Creating a memory pillow from a nightgown is a wonderful way to preserve a piece of clothing that holds special sentimental value. To transform a nightgown into a pillow, you will need some basic sewing supplies, like a sewing machine, thread, fabric scissors, and pillow stuffing or a pillow insert. The process involves cutting out the appropriate fabric pieces from the nightgown, sewing them together to form a pillow shape, and finally stuffing or inserting the pillow filler. It’s a project that can usually be completed in a few hours and makes for a touching keepsake or heartfelt gift.
Materials Needed
To start with, gather the following materials:
– A nightgown with enough fabric for your desired pillow size
– Pillow stuffing or a pre-made pillow form in the size and shape you want
– Sewing machine (a hand-sewing needle will work too, but will take a bit longer)
– Matching thread
– Fabric scissors
– Pins
– Iron and ironing board (optional, but helpful)
– Seam ripper (if you need to remove any existing seams)
– Measuring tape or ruler
– Fabric marker or chalk
Preparation of the Nightgown
Choosing the Right Sections
Before you start cutting into the nightgown, decide which parts of it are most meaningful and showcase any special details, like lace or embroidery, you want to feature on your pillow. If there are any stains or damaged areas, plan to avoid these when choosing your fabric sections.
Our Top 5 Pillow Picks
Updated September 2026MFWW Cervical Contour Memory Foam Pillow
Best for neck pain. A dual-height ergonomic contour cradles your head and supports the neck, for back and side sleepers.
- Contour memory foam
- Dual-height design
- Cool breathable cover
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Standard, 2-Pack
Best value pair. Shredded foam you can adjust to your loft, with a cool-gel feel and no solid-block heat. Two pillows in one box.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Standard 2-pack
Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best for the whole household. The same adjustable cooling foam in queen size, four to a set, so every bed in the house gets an upgrade.
- Adjustable shredded foam
- Cool gel
- Hypoallergenic
- Queen set of 4
Utopia Bedding Hotel Pillows, Queen, Set of 4
Best hotel-style set. Plush, cooling pillows made to suit side, back and stomach sleepers alike. A safe pick for guest rooms.
- Queen set of 4
- Cooling
- All sleep positions
- Hotel style
Zalmureta Goose Feather & Down Pillows, Queen, Set of 2
Best luxury pick. A three-chamber goose feather and down fill wrapped in a 100% cotton shell, for that five-star-hotel feel at home.
- Goose feather & down
- 3-chamber design
- 100% cotton shell
- Queen 2-pack
Measuring and Cutting
Measure the size of your pillow insert or decide on the dimensions of your pillow. If you’re using a pre-made pillow form, you can use it as a template to outline the necessary fabric size directly onto the nightgown with your fabric marker or chalk. Remember to add a seam allowance of around 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) around the perimeter of the pillow for sewing.
Once you have your sections planned out, carefully cut the fabric from the nightgown using your fabric scissors.
Sewing the Pillow
Pinning the Fabric
With the right sides (the outer sides of the nightgown that you want to display) of the fabric facing each other, align the edges, and pin them together to hold the fabric in place as you sew. If the nightgown has buttons or a zipper that you’d like to incorporate into the pillow design, ensure they are placed in the correct position before pinning.
Stitching the Edges
Thread your sewing machine with a color of thread that either matches or complements the nightgown fabric. Stitch along the edge where you inserted pins, leaving a seam allowance and making sure to leave an opening large enough for your hand to fit through. This gap will be used for stuffing the pillow or inserting the pillow form.
Clipping Corners and Curves
If your pillow is square or rectangular, clip the corners of the fabric diagonally to ensure sharp corners once the pillow is turned right side out. If your design includes curves or circular shapes, make small cuts into the seam allowance around these areas to help the fabric lay flat once turned inside out.
Turning and Pressing
Carefully turn the pillow right side out through the opening you left. Using your fingers or a dull tool like a chopstick, push out the seams to define the shape of the pillow. If available, use an iron to press the seams for a crisper, more professional appearance.
Finishing the Pillow
Stuffing or Inserting the Pillow
If using pillow stuffing, gradually fill the pillow to your desired firmness, ensuring that the stuffing is evenly distributed without lumps. If using a pillow form, simply insert it into the pillowcase through the opening.
Hand Sewing the Closure
Once the pillow is stuffed or the form is in place, fold in the raw edges of the opening and pin them together to hold. Using a needle and thread, hand stitch the opening closed with a ladder or hidden stitch for a seamless look.
Adding Personal Touch
Consider adding personalized decorations or embellishments to the pillow. For example, you could add a decorative border with lace from another part of the nightgown, create a patchwork design with different fabric sections, or attach a pocket from the nightgown to hold keepsakes.
Finishing Thoughts
Creating a memory pillow from a nightgown not only recycles a cherished piece of clothing but also offers a comforting and tangible reminder of a loved one or a special time in your life. It serves as a unique piece of home decor, brimming with personal history and love. Whether you’re crafting for yourself, a friend, or a family member, the act of making the pillow can be a deeply meaningful process. As you snuggle up with your new memory pillow, you’ll have more than just a cozy cushion—you’ll have a treasure that holds a story and keeps precious memories alive for years to come.
