diy throw pillows from old clothes

Have you ever looked at a drawer full of clothes and thought, “I have absolutely nothing to wear,” despite the fact that you own enough fabric to clothe a small village? We’ve all been there! But before you consign those old t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters to the donation bin, consider this: they could have a stylish second life as gorgeous, eco-friendly throw pillows. Yes, you read that right! Transforming your old clothing into DIY throw pillows is not only a fantastic way to declutter and recycle, but it’s also a super fun and creative project that can add a personal touch to your home decor. Let’s dive into how you can turn your unwanted threads into comfy, custom cushions.

Why DIY Throw Pillows From Old Clothes?

Beyond the sheer fun of crafting, there are so many compelling reasons to create your own throw pillows using old clothing. First and foremost, it’s an amazing way to be more environmentally conscious. The textile industry contributes significantly to pollution and waste. By repurposing clothing, you’re actively reducing your footprint and giving new life to materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill. It also saves you money. Instead of buying new throw pillows, which can sometimes be quite expensive, you can create stylish options at home using materials you already own. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to showcase your personality and creativity. You can choose fabrics and patterns that you love, resulting in truly unique pieces that reflect your style. And let’s be honest, there’s a special satisfaction in saying, “I made this!” when someone compliments your decor.

Getting Started: Gathering Your Materials and Tools

Before you start snipping and sewing, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a basic list of supplies you’ll likely require, depending on the specific project you choose:

Essential Supplies

• Old Clothing: This is the star of the show! Gather your old t-shirts, jeans, sweaters, dresses, scarves – anything that has a fabric you like and enough material to work with. Consider the weight and stretch of the fabric, depending on the design you have in mind.
• Pillow Inserts: You can buy these online, at craft stores, or even repurpose old pillow inserts. Make sure to choose a size that fits your needs and design. Look at pillow inserts on Amazon for options.
• Scissors or Rotary Cutter: Sharp fabric scissors are a must for cutting clean lines. A rotary cutter and cutting mat can be especially useful if you are working with larger pieces of fabric or making a patchwork pillow.
• Sewing Machine (Optional): While some no-sew options are available, a sewing machine can speed things up and create more durable pillows. If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can also sew by hand. Check out sewing machines at Joann if you are looking to purchase.
• Needles and Thread: Choose thread that matches the fabric of your clothing or a complementary color. You’ll need hand-sewing needles if you are sewing by hand, or machine needles that match your fabric type.
• Measuring Tape or Ruler: This will help you measure and cut your fabric accurately.
• Pins or Clips: These are essential for holding fabric pieces together before sewing.
• Iron and Ironing Board: Ironing your fabric before cutting and again during sewing can help create clean, crisp lines and make your work look more professional.
• Optional Embellishments: Buttons, ribbons, lace, embroidery floss, fabric markers – these can all add extra detail and personality to your pillows.

Having these materials handy will make your crafting experience much smoother and more enjoyable. Remember, this is a flexible project, so don’t be afraid to improvise or use what you have on hand. If you don’t have all of the materials above, there are plenty of workarounds and substitutions that can be made.

Simple DIY Throw Pillow Projects

Now for the fun part! Here are a few beginner-friendly DIY throw pillow projects you can try with your old clothes.

1. The Envelope Pillow Cover: Easy and Versatile

This is probably the easiest method, perfect for beginners. The “envelope” style pillow cover is made from a single piece of fabric with an overlap in the back, making it easy to remove the insert for washing. It’s a great use for t-shirts, button-down shirts, or lightweight sweaters.

How To:

1. Measure and Cut: Measure your pillow insert, then cut a rectangle of fabric that’s twice the width of the insert, plus about 4-6 inches for seam allowance and overlap. So if your insert is 18×18 inches, you might cut a piece of fabric that’s about 18×40 inches. Remember to add seam allowances to all sides.
2. Hem the Short Ends: On both short ends of your fabric rectangle, fold over the edge by about ½ inch and iron to crease, then fold again ½ inch and stitch a straight hem. You will be working with the right side of the fabric facing down.
3. Fold and Overlap: With the wrong side of the fabric facing up, fold one short hemmed side over the center of the fabric, then overlap the other hemmed side by a few inches. Ensure that the dimensions match your pillow insert. Use pins or clips to hold everything in place.
4. Stitch the Sides: Sew a straight stitch along both sides of the pillow cover, through all layers. Be sure to reinforce at the beginning and end of your stitch.
5. Turn Right Side Out: Turn the cover right side out and insert your pillow. You now have an easy, removable pillow cover.

