How to Make a Pillow Out of a Tee Shirt?
Ever wondered how to give new life to your old, beloved tee shirts? Look no further! This guide will show you how to transform a tee shirt into a cozy, personalized pillow. It’s a fun, easy project that anyone can do, even if you’re new to crafting.
Quick Answer
To make a pillow out of a tee shirt, you’ll need to cut the shirt into two equal pieces, sew them together inside out leaving a small opening, turn it right side out, stuff it with pillow filling, and then sew the opening closed.
My Tee Shirt Pillow Journey
I remember the day I decided to turn my favorite college tee shirt into a pillow. It was a shirt I’d worn countless times, but it had gotten too small and was sitting in my closet gathering dust. I couldn’t bear to throw it away, but I also knew I’d never wear it again. That’s when I had the idea to turn it into something I could use every day – a pillow!
“I can’t believe I’m about to cut up my lucky shirt,” I thought to myself as I held the scissors. “But if this works, I’ll get to see it and enjoy it every day instead of just once in a blue moon.”
Little did I know, this simple project would spark a whole new hobby for me. Now, let me share with you how you can do the same thing with your special tee shirts.
What You’ll Need
- A tee shirt (the star of the show!)
- Scissors (sharp ones work best)
- Pins (to hold things in place)
- A needle and thread (or a sewing machine if you have one)
- Pillow stuffing (or the insides of an old pillow)
- A ruler or measuring tape
- Something to mark with (like a piece of chalk or a washable marker)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Pick Your Tee Shirt
Choose a tee shirt that means something to you. Maybe it’s from a concert you loved, or a shirt you wore on a special day. Just make sure it’s clean and doesn’t have any big holes or stains.
2. Get Your Shirt Ready
Lay your shirt out flat on a table or the floor. Smooth out any wrinkles. If your shirt has a design on the front, make sure it’s centered how you want it.
3. Measure and Mark
Decide how big you want your pillow to be. Most throw pillows are about 16 to 18 inches square. Use your ruler or measuring tape to mark out a square on your shirt. Don’t forget to add an extra inch all around for sewing!
4. Cut It Out
Carefully cut along the lines you made. You’ll end up with two pieces of fabric – one from the front of the shirt and one from the back.
5. Pin It Together
Put the two pieces of fabric together with the “right” sides (the sides you want to show on the outside) facing each other. Use pins to hold them in place.
6. Sew It Up
If you’re using a sewing machine, sew around the edges of your fabric square. Leave a gap about 4-6 inches wide on one side. If you’re sewing by hand, use small, even stitches. Remember to leave that gap!
7. Turn It Right Side Out
Pull the fabric through the gap you left so that the right side is now on the outside. Use your fingers to push out the corners so they’re nice and sharp.
8. Stuff It
Now for the fun part! Start pushing handfuls of stuffing into your pillow through the gap. Keep going until it’s as full and fluffy as you want it.
9. Close It Up
Once you’re happy with how full your pillow is, it’s time to close that gap. Fold the raw edges in and pin them together. Then, sew it closed either by hand or with your machine.
Tips to Make Your Pillow Extra Special
- Add some flair: Sew on buttons, patches, or ribbons to make your pillow unique.
- Mix and match: Use different parts of the shirt for the front and back of your pillow.
- Make it smell nice: Add a few drops of essential oil to your stuffing for a lovely scent.
- Get creative with shapes: Who says pillows have to be square? Try making a round or heart-shaped pillow!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
My Pillow Looks Lumpy
If your pillow ends up looking a bit lumpy, don’t worry! Try gently pulling apart the stuffing before you put it in. This can help it spread out more evenly.
The Seams Are Coming Apart
If you notice the seams starting to come undone, you can fix it by sewing over them again. Use smaller, tighter stitches this time.
The Design Isn’t Centered
If you realize after cutting that your design isn’t centered, you can still save it! Try adding a border around the edge of your pillow using a contrasting fabric.
Why Make a Tee Shirt Pillow?
Making a pillow out of a tee shirt isn’t just a fun craft project. It’s a great way to:
- Keep memories alive
- Reuse old clothes instead of throwing them away
- Make a one-of-a-kind decoration for your home
- Create a thoughtful, personal gift
The Impact of Upcycling
Did you know that the average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothes every year? By turning your old tee shirts into pillows, you’re doing your part to reduce waste. Plus, you’re creating something new and useful without having to buy more stuff. It’s a win-win!
More Ideas for Tee Shirt Crafts
Once you’ve made your first tee shirt pillow, you might find yourself looking at all your old clothes differently. Here are some other cool things you can make with tee shirts:
- A quilt
- Tote bags
- Headbands
- Pet toys
- Wall art
Wrapping Up
Making a pillow out of a tee shirt is a fun, easy way to give new life to old clothes. It’s a project that anyone can do, even if you’ve never sewn anything before. Plus, you end up with a unique, personal item that brings back good memories every time you see it.
So why not give it a try? Dig out that old tee shirt you can’t bear to part with, grab some scissors and stuffing, and get crafting! You might just discover a new hobby – and a new favorite pillow.
Next Steps
Ready to start your tee shirt pillow project? Here’s what to do next:
- Choose your tee shirt
- Gather your supplies
- Set aside an hour or two for crafting
- Follow the steps in this guide
- Show off your new pillow to friends and family!
Happy crafting, and enjoy your new, one-of-a-kind pillow!
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