How to make a pillow out of a shirt, first, lay the shirt flat and cut it into two square or rectangular pieces. Then, sew the two pieces together, leaving an opening to insert the pillow stuffing.
If you have an old shirt and want to repurpose it into a memory pillow, you can easily create a unique and sentimental keepsake. Whether it’s a favorite flannel, a nostalgic button-down, or a cherished hoodie, transforming a shirt into a pillow is a meaningful and straightforward sewing project.
By following a few simple steps, you can preserve the fabric and memories associated with the shirt while also adding a personalized touch to your home décor. In this guide, we’ll explore the process of creating a pillow out of a shirt, providing tips and ideas for making a one-of-a-kind memory pillow.
How to Make a Pillow Out of a Shirt?
Gathering Materials
Before you get started on making a pillow out of a shirt, you’ll need to gather a few materials. This handy guide will show you exactly what you need, so you can easily transform your old shirts into cozy pillows.
Choosing A Shirt
When choosing a shirt to use for your pillow, look for one with a meaningful design or sentimental value. This could be a favorite band, a logo from a special event, or a shirt that holds sentimental memories. Make sure the shirt is clean and in good condition.
Gathering Additional Materials
Aside from the shirt, you’ll also need a few additional materials to complete your pillow project.
- Pillow Insert or Filling: You’ll need a pillow insert or filling to give your pillow its shape and softness. Old pillows, cushion inserts, or polyester fiberfill can be used for this purpose.
- Scissors: Sharp scissors are essential for cutting the fabric to the desired size. Make sure they are suitable for cutting through the fabric.
- Needle and Thread or Sewing Machine: You’ll need either a needle and thread for hand-sewing or a sewing machine for quicker stitching.
- Buttons or Embellishments (optional): If you want to incorporate any buttons or embellishments from the shirt into your pillow design, gather those as well.
- Iron: An iron will come in handy for ironing out any wrinkles in the fabric before you start working on your pillow.
Preparing The Shirt
When making a pillow out of a shirt, the first step is to prepare the shirt to ensure a smooth and successful transformation. This involves measuring the shirt, ironing the fabric, and cutting the fabric to the required size.
Measuring The Shirt
Before anything else, lay the shirt flat on a clean, smooth surface. Using a measuring tape, determine the dimensions of the shirt. This step is crucial as it helps in establishing the size of the pillow and the fabric needed for the transformation.
Ironing The Fabric
Once the shirt is measured, it’s essential to iron the fabric to remove any wrinkles and creases. Ironing the fabric ensures a smooth surface for cutting and sewing, resulting in a professional-looking pillow. Use a hot iron and move it gently over the fabric, starting from the collar and working your way down to the bottom of the shirt.
Cutting The Fabric
After the fabric is ironed, it’s time to cut the shirt based on the measurements taken earlier. Carefully use fabric scissors to cut along the marked lines, ensuring precision to match the desired pillow size. Be mindful to cut through both the front and back layers of the shirt, maintaining an even and straight cut to facilitate the next steps in the process.
Sewing The Pillow
Transform your old shirt into a cozy throw pillow with this step-by-step tutorial. Learn how to measure, cut, and sew the fabric to create your very own DIY shirt pillow. No-sew options are also available if you prefer a quicker and simpler approach.
Sewing The Front And Back Panels Together
To sew the front and back panels of your shirt pillow together, follow these simple steps:
1. Lay your shirt out with the inside facing up. 2. Align the front and back panels of the shirt together, ensuring the sleeves are folded inwards.
3. Use pins to secure the edges of the panels together, making sure to leave a small opening for stuffing later.
4. Thread your sewing machine with a matching thread color. 5. Using a straight stitch, sew along the edges of the panels, removing the pins as you go.
6. Reinforce the stitching at the corner sections to ensure durability.
Cutting The Corners
To achieve a neat and professional finish for your shirt pillow, it’s important to cut the corners: 1. Carefully trim the excess fabric from the corners of the sewn panels. 2. Make diagonal cuts from the stitched corner to the outer edge of the fabric, being careful not to cut into the stitching itself. 3. These diagonal cuts will reduce bulkiness and allow the corners to appear crisp when the pillow is turned right-side out.
Inserting The Pillow Fill
After sewing the panels together and cutting the corners, it’s time to add the pillow fill:
1. Turn the shirt pillow right-side out through the opening you left earlier.
2. Use your fingers or a small stick to gently push out the corners to achieve a smooth pillow shape.
3. Depending on your preference, you can use polyester fiberfill, foam, or even repurpose an old pillow for the filling.
4. Fill the shirt pillow with your desired amount of fill, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. 5. Hand stitch the opening closed using a needle and thread to secure the fill inside.
By following these simple steps, you can easily sew your own pillow out of a shirt and give new life to old clothing items. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating something useful and meaningful while adding a unique touch to your home decor.
Variations And Personalization
When it comes to making a pillow out of a shirt, there are endless possibilities for variations and personalization. By adding decorative elements and choosing different pillow sizes, you can create a unique and personalized pillow that reflects your style and preferences.
Adding Decorative Elements
One way to personalize your shirt pillow is by adding decorative elements. You can get creative and incorporate buttons, patches, or even embroidery to enhance the design. These decorative elements not only add visual interest but also give a sentimental touch if the shirt holds special memories.
If you want to create a more vibrant and colorful pillow, consider using fabric paints or fabric markers to draw or write on the shirt. This allows you to create unique patterns, quotes, or even personal messages that hold meaning to you or the recipient of the pillow.
Moreover, you can use different techniques like fabric applique, which involves attaching smaller pieces of fabric onto the shirt to create interesting shapes or designs. This adds texture and depth to your pillow and allows you to experiment with various fabric combinations.
Choosing Different Pillow Sizes
Another way to personalize your shirt pillow is by choosing different pillow sizes. While standard-sized pillows are great for most uses, you can also experiment with different sizes to suit your needs and preferences.
If you want a larger and more statement-making pillow, opt for a king-sized pillow insert. This will give your pillow a fuller and more luxurious look. On the other hand, if you prefer a smaller and more compact pillow, consider using a travel-sized or throw pillow insert. These sizes are perfect for adding a pop of color and comfort to chairs or smaller spaces.
Remember, the size you choose for your pillow will ultimately depend on the size of the shirt you’re using and the desired look you want to achieve. It’s all about finding the right balance between the shirt’s fabric and the pillow insert to create a visually appealing and comfortable final product.
Overall, variations and personalization are key when making a pillow out of a shirt. By adding decorative elements and choosing different sizes, you can create a unique and custom piece that not only looks great but also holds sentimental value. So let your creativity and personal style shine through as you transform your shirt into a cozy and personalized pillow.
Conclusion
Transforming a shirt into a cozy pillow is a simple and creative way to repurpose old clothes. By following the easy steps demonstrated in various YouTube tutorials, you can create a unique memory pillow filled with sentimental value. Whether you choose to sew or use a no-sew method, the end result will be a personalized pillow that adds comfort and style to your home decor.
So gather your old shirts, grab your sewing tools, and start crafting your very own shirt pillow today!
