How to Make Cool Pillows

Make cool pillows from castoff clothes.

Throw pillows are a popular decorating accessory used throughout the home. Make cool pillows using shirts or blouses that you otherwise might throw away. Upcycling clothing as decorator pillows is easy, inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Get the most out of various elements within the clothing design through strategic placement of embellishments and using the button or snap closure for the opening through which to insert the pillow form. You can make a variety of cool pillows as gifts for family and friends or even to sell.

Things You'll Need

• Button or snap-front shirts or blouses
• Sewing tape measure
• Scissors
• Paper (optional, for shaped patterns)
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread

Instructions

Simple Square or Rectangular Pillow

1. Gather castoff clothing items, sort by color and launder. Reject items that cannot be washed at home by machine or that are not color-fast. Tumble dry or hang garments to dry, as appropriate.

2. Cut a button or snap-front shirt straight across, just below the arm openings.

3. Turn the shirt inside out so that the right sides are together, and sew across the cut edge and the bottom of the shirt, using 1/2-inch seams.

4. Finish the seams by stitching a second time over the first seam and then sewing with a zigzag stitch in the seam allowance close to the seam line. Trim all seams close to the zigzag stitch.

5. Turn the pillow right side out, and insert a pillow form or other stuffing material through the opening. Button or snap the new pillow closed, and toss on a bed or sofa.

Creative Options

1. If you prefer to make different-shaped pillows, simply start again with your freshly laundered castoff clothing, and examine the garments for stains and worn areas. Pay special attention to cuffs, collars and the elbow area. Cut away and discard parts that are unusable.

2. Cut the remainder of each garment to the size and shape desired, using a paper pattern you've drawn. Make good use of available fabric, existing side seams and decorative features such a pocket or embroidered motif. Be creative. Cut large hearts, triangles or circles, remembering that you will need two pieces of fabric to make your pillow. Make sure that one of the cut pieces has the button or snap closure roughly across the center. You can make smaller pillows out of one garment, but larger ones may require you to piece fabric from different garments together.

3. Pin matching pieces right sides together.

4. Sew completely around the perimeter, using the 1/2-inch seam, and finish the seams in the same zigzag fashion.

5. Turn right side out, fill and button or snap the opening closed.

Tips & Warnings

• Use machine-washable fabric, if possible, as that will make it easier for you to clean the pillows.

• Dry garments on medium-high heat to ensure maximum shrinkage before you make your pillow.

• Pair contrasting fabrics for versatility and interest.

• Cut each pillow piece to take full advantage of available decorative elements.

• Sew together pieces from more than one garment to create custom fabric for the pillow front and/or back.

• As an alternative to regular pillow forms, use pillows as storage for seasonal clothing or extra linens.

• If parts of more than one garment will be used in a single pillow, it is critical that the fabric care requirements are compatible.