Turn an Upcycled T-Shirt into a Pillow

Hi friends, it's Natalie from Doodlecraft, sharing a fun upcycled clothing craft with you. Do you have stacks of worn out t-shirts with fun graphics? Maybe some old band shirts, sentimental shirts from a loved one or some shirts that just don't fit anymore?

Let me teach you how to turn that old t-shirt into a pillow! This upcycled t-shirt pillow craft is a great beginning sewing project for older children or teens.

---

Looking for more upcycled t-shirt craft ideas?

Learn how to turn an old t-shirt into a reusable shopping bag with this tutorial >> Make a market bag from a t-shirt.

---

How to upcycle an old t-shirt into a pillow

Supplies 

Some of the links below may be affiliate links where a purchase made after clicking will support this website without costing you extra!

• T-shirt
• Paper (to create pattern)
• Fabric scissors
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine with thread
• Cotton/Poly Batting
• Needle and Thread

Directions

T-shirt to pillow step 1: Cut it out

Begin by using a piece of paper as a pattern.  Cut half of a heart on the paper and fold the t-shirt in half.  This heart is slightly stretched wide so the full Wonder Woman symbol would be visible.

Pin the pattern on the center line of the shirt.

Next, use the scissors and cut around the pinned on pattern.

T-shirt to pillow step 2: Pin Together!

Separate the hearts and put the right sides together.

Then pin two pins perpendicular to the edge to show where NOT to sew.  Pin around the edges of the heart.

T-shirt to pillow step 3: Sew the Heart!

Start stitching with a straight stitch.  Begin at one of the perpendicular pins and sew around the heart to meet up with the other perpendicular pin.  This open part of the heart is where it's stuffed...and it is the easiest place to hand stitch because it is a straight line.

 Repeat sewing the edge, this time with a zig-zag stitch right on the edge.  Then trim the threads.

T-shirt to pillow step 4: Turn!

Find the opening in the side of the heart and turn the entire pillow right side out.

Take extra care to push out the seams all around the heart.

T-shirt to pillow step 5: Stuff!

Now fill the inside of the heart with lots of stuffing.  Push it in all the edges and points.

T-shirts stretch and will use more cotton batting than expected.  Fill the pillow and add a little extra that you can push around after the hand-stitching.

T-shirt to pillow step 6: Hand Stitch! 

Thread the needle and tie a knot on the end.  Pinch in the fabric so it lines up with what has already been sewed.  Push the needle into the seam and back through to the other side.  It's possible to hide the stitching completely, it's a personal preference.

 Stitch the entire opening and tie off the other end.

Snuggle!

 This is the perfect throw pillow for a unique bedroom or couch.  Get creative and make pillows of all shapes and sizes!

What shirt will you turn into a t-shirt?  What shape will you make yours?  Let me know in the comments!
Don't forget to save this project for later >> 

About the Author:

Natalie Shaw is a Craft/DIY blogger at Doodle Craft. She loves sci-fi, fantasy and video game geekery and that comes out in many of her projects. She posts budget conscious DIY’s, crafts, jewelry, kid friendly projects, upcycled treasures and other fun on her blog 5 days a week.You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Do you like this post? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

When you subscribe you can download our FREE Recycled Crafts E-book!