
Creating a pillow out of a shirt is a delightful way to repurpose a beloved garment or keep memories alive. It’s a straightforward craft suitable for all skill levels, and the basic steps involve selecting a shirt, preparing it, stuffing it, and then sewing it shut. Let’s delve into this cozy craft, step by step.
Choosing the Right Shirt
The first step is to select a suitable shirt. Almost any shirt can be transformed into a pillow, but consider the texture, fabric, and sentimental value. Shirts with a thicker fabric will hold shape better while thinner fabrics may require a lining. Patterns or logos on the shirt can add a personal touch to your pillow.
Preparing the Shirt
Once you have chosen your shirt, it’s time to prepare it for its transformation into a pillow.
1. **Launder the Shirt:** Start by washing and drying the shirt to ensure it’s clean and free of wrinkles, which will make it easier to work with.
2. **Size It Up:** Decide on the size of your pillow. A typical throw pillow is around 18 inches square, but the size can be adjusted based on the size of your shirt or personal preference.
3. **Cut the Shirt:** Lay the shirt flat and cut two squares (or rectangles) of fabric from the front and back of the shirt. Make sure to leave at least a 1-inch seam allowance around the edges of your desired pillow size.
Securing the Edges
If you’re using a shirt made of fabric that tends to fray, such as cotton, you may want to secure the edges to prevent unravelling.
1. **Seam Allowance:** Turn your shirt pieces inside out and fold the edges over to create a seam allowance. Pin the edges in place if needed.
2. **Stitching:** With the shirt inside out, stitch around the perimeter of the fabric, leaving a gap. You can do this with a sewing machine for a quicker result, or by hand for a more crafted look.
Adding a Personal Touch
Feel free to add any personal touches before you begin sewing. This can include:
– Appliques
– Embroidery
– Additional fabric elements
Filling Your Pillow
The next step is to choose the right filling for your shirt pillow.
Types of Pillow Stuffing
1. **Polyester Fiberfill:** This is a common filling that is inexpensive and easy to find. It’s also hypoallergenic.
2. **Foam:** If you’re looking to give your pillow a firmer feel, foam might be the way to go.
3. **Down Feathers:** For a more luxurious pillow, consider down feathers. However, keep in mind they can cause allergies for some people.
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15% OffStuffing the Pillow
Turn the shirt right side out through the gap you left open. Start stuffing your pillow with your chosen material. Be sure to push the stuffing all the way into the corners and keep adding stuffing until the pillow feels plump and supportive.
Sewing the Pillow Closed
After stuffing the pillow to your satisfaction, it’s time to sew it shut.
Finishing the Seam
1. **Fold the Fabric Inward:** The gap’s fabric should be folded inward along the same lines as your seams to create a smooth edge.
2. **Pinching the Gap Closed:** Use pins to hold the gap closed and ensure the edges are aligned.
3. **Hand Stitching:** Using a needle and thread that matches your shirt fabric, hand stitch the gap closed with a whip stitch or slip stitch. This will create a neat and nearly invisible closure.
Adding Final Embellishments
After the pillow is completely sewn shut, you can add any final decorations such as buttons, beads, or tassels. This is optional but can personalize your pillow even further.
Caring for Your Shirt Pillow
To keep your shirt pillow looking great over time, consider the following care tips:
Pillow Maintenance
– Fluff your pillow regularly to maintain its shape.
– Spot clean as necessary to remove spills or stains.
– If your shirt fabric is machine washable, you may be able to wash the entire pillow in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
Tips for Longevity
– To prevent colors from fading, avoid placing your pillow in direct sunlight.
– Rotate your pillow occasionally to ensure even wear.
Alternative Methods
For those who are not keen on sewing, there are no-sew alternatives.
No-Sew Pillow Options
1. **Fusible Webbing:** This is a type of adhesive that can be ironed on to create a bond between fabrics without sewing.
2. **Fabric Glue:** Strong fabric glue can be used to seal the edges of the pillow, although this might not be as durable as stitching.
3. **Knotting:** If you’re using a T-shirt, you can cut fringe around the edges of the shirt and tie them together to close the pillow, creating a fun and casual look.
Finishing Thoughts
Making a pillow out of a shirt is a thoughtful way to repurpose cherished clothing. It’s an activity that allows for creativity and can be as simple or complex as you’d like it to be. Whether you choose to machine-sew, hand-stitch, or even go for a no-sew option, the end result is a personalized home accessory that holds special meaning. This kind of project is not just about creating something new from something old, but it’s also about stitching together memories for a comforting presence in your home. With the gentle guidance provided, success is within reach for even the most novice crafters. Here’s to a touch of comfort and a dash of sentimentality, all bundled in a cozy, unique pillow.