How To Make A Button Up Shirt Pillow?

Creating a button-up shirt pillow is a charming and sentimental way to repurpose a beloved garment. To make one, you’ll need a button-up shirt, a pillow insert or stuffing, scissors, pins, a ruler or measuring tape, and a sewing machine or needle and thread. Begin by laying the shirt flat and cutting across from under the armpits to remove the top portion. Then, sew the bottom opening shut, turn the shirt inside out, and button it up. Insert the pillow or stuffing, and hand stitch the top opening closed to secure your new button-up shirt pillow.

Materials Needed

Before diving into the steps, let’s make sure you have all the necessary materials ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A button-up shirt (the size of the shirt will determine the size of the pillow)
  • Pillow insert or polyester fiberfill
  • Scissors
  • Straight pins
  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Sewing machine or needle and thread
  • Iron (optional, for pressing)

Choosing the Right Shirt

Choosing a shirt with sentimental value can add a personal touch to your home decor. It could be a shirt from a loved one, a keepsake from a special event, or simply a favorite pattern you can’t bear to part with.

Fabric Considerations

The fabric of the shirt is also an important consideration. Cotton or flannel shirts work best because they are easy to sew and handle. Thicker fabrics like denim or corduroy can also be used but may be more challenging to sew.

Preparing the Shirt

Step 1: Ironing

If the shirt is wrinkled, start by ironing it to ensure a smooth working surface. This will make it easier to measure and cut accurately.

Step 2: Cutting

Lay the shirt flat on a table and smooth out any creases. With your measuring tape or ruler and scissors, cut straight across the shirt just below the armpits. You should now have two separate pieces: the bottom half, which will become your pillowcase, and the top half, which can be set aside for another project or discarded.

Sewing the Pillow

Step 1: Sewing the Bottom Seam

Turn the bottom half of the shirt inside out so that the pattern or front side is on the inside. Pin the bottom shut evenly. Using your sewing machine or needle and thread, sew a straight line across the bottom where you’ve placed your pins, removing them as you go. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to prevent unraveling.

Step 2: The Sides

If your pillow insert is smaller than the width of the shirt, you may want to take in the sides for a snug fit. Measure and mark the desired width with pins, then sew straight seams just as you did with the bottom, removing any excess fabric if necessary.

Step 3: Turning and Stuffing

Once the bottom and optional side seams are complete, turn the shirt right side out, button it up, and smooth out any linen. Now you can insert your pillow form. If you’re using loose stuffing, gradually fill the pillowcase, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and full.

Step 4: Closing the Top

For a seamless finish, fold the raw edges of the cut side inward and pin them in place, creating a clean line. Hand stitch this side with small, discreet stitches, removing the pins as you go.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If the fabric is slipping as you sew, use more pins or consider basting by hand with large stitches to hold everything in place before machine sewing.
  • For shirts that have a pleat at the back, iron this flat to ensure a smooth surface for your pillow or incorporate the pleat into your design for a more tailored look.

Finishing Touches

Once all sides are sewn, give your newly crafted pillow a fluff and final press for any wrinkled areas. The button placket now serves as a charming focal point and closure.

Maintenance and Care

Depending on the fabric, your button-up shirt pillow may occasionally need laundering. If possible, choose a shirt that can withstand machine washing, or include an envelope closure at the bottom if you’ve modified the original design, allowing you to remove the insert and wash the cover separately. Always follow the care instructions for the specific fabric of your shirt to keep your pillow looking its best.

Personalization Ideas

To add a personal touch to your pillow, consider the following enhancements:

  • Embroider a message, date, or name onto the pocket or lower corner of the pillow.
  • Attach a decorative label or patch celebrating a memory associated with the shirt.
  • Use fabric paint or pens to include children’s handprints or artwork for a family keepsake.

Finishing Thoughts

Creating a button-up shirt pillow is not just a simple sewing project but an inventive way to preserve memories and add character to your living space. With the shirt’s inherent button placket and tailored edges, your pillow will have a ready-made design element that adds a note of coziness and nostalgia to wherever it’s placed. Whether you’re new to sewing or an expert, this project is a rewarding way to bring a personal touch into your home. Not only does it recycle a cherished item, but it also creates a new purpose and prolongs the sentiment of the shirt for many more years to come.

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