Learn how to make a pillow from a shirt with these easy to follow instructions. These no sew pillow covers are an easy way to make a memory shirt pillow too! Seriously, NO SEWING and cute as a button.
I've started getting together some porch decor for fall. Finally.
I have no idea why I've been dragging my feet about fall decor this year, but it's been slow going. As in at a turtle's pace.
Well, this tortoise here thought these DIY no-sew pillows made from shirts would look cute and seasonal outside. I'm using them for fall decor, but you could easily transition them into any season.
And you can use the same instruction to make a memory shirt pillow (in that case I wouldn't put them outside on the porch of course). What a great way to keep your family member's memory alive on a daily basis!
Did I mention they are no-sew, so they're quick and easy to boot?
Quick. Easy. No sewing necessary.
I'm in.
DIY No-Sew Shirt Pillow
Supplies needed:
- button down shirts - x-large is a nice size fabric-wise
- pillow forms
- iron-on fusible bonding tape - I used Dritz brand heavy duty Stitch Witchery
- scissors - do I really need to list the obvious? OK, I guess I will
- an iron
- an ironing board
- water for the iron - too much info?
- cup to pour said water into iron - way too much info?
Step 1 - Get shirts
Run to your local thrift store on half price day and buy a few plaid shirts. Or denim shirts. Whatever look you're going for. Raiding your husband's closet is also an option.
Or you can even use one of your dad's or grandpa's shirt if you want to make a memory shirt pillow.
Step 2 - Spiffy up shirts
Iron your shirts if they are incredibly wrinkled (like mine were) and lay them out flat on a table.
Step 3 - Determine fabric size
I used some pillows I already had to make my shirt pillows, so I took off the pillow covers and used them as a template. You will want to use chalk (I forgot to add chalk to my list of supplies!!!) to mark off an inch larger than the old pillow form to allow for seam allowance (or in this case, iron-on tape allowance).
I basically use one set of pillows for the porch and just keep recovering them over and over again for each new season.
If you are using new pillows, you need to determine how large your pillow is and add an inch all around also. For example - if you have a 18x18 inch pillow form, cut your fabric 20x20 inches to account for the seam allowance.
Having plaid fabric is a benefit in this project, since the lines on the fabric make getting your cuts straight pretty darn easy.
Step 4 - Cut. It. Out (In my best Joey Gladstone from Full House impression)
Oh, and I wanted the pocket to show, so I just made sure the pocket was nicely within that area that I would be cutting out.
Step 5 - Flip
Flip the shirt so the right/correct sides are together and place the tape between the two sides.
Step 6 - Iron away
Probably best to use an ironing board instead of an antique oak table.
You are going to iron the pillow completely shut. Trust me. Iron it together with the tape along all four sides.
Do I sounds like I'm nutso? Not really, because . . .
Step 7 - Stuff it
Unbutton the shirt, flip it right side out, stuff it with the pillow and button it back up again.
Step 8 - Pat yourself on the back
Sit back and admire one pretty cool pillow!
Or two! You might as well go ahead and make two while you've got the iron all heated up and stuff.
This is truly a fifteen minute project at the most.
Now, I did these "no-sew" so all the people who don't own a sewing machine, or don't like sewing machines or even have been scarred for life by sewing machines can still make them.
Me? I hate to thread the bobbin and that sort of keeps me from using my machine a whole lot!
If you prefer to go the whole traditional route and use needle and thread, you can see Ann from On Sutton Place's tutorial to make them that way. She's much more of a sewing aficionado than I am.
20 North Ora
Cute pillows! Have you tried the M&M Candy Corn? Yum!!!
Judy
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
Such cute pillows! I've used the tape for hemming curtains and valances before. Thanks for the tutorial! Your porch looks great!
ScrappyMama
OK, I admit it. I thought you were NUTSO when you said to iron the shirt/pillow completely shut!!! I did, I was sure you'd lost track of what you were doing Squirrel & had left out a very important step. Or two. I'm glad I decided to trust you & keep reading cuz this is a great tutorial for making some super CUTE pillows! Now I'm off to go through my son's closet to see what kind of plaid treasures I might be able to find in there : ) Thanks!!
Deanies Stash
Love your porch decor! How nice to do a tutorial for those who don't sew. If I had my choice I would choose the Brach's mellowcremes. Hugs, Dianne
awal.ny
Pam I love the pillow, very easy your way. I like to visit my local Salvation Army for men's shirts and sweaters to make these pillows. Yes, you definitely have to visit TJMaxx, I am lucky to have a new one in my local town and three within 20 minutes away. Have a great fall weekend. Alaina
Vicki@MorePowerfulBeyondMeasure
I'M A CANDY CORN GIRL!!! Like mixing them with peanuts and M&Ms too...and raisins or dried cranberries to make them healthy. Yum!
You are sharp as a tack girl!!! I love that shirt pillow. I know this will shock you, but I don't sew...there I said it. I can hot glue like nobodies business though...I'll have to try your Dritz stuff now. Cute pillow!!
Carlene @ Organized Clutter
Fun pillow idea!
ℳartina @ Northern Nesting
CUTE pillows Pam...I love the way the whole area looks!
TARYTERRE
What a fabulous idea. Shirt Pillows. I LOVE it.
Melinda
Love these! Great ideas.
M 🙂
NanaDiana
YOU are a clever girl, Pam. Those pillows look great...but I would probably sew mine. I made some this summer out of old skirts-same concept...and I love them! Hope you are having a good Fall so far.
I am trying to steer clear of ALL the Brach's right now...you teaser!!! xo Diana
Shara
If I made those pillows I would use a hot glue gun because I am just not a sewing gal or an ironing gal. They are really cute and a great idea. I never understood the banana moon's either. I like Indian corn - that has orange, white and brown. Mix 'em with peanuts and you have yourself a Payday in a bowl. Hmmm- our new Walmart is open 24/7...
Musings from Kim K.
I'm sewing challenged and I love these. Enjoy your sister's company too! Loving this fall vignette!
ThrifterSisters
You had me at No Sew...
Extra points if you get the Jerry McGuire reference 🙂
Have an awesome weekend!
Erica
rush
You asked: "Or are you more of a candy corn kind of girl?" Well, I'm neither. I'm a caramel girl. Last time I was at the pharmacy AND the grocery store, the caramels haven't come in. Hopefully, this time they are. I guess I never realized that caramels are a seasonal "fruit". Perhaps at the end of the season, I am all carameled out, so I don't miss them. Now, I want them...badly!
Shabby chic Sandy
Love the pillow! How cute and Fall like. I have to say I think it would be so much easier to actually just sew it 😉 Hope all is well with Max. Happy Fall!
Vickie @ Ranger 911
Your snazzy plaid pillows really dress up your front porch, Pam! Quick and easy projects are the best kind. And I'm a candy corn girl. 🙂
Olive
Super cute Pam. Even my challenged frightened of a sewing machine self could manage this and not mangle it.
Bjng5
You crack me up! Your humor is a gift; thanks for sharing.
Love me some candy corn. Sadly, I eat it til I feel sick. Thanks for identifying the flavor of the moons. Never could figure it out.
joselyn @ The DIY Spot
Great minds thinks alike. I just love plaid!
Pam Kessler
Those are fabulous! Love the footstool covered in flannel too 🙂
maryann sierra
I love this!!!