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DCL
I'm a big fan of the unique and unexpected in home decor. I've written about using a shoe as sculpture, clipboards as art hangers, and stacks of books as a bedside table. But pillows hold a special place in my comfort-loving soul.
Making one-of-a-kind pillows is simple and it presents plenty of opportunity to upcycle just about any textile. All you need is a little stuffing (or old t-shirts, shredded) and a sewing machine to sew the shell.
Easy stuffing trick: Sew the two sides of a pillow together with the good sides facing in. Sew along three of the sides completely, and sew along three-quarters of the fourth side. Turn the case right side out, stuff, and hand stitch the opening to finish the pillow off.
Here are five fantastic fabric finds you can upcycle into pillow covers.
Vintage T-Shirts
Turn a few old concert tees into throw pillows by laying it flat and cutting a little off the top and bottom to create a pillow of the desired size. Shred the leftover pieces of the shirts for extra stuffing. These are great for a chic, yet laid-back loft.
Pashminas
If you have a few too many scarves and are looking for a way to make the most of that super-soft textile, why not make them into a cozy pillow with a little fringe? Cut a length from each end and layer the two pieces such that the fringe runs parallel on two of the sides. Perfect for a cozy reading chair.
Pretty Bed Sheets
Have you upgraded to a bigger bed? Not sure what to do with all those old sheets? If you don't want to part with your favorite sheets, use the fabric for throw pillows. Sew as many pillows as you want, and use the excess fabric for stuffing. You could also make a nice large body pillow. Great for extra pillows for the bed. Table Cloth Not sure what to do with granny's old table cloth? Rather than stuffing it into a closet never to be seen again (or maybe just the next time you move), consider making it into something that you can use and enjoy. For lace table cloths, layer with another fabric, maybe from a pillow case, sheet, or old white t-shirt. Vintage Tea Towels I've inherited a lot of stuff from family, and tea towels are no exception. Some of my favorite tea towels are more pretty than practical. Sew one larger linen tea towel in half to make a small pillow, or use two complimentary (or contrasting!) tea towels to make a pillow that can change with your moods.
