Transform Old T-Shirts Into Cozy Pillows With Easy Sewing

There are many reasons why you might want to turn a T-shirt into a pillow. Maybe the shirt holds sentimental value, or perhaps it features a fun print that deserves to be shown off. Whatever your reason, making a T-shirt pillow is a simple project that can be completed in an afternoon. You can sew your pillow by hand or with a machine, or you can opt for a no-sew approach using fusible webbing.

Cutting the t-shirt

To cut the T-shirt, start by laying it out flat on a hard surface, such as a table, and smooth out any wrinkles or creases. You can use any T-shirt, but a Men's Large or X-Large is recommended. If you want to feature a design from the front of the shirt on your pillow, ensure that it is centred before you begin cutting.

Next, use a pair of scissors to cut up the side seam of the T-shirt, starting at the bottom and cutting in a straight line up to the armpits. Repeat this process on the other side of the shirt. You should now have a single, continuous piece of fabric.

Now, lay the fabric out flat again and carefully cut off the neckline, ensuring that you cut as high and straight as possible. Then, trim the other three sides of the fabric to create a square. The size of your square will depend on the size of your pillow form or insert. For example, if you are using an 18" x 18" pillow, each side of the square should measure 18".

If you are using a design from the front of the shirt, ensure that it is centred on the fabric before trimming. You may also need to cut a few extra inches off the top layer (front side) of the shirt at the bottom to ensure the design is centred properly. Do not cut the bottom layer (backside) of the shirt.

Once you have a square piece of fabric, you can move on to the next step of creating your T-shirt pillow.

Sewing the pieces together

When you are ready to sew the pieces together, place the right sides of the fabric together and pin them in place. You can then sew a straight stitch around the perimeter of the pillow, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance and leaving a small opening at the end. This opening will be used to turn the pillow right side out and stuff it with filling.

After sewing the pieces together, trim the corners and turn the pillow right side out. You can use a pen to gently poke out the corners. Then, stuff the pillow with filling. You can use poly-fill, scrap fabric, or pillow stuffing.

Finally, sew the opening closed by folding the raw edge in and stitching it closed as close to the edge of the pillow as possible.

Stuffing the pillow

Now that you've cut your T-shirt to size and sewn the edges, it's time to stuff your pillow!

The type of filler you use is up to you. You can use poly-fill, or, if you want to be more environmentally friendly, you can use scrap fabric. If you're using a pillow insert, you can leave the back of the pillow open so that you can easily slide the pillow insert into the case. This is a good option if you want to be able to remove the cover and wash it.

If you're using filler, you can use the opening you left when sewing to stuff your pillow. Add as much stuffing as you like, depending on how firm you want your pillow to be.

Once you've stuffed your pillow, you'll need to sew up the opening. Fold the raw edge of the opening in and sew a straight stitch as close to the edge of the pillow as possible.

And that's it! You've turned your old T-shirt into a pillow.

Finishing the pillow

Now that you've cut and sewn your t-shirt, you're almost done! Here are the final steps to finishing your t-shirt pillow:

Sewing the Pieces Together

Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together and pin them around the edges. Using a sewing machine, sew a straight stitch around the edge of the pillow, using about a 1/4" inseam. Remember to leave about a 2" opening at the end to turn the pillow right side out and stuff it with filling.

Turning the Pillow Right Side Out

Using the opening you left, pull the pillow right side out. You can use a pen to gently poke out the corners to ensure they are fully turned out. Give the pillow a good press with an iron if you want to get rid of any creases.

Stuffing the Pillow

Now, stuff the pillow with your chosen filler. You can use poly-fill, or, if you want to upcycle, use scrap fabric as stuffing. Put as much stuffing as you like into the pillow through the 2" opening.

Finishing the Seam

Finally, fold the raw edge of the 2" opening in and sew a straight stitch as close to the edge of the pillow as possible. Now you're done! Fluff your pillow and enjoy your handiwork!

Pillowcase from a t-shirt

Materials:

• T-shirt (Men's Large or X-Large)
• Sewing machine (or needle if sewing by hand)
• Scissors
• Pillow insert (18 x 18 or 20 x 20)
• Pom-pom trim (optional)
• Ballpoint needle (used on knit fabric)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut up the side seam of the T-shirt, up to the armpits. Lay the front out flat and cut a straight line across, chopping off the neckline. Trim the other three sides to make a square the same size as your pillow.

Step 2 (optional): Sew on pom-pom trim to the front of the pillow. Put fray check on the trim's edges if it will be washed often. Sew all the way around with a 1/4" seam allowance.

Step 3: Lay out the back of the shirt and the front bottom that you cut off. Make a square out of these two pieces that matches the front, with some overlap. A 3" overlap should be enough to avoid bulging when placed on the pillow.

Step 4: Lay the rectangles right sides together, tucking the pom-pom trim inside. Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance all the way around.

Step 5: Trim off the corners and turn the pillowcase right side out through the opening. Gently poke out the corners with a pen and press the seams if desired.

Now you have a pillowcase made from a T-shirt!

Frequently asked questions