Fast & Easy T-Shirt Pillow

 

 Supplies

-t-shirt

-chalk (or something to mark on the shirt with)

-straight edge *optional

-pins

-rotary cutter or sewing shears

-sewing machine or needle and thread

-Poly-fil / stuffing

 

 



     Find a shirt that has a cool design on it, I am using my Treasure Planet map shirt.  Place the shirt on a cutting surface and trace out the dimensions of what the pillow is going to be.  Keep in mind that extra room will be needed on the outside for a 5/8" seam allowance.  If you are new to sewing, this just means that the stitching will be 5/8" into the edges of the fabric.  Use a straight edge and chalk to get the most precise outline.  I made mine 11" by 12".

     To keep the material in place while cutting, place pins on each corner.  Cut along the traced lines with a rotary cutter or sewing shears.  Cut through both layers of fabric.

     Before sewing, rearrange pins by putting one in the middle between each of the four corners.  This will help to make a straighter stitch.  Anywhere on the fabric, leave about a 3" section that will not be stitched (in between the two purple pins).  The Poly-fil will be stuffed into this opening after the next step.

    


     The stitching is all up to you.  Instead of doing a traditional seam where the fabric is sewn inside-out, I sew it with the right sides facing out.  This makes the stitching show and the raw edges visible.  When sewing like this, make sure to sew along the 5/8" seam allowance.  Backstitch at the beginning and end of every corner, making sure to overlap them.

    


     Stuff with Poly-fil one handful at a time.  Do not stuff it so full that it won't be able to sew shut.  Then sew up the bottom, cut off any loose threads and you're done.

     Have fun with this DIY!  Play around with different colored thread and stitches.  I used pink thread on the Halo pillow to give it a girly touch.