
Turning an old T-shirt into a cozy pillow is a simple DIY project that not only recycles your unused clothing but also adds a personal touch to your home decor. The basic method involves cutting out the front and back of the T-shirt, sewing them together, stuffing the pillow, and then closing the seam. This project is suitable for beginners and doesn’t require advanced sewing skills.
Materials and Tools Needed
Before starting your T-shirt pillow project, assemble the following materials and tools:
– An old T-shirt
– Pillow stuffing or an old pillow insert
– Scissors
– Sewing machine or sewing needle
– Thread matching the T-shirt color
– Straight pins
– Measuring tape or ruler
– Fabric marker or chalk
– Iron and ironing board (optional)
Step by Step Guide to Making a T-Shirt Pillow
Step 1: Preparing the T-Shirt
Choose a T-shirt that has a design or print you’d like to showcase on the pillow. Wash and dry the T-shirt to ensure it’s clean. Iron the T-shirt to remove wrinkles for a smooth working surface. Lay the T-shirt flat on a table and decide on the size of your pillow; this may be dictated by the design on the shirt, but a common pillow size is 16×16 inches.
Step 2: Cutting the T-Shirt
Use your measuring tape or ruler to measure the size of the pillow you’d like. Mark these measurements with your fabric marker or chalk. To ensure that your pillow is not too tight around your stuffing, add an additional inch around the perimeter for the seam allowance. If you’re using an old pillow insert, you may want to trace around the insert, adding the extra inch for seam allowance.
Cut through both the front and back layers of the T-shirt along your marked lines. You now have two squares (or rectangles) of T-shirt fabric.
Step 3: Pinning and Sewing the Edges
Turn the two pieces of T-shirt fabric so that the printed sides are facing each other and align the edges. Use the straight pins to pin the edges together, which will prevent the fabric from shifting as you sew.
If you’re using a sewing machine, sew along the edge of the fabric, removing the pins as you go and leaving about a 1-inch seam allowance. Remember to leave a 4 to 5-inch gap along one side for stuffing the pillow. If you’re hand-sewing, use a backstitch or a running stitch, sewing as straight as possible while also leaving a gap for the stuffing.
Step 4: Stuffing the Pillow
Turn the pillowcase right-side out through the gap you left open. Use your fingers to push out the corners. Fill the pillowcase with your chosen stuffing, making sure to distribute it evenly and push it into the corners for a well-shaped pillow. You can stuff the pillow as much or as little as you want depending on how firm you want the pillow to be.
Step 5: Closing the Pillow
Once you’ve stuffed your pillow to the desired fullness, it’s time to close the gap. Pin the open edges inward, so they are flush with the sewn seams, creating a seamless look. If you are machine sewing, you can sew the opening closed using a similar seam allowance, or you can hand-sew the opening using a ladder stitch for an invisible seam.
Tips for Success
– When choosing a T-shirt, thicker fabrics will make for a sturdier pillow, while thinner fabrics may require a lining or may not hold up as well.
– You can personalize your pillow by adding decorative elements such as fabric paint, appliqués, or iron-on transfers before you cut and sew.
– To ensure even edges, use a rotary cutter and a cutting mat.
– For a non-permanent option where the T-shirt isn’t cut, consider slipping the T-shirt over a pre-made pillow form and securing the bottom by sewing or knotting it closed.
Alternative Methods and Variations
For those who would rather avoid sewing, you can make a no-sew T-shirt pillow with fabric glue or by creating fringe around the edges of the T-shirt fabric and tying them together.
No-sew pillow:
– Cut the T-shirt with an extra 2 inches around your desired size.
– Lay the pieces on top of each other, and cut 1-inch-wide strips along the extra fabric around the perimeter.
– Knot these strips together double to join the front and back of the pillow.
– Leave a section unknotted, stuff the pillow, then finish knotting.
Fabric glue method:
– Follow the same steps as sewing but use fabric glue to join the edges, leaving a gap for the stuffing.
– Once the glue is dry, turn the pillowcase right-side out, stuff it, then glue the opening shut.
Finishing Thoughts
Creating a T-shirt pillow is a satisfying and environmentally friendly way to repurpose old clothing and bring uniqueness into your living space. The process is simple and versatile, allowing for both sewn and no-sew methods. Whether you’re looking for a special homemade gift, a comfortable addition to your favorite chair, or a keepsake of a beloved shirt, a DIY T-shirt pillow is a delightful project that offers functional and sentimental value. With the right materials, a bit of time, and some creative flair, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a personalized pillow that is as enjoyable to make as it is to use.