How to Make a Button Closure Pillow

You can repurpose a man's shirt into a button-closure pillow.

An old shirt or button-down blouse can be repurposed into a soft and fluffy pillow that features a button closure. Any type of shirt works for this uncomplicated project, and the buttons add charm and detail to a plain fabric. Elegant silk blouses with beautiful buttons can be found at thrift stores for this pillow, which could be used in the bedroom or on a formal chair. A button pillow flannel shirt makes a rustic addition to a family room.

Things You'll Need

• Craft paper
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Old large-sized button-front shirt
• Iron
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• 12-inch polyester pillow form

Instructions

1. Draw a 12-inch square on the craft paper and cut it out with the scissors for a template.

2. Press the shirt with an iron to remove all wrinkles. Lay the shirt on a flat surface, like a table, with the buttons buttoned and facing up.

3. Place the template over the front of the shirt, covering the buttons. The buttons should be 3-inches from one edge of the template. Pin the template to the shirt. Cut out the pillow pieces, adding 1/4-inch past the template on each side.

4. Flip the pillow pieces and pin them right sides together, at the edges. Sew a straight seam 1/4-inch from the edge on all four sides.

5. Unbutton the buttons and turn the pillow to the right side. Press the seams flat with the iron. Insert the polyester pillow form in the pillow covering and button the buttons.

References

• “Sewing for Dummies”; Jan Saunders Maresh; 2010
• “Sew Creative Gifts Under $10”; Vicki Blizzard; 2002