Turning a shirt into a pillow is a creative way to repurpose an item of clothing that might have sentimental value or simply a design you love. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require professional sewing skills. First, you’ll need to choose a shirt, prepare it by cleaning and pressing it, then cut it to the size of the pillow form you intend to use. Inserting the pillow form and sewing the shirt closed will finish your unique pillow creation. Let’s delve deeper into the steps and tips for making this DIY project a success.
Choosing The Right Shirt
When it comes to selecting the shirt for your DIY pillow project, the choice might be sentimental or aesthetic. If you’re using a shirt for its memories, any fabric will work well, though more sturdy materials will result in a longer-lasting pillow. If you’re choosing for design, go for a shirt with an interesting graphic or pattern. Remember, the fabric should be comfortable against the skin since it will serve as a pillow covering.
Cleaning and Preparing Your Shirt
It’s essential to start with a clean shirt, so wash and dry your garment according to the care instructions. Once clean and dry, iron the shirt to remove any wrinkles. This step ensures a smooth surface to work with and a more professional-looking finished product.
Materials and Tools Needed
Before proceeding, gather all necessary materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- A shirt
- A pillow form or stuffing
- Scissors or a rotary cutter
- Sewing pins
- A ruler or measuring tape
- A sewing machine or needle and thread
- An iron and ironing board
- Chalk or a fabric marker
Cutting The Shirt to Size
Measuring Your Pillow Form
First, measure your pillow form. The size of the form dictates the size of the fabric you’ll need from the shirt. Add an extra inch to each dimension for seam allowances; for example, if your pillow form is 18×18 inches, you will cut a piece that is 19×19 inches from the shirt.
Marking and Cutting The Fabric
Turn the shirt inside out and lay it flat. Using your ruler and chalk or fabric marker, draw lines where you will cut, marking the dimensions according to the size of your pillow form plus seam allowances. Carefully cut out the fabric using scissors or a rotary cutter. If you’re utilizing a button-up shirt, you can strategically place your cut out so that the buttons serve as a built-in opening for the pillow form, which allows for easy removal and cleaning.
Sewing Your Pillow
For T-Shirts and Other Non-Buttoned Shirts
If you are using a standard t-shirt, align the two pieces of fabric with the correct sides facing each other. Pin around the edges to hold the pieces in place. Using a sewing machine or hand-sewing, stitch along the marked lines, leaving a gap wide enough to insert your pillow form. Trim any excess material and corners for a clean edge, then turn the pillowcase right side out through the gap.
For Buttoned Shirts
For a buttoned shirt, the process is even simpler. Button up the shirt and pin the edges to hold the fabric in place, then follow the same sewing instructions, leaving the button placket as the opening for the pillow form.
Inserting The Pillow Form
Now, insert the pillow form into the pillowcase you’ve created. Reach inside and adjust the corners so they are filled out and the pillow form fits snugly inside the fabric. For a buttoned shirt, simply unbutton the placket and insert the pillow form. Once it’s in place, re-button the shirt.
Hand-Sewing The Opening Closed
If you’re using a t-shirt or a non-buttoned shirt design, you’ll need to sew the gap closed. Use small, discreet stitches to close the opening and secure the pillow form inside your new pillowcase.
Decorative Touches
This is where you can get creative. Add pom-poms, lace, or other trims to the edges of your pillow for an extra touch of personality. Embroidery or fabric paint can also add a custom flair, especially if the shirt you’ve used is plain and could use a little embellishment.
Maintenance and Care
Caring for your new pillow is similar to caring for a regular shirt. For non-buttoned pillows, when it comes time to wash, you’ll need to remove the stitches, take out the pillow form, and then sew it back up after cleaning. A button-down shirt pillow simply requires unbuttoning and removing the form. Always follow the original garment’s washing instructions to ensure your pillow stays in great condition.
Finishing Thoughts
Creating a pillow from a shirt is not only a fantastic way to recycle a cherished garment but also adds a personal touch to your home’s décor. This project blends sentiment with practicality, providing a comfortable and custom pillow made with your unique touch. Whether you’re crafting a keepsake from a concert tee, a memory from a loved one’s clothing, or simply adding flair to your space, turning a shirt into a pillow is an accessible and enjoyable DIY project. With a little time, basic sewing skills, and creativity, you can imbue your living space with a hint of nostalgia and a lot of comforts. Happy sewing!
