--- title: Turn Old T-Shirts into Cozy Throw Pillows: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide siteUrl: https://logzly.com/craftycorner author: craftycorner (The Crafty Corner) date: 2026-06-17T21:04:51.654778 tags: [upcycling, diy, homecraft] url: https://logzly.com/craftycorner/turn-old-t-shirts-into-cozy-throw-pillows-a-step-by-step-diy-guide --- **Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us.** Ever stare at a pile of worn‑out tees and wonder if they could become something useful? I’ve been there—my [laundry basket](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Laundry+Basket&tag=organizationtip101-20) looks like a tiny museum of concert shirts, faded tees, and kids’ art tops. Instead of tossing them, I turned a few into soft, [colorful throw pillows](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=colorful+throw+pillows&tag=organizationtip101-20) that now sit on my couch and remind me of good times. It’s a quick project, cheap, and perfect for a rainy weekend. ## What You’ll Need - 2 old T‑shirts (the bigger the better, but any size works) - Scissors ([fabric scissors](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=fabric+scissors&tag=organizationtip101-20) are ideal, but any sharp pair will do) - A [pillow form](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pillow+form&tag=organizationtip101-20) or a small zip‑pillow (about 12‑16 inches) - Sewing [needle and thread](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=needle+and+thread&tag=organizationtip101-20) (or a basic [sewing machine](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sewing+machine&tag=organizationtip101-20)) - Pins or [fabric clips](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=fabric+clips&tag=organizationtip101-20) - A [ruler or measuring tape](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ruler+or+measuring+tape&tag=organizationtip101-20) - Chalk or a fabric marker - Optional: [fabric glue](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fabric+Glue&tag=organizationtip101-20), [decorative trim](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Decorative+Trim&tag=organizationtip101-20), or [embroidery thread](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=embroidery+thread&tag=organizationtip101-20) for extra flair ## Step 1: Pick the Right Shirt Not every tee makes a good pillow. Look for shirts that still have a decent amount of fabric left—no big holes or stretched out sleeves. A shirt with a fun print or a memory attached (like a band you love) works best because the design will become the pillow’s face. If you have a shirt with a logo on the front, that will be the front of your pillow; the back can be plain or you can flip it for a different look. ## Step 2: Measure and Cut the Fabric Lay the shirt flat on a clean surface. Using your ruler, measure the width of the pillow form. Add about ½ inch on each side for [seam allowance](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=seam+allowance&tag=organizationtip101-20) (the extra fabric that lets you stitch the edges together). Mark a rectangle on the shirt with chalk or a fabric marker. Do the same on the back of the shirt if you want a two‑piece pillow; otherwise, you can use the same piece for both front and back. Cut the rectangle carefully. If you’re using a single [piece of fabric](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=piece+of+fabric&tag=organizationtip101-20) for both sides, you’ll need to cut two identical rectangles. For a reversible pillow, cut one rectangle from the front and another from the back. ## Step 3: Prepare the Edges T‑shirt fabric is stretchy, which can make stitching a bit tricky. To keep the edges from fraying, give them a tiny fold of about ¼ inch and pin it down. This “hem” will also help the seam lie flat. If you have a sewing machine, set it to a [straight stitch](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=straight+stitch&tag=organizationtip101-20) and sew along the folded edge. If you’re hand‑sewing, a simple running stitch works fine—just keep the stitches even. ## Step 4: Assemble the Pillow Place the two [fabric pieces](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=fabric+pieces&tag=organizationtip101-20) right sides together (the printed side facing in). Pin the edges, leaving a small opening of about 3‑4 inches on one side. This gap is where you’ll slip the pillow form in. If you’re using a zip‑pillow, you can skip the opening and sew all the way around, then zip it closed. I love zip‑pillows because they let you change the stuffing or wash the cover later. ## Step 5: Sew the Perimeter Using a straight stitch, sew around the pinned edges, following the seam allowance you created earlier. When you reach the opening, stop stitching and [leave it](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=leave+it&tag=organizationtip101-20) as is. If you’re using a sewing machine, backstitch a few stitches at the start and end to lock the seam. ## Step 6: Insert the Pillow Form Turn the sewn fabric right side out—this is the fun part where the pillow suddenly looks like a pillow! Push the pillow form into the opening. If the fabric feels tight, gently stretch it a little; the T‑shirt material is forgiving and will settle once the pillow is in place. ## Step 7: Close the Opening Now you have two options: 1. **Hand‑sew the opening** – Use a needle and thread to do a neat invisible stitch (also called a [slip stitch](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=slip+stitch&tag=organizationtip101-20)). This hides the seam and keeps the pillow looking smooth. 2. **Glue the opening** – If you’re not comfortable with a needle, a few drops of fabric glue along the edge will hold it shut. Just press firmly and let it dry for a few minutes. ## Step 8: Add [Personal Touches](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=personal+touches&tag=organizationtip101-20) (Optional) Here’s where you can get creative. I love adding a little trim along the bottom edge or stitching a tiny embroidered quote on the corner. Even a few [fabric patches](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=fabric+patches&tag=organizationtip101-20) can turn a plain pillow into a conversation starter. Keep it simple; the shirt’s design is already the star. ## Step 9: Fluff and Place Give your new pillow a good fluff. The T‑shirt fabric is soft, so it will hug the pillow form nicely. Place it on your sofa, a [reading nook](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=reading+nook&tag=organizationtip101-20), or even on a bedroom chair. Every time you see it, you’ll remember the concert, the [road trip](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=road+trip&tag=organizationtip101-20), or the [funny moment](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=funny+moment&tag=organizationtip101-20) that made you keep that shirt in the first place. ## Why This Project Works - **Budget‑friendly** – You’re using clothes you already have, so the only cost is the pillow form (often under $5). - **Eco‑friendly** – Upcycling, such as [upcycling a dresser into a modern TV stand](/craftycorner/upcycle-a-dresser-into-a-modern-tv-stand-in-one-weekend), reduces waste and gives new life to items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. - **Fast and satisfying** – Most people finish this in under an hour, and the result is instantly usable. ## A Little Story from My Crafty Corner Last spring, my niece’s [birthday party](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=birthday+party&tag=organizationtip101-20) left me with a mountain of tiny, bright tees from her friends. I thought, “Why not make a set of mini pillows for her playroom?” I followed the steps above, added a few pom‑pom trims, and now she has a whole “pillow fort” made of her friends’ shirts. She calls it the “T‑shirt castle,” and I swear she’s never asked for a new blanket since. It’s moments like these that make me love upcycling—turning something ordinary into a memory holder. I’ve also had fun [turning empty wine bottles into chic wall sconces](/craftycorner/turn-your-empty-wine-bottles-into-chic-wall-sconces-easy-diy-guide-for-budget-home-decor) for a budget‑friendly lighting upgrade. ## Tips for Success - **Pre‑wash the shirts** if they’re dirty; [fresh fabric](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=fresh+fabric&tag=organizationtip101-20) stitches better. - **Use a pillow form with a zip** if you want to wash the cover later. - **Match the seam allowance** on all sides so the pillow stays even. - **Test the stretch** by pulling the fabric gently before you sew; if it’s too tight, cut a slightly larger rectangle. Now you have a cozy, colorful pillow made from something that would have been tossed. It’s a small project with a big impact—on your décor, your wallet, and the planet. Happy stitching, and may your couch always be full of stories!