How To Make A Pillow Out Of At Shirt?

December 24, 2023

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Creating a pillow out of a t-shirt is a fun and simple DIY project that you can accomplish with minimal sewing skills. To get started, you’ll need a t-shirt, some pillow stuffing or an old pillow that you can reuse, scissors, and a sewing machine or a needle and thread. The basic steps involve cutting the t-shirt to size, sewing it shut, stuffing it, and then sewing it closed. This creative endeavor offers a wonderful way to repurpose beloved t-shirts, giving them a new life as comfortable, personalized pillows.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
– T-shirt: Choose one that has sentimental value or sports a graphic design that you enjoy.
– Pillow stuffing: You can buy polyfill or use stuffing from an old pillow.
– Scissors: A good pair of fabric scissors makes cutting easier and more precise.
– Sewing machine or Needle and thread: A sewing machine will make the project go faster, but hand-sewing works just as well.
– Straight pins: These are optional but help hold the fabric in place while you sew.
– Measuring tape or ruler: This is optional but helpful for sizing your pillow.
– Fabric marker or chalk: This is optional but useful for marking cut lines.

Preparing the T-shirt

Selecting and Sizing Your T-shirt

Start by choosing a t-shirt that you want to transform into a pillow. If you’re making a pillow for decorative purposes, consider the design and color of the shirt, ensuring it matches the intended space. Use a measuring tape or ruler to decide on the dimensions of your pillow, and mark the cutting lines on your t-shirt with a fabric marker or chalk.

Cutting the Fabric

Once you have the dimensions marked, it’s time to cut the fabric. Lay the t-shirt flat on a clean surface, smoothing out any wrinkles. If you’re using a graphic from the shirt, ensure it is centered in the area you’ll be cutting. Cut through both layers of the shirt, following the lines you’ve marked. You should now have two equal-sized pieces of fabric.

Sewing the Pillow Case

Pin the Fabric Pieces Together

Place the two pieces of fabric with the right sides (the sides with the graphics or design) together. If you’re using straight pins, pin around the edges to hold the fabric in place, leaving about half an inch of seam allowance. Make sure to leave a gap of about 4 to 6 inches un-pinned on one side. This is where you will later stuff the pillow.

Sewing the Edges

Begin sewing around the perimeter of the pillow, following the pins and seam allowance that you’ve established, whether by machine or by hand. Remember to leave the gap un-sewn for stuffing. Secure the stitching at both ends of the gap by backstitching a few times to prevent unraveling.

Stuffing and Finishing the Pillow

Turning the Pillow Right Side Out

Once you’ve sewn around the edges, carefully turn the pillowcase right side out through the gap you’ve left. Poke out the corners to ensure a nice shape. You should now have a pillowcase that resembles the final shape.

Stuffing the Pillow

Begin stuffing the pillow through the gap, using your hands to distribute the stuffing evenly and ensure that the corners are well-filled. Add enough stuffing to achieve your desired firmness, but be careful not to over-stuff, as this can make the pillow lumpy and uneven.

Closing the Gap

After your pillow is stuffed to satisfaction, close the gap. You can use pins to hold the open edges together if that makes it easier. Use a hidden stitch, such as a ladder stitch, to sew the gap closed by hand, making sure your stitches are small and tight. Once you’ve finished sewing, tie off your thread securely and trim any excess.

Customizing Your T-shirt Pillow

Personalizing with Additional Embellishments

Consider adding more flair by sewing on buttons, patches, or applying fabric paint. You could also add a border with a contrasting fabric or even use ribbon to create a tied-closure look. This is a fantastic way to make your t-shirt pillow even more unique and personalized.

Tips for Working with Different Fabrics

T-shirt materials can vary, so if you’re working with a stretchy fabric, be cautious not to pull it while sewing. For thinner t-shirts, you might want to iron on interfacing to give the fabric more stability before sewing.

Maintenance and Care for Your T-shirt Pillow

Washing and Drying

Your homemade t-shirt pillow’s care will depend on the original t-shirt’s material. Generally, you can machine wash on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low, but always follow the care instructions for the specific fabric you’ve used. Remember that hand-sewn pillows may require delicate handling during cleaning.

Long-Term Use

Over time, your pillow may become compacted or out of shape. Every so often, fluff the pillow to redistribute the stuffing and maintain its shape. If necessary, you can add extra stuffing by opening a small part of the seam, adding stuffing, and sewing it shut again.

Finishing Thoughts

Creating a pillow from a t-shirt is a project that blends crafting, recycling, and memory preservation. It’s a delightful way to keep treasured shirts in use and add a touch of warmth and comfort to your home. The process is straightforward, the materials are accessible, and the result is a personalized pillow infused with meaning and purpose. Whether you’re a craft novice or a seasoned DIY enthusiast, this project offers endless opportunities for creativity and customization. Revel in the process, and enjoy a well-earned rest on your new t-shirt pillow!