How To Make A Shirt Pillow

As you know, I like pillows – a lot.  Today, I’m excited to share with you how to make a shirt pillow.  This is a quick and simple sewing project, and can be a very economical way to change the look of your room.  Especially if you use a shirt that you already have around the house.  Or, you can also buy men’s dress shirts very cheaply at your local Goodwill.

Be sure to check out our popular How To Make Pillows page for over 25 pillow ideas, tips & techniques.

Make A Shirt Pillow


As well as a great quick and easy sewing project, I’ve also seen people make these shirt pillows out of shirts that belonged to a loved one who has passed away.  This is such a great way to remember someone.

shirt

One of the great benefits to using a button up dress shirt is that you don’t have to worry about hand stitching your pillow closed or inserting a zipper into the pillow cover.  The buttons and button holes are your closure!  So quick and easy!

How To Make A Shirt Pillow

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Men’s button up dress shirt
Pillow form – I used an 18″ x 18″ pillow form
Straight pins
Fabric marker
Scissors

Large piece of cardboard or paper to make a pattern – I like to make my pattern same size as the pillow form
That Purple Thang – tool used to turn corners

I’ve created a quick video tutorial for how to make a shirt pillow, and I’ve also written out the step-by-step instructions too.


Instructions:

1)  Lay out the shirt with the front side up, and lay the pattern piece where you would like on the shirt.  Making sure to center the buttons.

2)  With the fabric marker, trace around the pattern piece onto the shirt.

3)  Cut out both layers of shirt (front and back).

4)  Place the front on top of the back with right sides together and pin in place.

5)  Sew around all 4 sides of the pillow using a 1/2″ seam allowance.

6)  Clip your corners and turn pillow cover right side out.

7)  Insert pillow form and button closure together.

Enjoy your new pillow!

How To Make A Shirt Pillow - includes step-by-step video tutorial.

More How To Make Pillows posts:

How To Make A Pillow With Video Tutorial from NewtonCustomInteriors.com

How To Make A Pillow 

How To hand-Sew A Pillow Closed from NewtonCustomInteriors.com

How To Hand-Sew A Pillow Closed

How To Make A Pillow With Cording from NewtonCustomInteriors.com

How To Make A Pillow With Cording

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13 Comments

  1. Love this idea! Yes, our Goodwill has beautiful shirts at very reasonable prices. Thanks for posting!

    1. Thanks Caroline! I wasn’t brave at first with doing videos either. The worst part is my horrible memory, and forgetting what to say!

      1. Hi, Jan, I’m new to your community. I was watching the video on chalk couture with you and your Sister. You said you would send out free samples to give it a try. I would love to try. I’ve requested to join your community. I love pillows with the words on them. I love the pictures with just words on them. I requested to join your fb group. Thank you!

  2. Just found this on Pinterest and love it! Your video tutorials are great! My 12 year old son is taking “clothing” in school with his 12 year old sister and he loves it! I have been teaching him at home, too. I am definitely going to do this pillow with him! Thank you for the great ideas I have seen just now on this site! (-: Lisa

    1. Thanks Lisa! I think it’s great that your son and daughter are learning to sew! Thanks for the nice comments about my tutorials and site, you’ve made my day.

  3. Great information. Lucky me I came across your site by
    accident (stumbleupon). I’ve saved it for later!

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