intact. Make the cut straight across the shirt, just below the armhole.

Step 3: Turn the Shirt Inside Out and Sew

After cutting, turn the shirt inside out and sew the open edges together using a sewing machine or a needle and thread. Ensure that you leave a small opening in the center of the seam. This opening will be used to turn the shirt right side out and to stuff the pillow.

Step 4: Stuff the Pillow

Turn the shirt right side out through the small opening while ensuring that the corners are fully pushed out. Now is the time to stuff the pillow with fiberfill or filling. Fill your pillow with as much stuffing as you desire, but not so much that it becomes too bulky.

Step 5: Sew the Opening Shut

Once you have filled the shirt with stuffing, sew the opening shut using your needle and thread or sewing machine. After stitching, tie the end of the thread and cut off the excess.

In conclusion, making pillows out of shirts is a simple and affordable way to repurpose old clothing while creating new and personalized pillows. It is a project that you can enjoy working on alone or with your friends and family. With the use of basic materials and simple steps that do not take a lot of time, you can make something unique and special.

Time to Make Some Comfy Pillows!

We hope this article gave you some great ideas for upcycling old shirts into cozy pillows. Remember to personalize your pillows with fun designs and embellishments to add a unique touch to your home decor. Thanks for taking the time to read this article, and don’t forget to visit us again for more DIY ideas! Now, go make some stylish pillows and enjoy those lazy evenings luxuriating in their comfort. Happy crafting!