2. The Zippered Pillow Cover: A Step Up in Skill

This project is a little more advanced than the envelope style, but it provides a more secure and professional look. It’s great for denim, thicker fabrics, and jackets.

How To:

1. Cut the Fabric: Cut two pieces of fabric that are slightly larger than your pillow insert. For an 18×18 inch insert, you might cut two 19×19 inch pieces.
2. Insert the Zipper: Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together. Attach a zipper to one edge using your sewing machine and a zipper foot. There are many great zipper tutorial videos online. This will create a single seam, which you can find tutorials for at Youtube.
3. Stitch the Sides: Once the zipper is attached, use pins to hold together the remaining three sides of the pillow cover. Stitch around those sides with your sewing machine. Be sure to reinforce at the beginning and end of your stitch.
4. Turn Right Side Out: Carefully turn your pillow cover right side out and insert your pillow insert. Now you have a professional-looking, zippered pillow.

3. The No-Sew Tie Pillow: A Fun, Quick Project

This project is fantastic for using up old scarves, stretchy t-shirts, or even neckties. The knotting or tying method is easy and requires no sewing at all!

How To:

1. Cut or Tie Your Fabric: Cut your fabric into equal-sized strips, if necessary. For ties, you can use the entire ties.
2. Arrange Fabric Around Pillow: Lay out your pillow insert on a flat surface. Place your fabric strips around the perimeter of the pillow insert and begin tying them securely to enclose the insert.
3. Knot or Tie the Strips: Tie the strips together, creating a fringe-like border around your pillow. You can knot them, tie them in bows, or try different techniques for texture and visual interest.
4. Adjust as Needed: Check that all edges are tied or knotted tightly, and then you’re done!

Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips to make your DIY throw pillow journey smoother:

• Wash Your Clothing First: Before you start cutting and sewing, wash your old clothes. This will remove any lingering dirt, odors, and shrinkage. It’s also important to iron your fabric for ease of use, so wash it in advance, dry it, and then iron it.
• Consider Fabric Weight: Thicker fabrics like denim or canvas will create more structured pillows, while lightweight fabrics like t-shirt knits will result in softer, more relaxed pillows. Mix and match fabrics if you like, just try to select fabrics with similar weight.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Try combining different fabrics, adding embellishments, or exploring more intricate sewing techniques as you become more comfortable.
• Use a Walking Foot for Difficult Fabrics: If you are using a sewing machine and working with fabrics that are tricky or bulky, consider using a walking foot attachment for your machine.
• Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re new to sewing, start with a simple project and work your way up to more complex ones. Don’t get discouraged if your first pillow isn’t perfect; it’s all part of the learning process.
• Use the “Right” Side: Always keep in mind which side of the fabric is the “right side” (what you want to be visible) and which is the “wrong side” (what you don’t want to show).
• Be Aware of Seam Allowances: Seam allowances are the amount of fabric that you include when sewing. Always factor in seam allowances to your measurements, so the dimensions are correct.

More Creative Ideas

Ready to take your DIY throw pillow game to the next level? Here are some additional creative ideas to explore:

• Patchwork Pillows: Use fabric scraps from various old clothes to create a unique patchwork design. You can use squares, rectangles, or even triangles and free-form shapes for a fun and eclectic look.
• Embroidered Pillows: Add personalized touches to your pillows by embroidering designs or names onto the fabric before sewing the pillow cover.
• Appliqué Pillows: Cut out shapes from other fabrics and sew them onto your pillow cover for a decorative effect.
• Braided or Knotted Pillows: Cut t-shirts into long strips and braid them together, then coil and sew them to create a unique textured pillow.
• Painted Pillows: Use fabric markers or paint to add patterns or designs directly to your pillow cover.

With a little creativity and a few simple steps, you can transform your old clothing into beautiful, personalized throw pillows. These projects are not just eco-friendly, but they also bring a unique sense of style and personal touch to your home decor. So, gather up those old clothes and get crafty! You’ll be amazed at what you can create.