Mail_new Print

How To: Make Recycled Inside Out Pillows

By ModHomeEcTeacher

created on: 11/06/08 

My Recycled Inside Out Throw Pillow ensemble are handily made out of shirts, jackets or skirts that either button up the front or have a long zipper closure.  The beauty of this is that there's no need to handstitch a pillow closed or insert a zipper or add buttons or buttonholes.  Look for modern patterns and stylish color combinations while shopping for "vintage" and I mean CHEAP used apparel that you can easily transform.  

The only requirement is that you can sew relatively straight lines and that you have some flair for choosing patterns and colors.

What you need:

  • vintage garments
  • pillow pattern
  • chalk
  • straight pins
  • scissors
  • sewing machine
  • stuffing for your pillows

What you do:

1.  Wash all garments before starting

created on: 11/06/08

2.  Turn garment inside out

created on: 11/06/08

3.  Place pattern on garment and chalk around the pattern

created on: 11/06/08

4. Pin top and bottom together and cut out pillow pieces.

created on: 11/06/08

created on: 11/06/08

5.  Stitch around pillow cover at a 1/2" seam allowance

created on: 11/06/08

6.  Remove pins, clip corners and turn pillow cover right side out

created on: 11/06/08

7.  Fill pillow cover with your Perfect Pillow Form

created on: 11/06/08

Button up and place on your sofa.

Also, here are a few photos of a side zippered linen shell turned into a zebra lumbar pillow.

created on: 11/06/08

created on: 11/07/08

created on: 11/07/08

 

created on: 11/06/08

Nice new trio for the Thanksgiving guests.

created on: 11/06/08

 

Tagged:




Did you like this article?




November 06, 2008
7 comments  |  3720 views  | 
Heart 4
Modgal_thumb

ModHomeEcTeacher's blog (253 posts)

Featured Writer
Rss_trans Subscribe to this blog
Member since: 11/30/06
About:   DIY Journal is the weekly column I write for The Indianapolis Star along with periodic DIY photo-tutorials for www....


Rss_blue Comments

Modgal_thumb

ModHomeEcTeacher

June 16, 2009

I know. I'm still using these pillows. I love the sweater one and the ladies zebra top turned pillow.

Icon_missing_thumb

Denise

June 16, 2009

Love this idea!  I live in an RV much of the time.  Even though every square inch of space is a consideration, I do like to change decor with seasons, events, or even to go with the new area we are in. (Currently in San Joaquin valley and have a mix of wine and olive motifs in sage, gold, and purple accents.)  Pillows are lightweight but take up a lot of room, so I reuse the same pillows, just changing the pillow covers. I loathe zippers and buttonholes but they are a necessity when you change the covers regularly - this is BRILLIANT!  (PS How cool would this idea be if you hav animals that lay around on your upholstery?)

Modgal_thumb

ModHomeEcTeacher

November 14, 2008

livyschoolgirl-thanks. Isn't it great not having to finish the edges? It's like a miracle!! Ha!

Me_thumb

livyschoolgirl

November 11, 2008
That is sooo sneaky! I LOVE it! Now I have a way to recyle old clothes and save myself the trouble of sewing on buttons or zippers. Thanks for sharing, wonderful ideas! :)
Modgal_thumb

ModHomeEcTeacher

November 07, 2008

I know. I did that green cable knit turtleneck but it was sooo stretchy.

Rosie_2_thumb

DIY Maven

November 07, 2008

How about felting old wool sweaters before making the slipcovers? That'd be cool too.

Winter_friend_thumb

dewonangus

November 06, 2008

This is great!  All the posts ... pillow patterns, forms and recycling garments into pillows.  Thanks.  I wish I was farther ahead with my unpacking, painting, etc.   So many ideas now running through my head and before you know it out will come the Christmas decorations.  So many projects and so little time!!!

Add a Comment!