Let’s face it: our closets are often filled with clothes we no longer wear. Some might be too worn out, others might not fit the way they used to, and some might just be hiding at the back of the closet, forgotten. For me, it always felt like a waste to simply toss them in the trash.

That’s when I started exploring creative ways to reuse clothes, and one of my favorite projects has been turning old long-sleeve shirts into beautiful, decorative pillows.

If you have old shirts lying around, whether they belong to you or a loved one, and you’re looking for a fun, easy, and eco-friendly way to repurpose them, this guide is for you.

In this post, I’ll show you step-by-step how you can upcycle those shirts into stunning pillows that add personality and charm to any space.

Why Upcycle Long Sleeve Shirts into Pillows?

Have you ever looked at an old shirt and thought, “This could still be useful for something”? It’s common to feel guilty about throwing away something that still has a lot of potential. Plus, upcycling old clothing is an excellent way to be more sustainable and reduce waste.

Not only is this project an eco-friendly solution, but it’s also an opportunity to give a second life to something that may have sentimental value—like a shirt from a favorite concert, vacation, or special occasion.

So, what makes decorative pillows such a great choice for upcycling? Pillows are essential décor items that instantly update the look of your home.

They also don’t require much fabric, which makes a long-sleeve shirt the perfect candidate. Instead of throwing away that shirt, you can transform it into something useful and stylish in just a few simple steps!

Selecting the Right Shirt for Your Pillow

Not every long-sleeve shirt is ideal for upcycling into a pillow. While the fabric of most shirts can work, the fit and design can impact how your final product will look. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the perfect shirt:

• Fabric Type: Cotton, flannel, and linen are great choices because they’re soft, durable, and easy to work with. Avoid shirts with too much stretch, like those made from spandex, as they might not hold the pillow’s shape as well.
• Size: The size of the shirt will determine the size of your pillow. A larger shirt will yield a bigger pillow, and a smaller shirt will create a more compact one. If you’re looking for a throw pillow, opt for medium to large shirts. For smaller cushions, a smaller shirt might work better.
• Design and Pattern: Consider the look of the shirt. A shirt with a fun print, bold stripes, or even a memorable graphic can make for a playful, statement pillow. On the other hand, a plain shirt in a neutral color will give a more minimalist and sophisticated look.

Once you’ve chosen your shirt, make sure it’s clean and free from stains. If the shirt is too tight or worn in some areas, try cutting the fabric around those parts so you don’t end up with a lumpy or misshapen pillow.

Gather Your Materials

Before you start, you’ll need a few basic materials to complete the transformation from shirt to pillow:

While a sewing machine is ideal for speed and efficiency, you can also hand-stitch your pillow if you prefer a slower, more hands-on process. Either way, this project doesn’t require any advanced sewing skills—just a bit of patience and creativity.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Turning Your Shirt into a Pillow

Now, let’s get into the fun part—the actual transformation! Here’s how to turn that long-sleeve shirt into a decorative pillow in just a few simple steps:

1. Cut the Shirt
   • Lay the shirt flat on a table, smoothing out any wrinkles. Use the measuring tape to determine the desired size of your pillow. Most standard pillows are about 16 x 16 inches, but you can adjust this depending on your preference.
   • Cut off the sleeves of the shirt. You’ll use the main body of the shirt for the pillow cover.
   • Depending on the style of the shirt, you may need to cut the shirt along the side seams to open it up. Keep the front and back pieces as intact as possible to minimize seams when sewing the pillow.
2. Prepare the Fabric
   • If the shirt has any buttons, collars, or cuffs, decide if you want to keep them as part of the design. Buttons can add a cute touch, especially if they’re functional and positioned near the edge of the pillow.
   • Iron out any wrinkles to make the fabric easier to work with.
   • If you’re using fabric glue, you can glue the edges of the shirt to avoid the need for sewing, but this method may not be as durable as stitching.
3. Sew the Edges
   • Fold over the edges of the shirt’s body (about half an inch) to create a clean hem. Pin or clip the edges in place to prevent them from shifting while sewing.
   • Use a needle and thread (or a sewing machine if you have one) to sew along the edges. If you’re using a sewing machine, opt for a straight stitch.
   • Leave a small opening at one edge of the pillow so you can insert the stuffing.
4. Insert the Pillow Stuffing
   • Turn the fabric right side out through the opening. Now, you should have the shape of a pillow, and you can begin stuffing it with the pillow stuffing or foam. Be sure to add enough stuffing to give the pillow shape and comfort, but don’t overstuff it or it may become too stiff.
   • Once you’re happy with the level of stuffing, sew the opening shut with a few small, neat stitches.
5. Optional Personalization
   • Want to make the pillow even more unique? You can sew on decorative items like buttons, patches, or even lace along the seams. For a more rustic look, consider adding fabric scraps for a patchwork effect.
   • Experiment with different shirt designs—like plaid, striped, or graphic tees—to create a variety of styles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this project is simple, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Using the wrong fabric type: Some fabrics may not hold up as well when used as pillow covers. Stretchy or slippery fabrics can make it harder to sew and cause the pillow to lose shape over time. Stick to thicker, non-stretch fabrics for the best results.
• Not measuring the pillow properly: If you don’t measure the shirt carefully, your pillow might turn out too small or too large. Always double-check your measurements before cutting.
• Overstuffing the pillow: Stuffing is key to getting the right level of comfort and shape, but too much stuffing can make the pillow overly firm or cause the seams to burst. Add stuffing gradually until you find the right balance.
• Skipping the finishing touches: It’s easy to overlook the small details like pressing the seams or adding decorations, but these finishing touches can make a big difference in the final appearance of your pillow.

Conclusion

Upcycling long-sleeve shirts into decorative pillows is an easy and fun way to repurpose clothing and add a personal touch to your home décor.

Whether you’re looking to breathe new life into a shirt with sentimental value or you just want to create unique pillows for your living room, this project offers endless possibilities for creativity. The best part? You don’t need to be an expert sewer to make it happen!

So, grab that old shirt you’ve been meaning to throw away, and get started on your very own upcycled pillows. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends or in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you personalize your pillows!

FAQs

Q: Can I use a shirt with a lot of wear and tear?
A: Yes, you can still use a shirt with some wear, but try to avoid areas with holes or stains that can affect the structure of the pillow. If you really love the shirt, consider reinforcing the fabric with extra stitching.

Q: Can I make a pillow from any shirt size?
A: Yes! The size of your pillow will depend on the shirt you choose. For a standard-sized pillow, go for medium to large shirts. Smaller shirts can make cute accent pillows for your couch or bed.

Q: What kind of stuffing should I use for the pillow?
A: Pillow stuffing, foam, or even fabric scraps can work well. If you’re going for a more eco-friendly option, you can use old fabric cut into small pieces for stuffing.