INSIDE: How to sew an easy lumbar pillow from an old long sleeve t-shirt. Re-purpose clothing into DIY home decor.
Sometimes a t-shirt is better off as a …pillow? When you like a t-shirt too much to get rid of it but you don’t want to wear it anymore, or you find something cool and groovy at a thrift store, give it a new purpose. Like support for your back.
And that became the fate of this cute graphic “beach” long sleeve t-shirt.
Here’s how to turn any cotton t-shirt into a fun pillow. It’s sew easy!
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How to Make Sew Easy Lumbar Pillow from Old T-Shirt
Are you a t-shirt wearer? I’m not such a big fan. Maybe it’s because I live in the sweltering Arizona desert but give me a tank top any day of the week!
Supplies:
– Long sleeve cotton t-shirt (mine was a women’s small)
– Sewing machine
– Measuring tape
– Straight pins + sewing scissors
– Lumbar pillow insert
– Optional: Decorative tassels
how to make a lumbar envelope pillow from an old t-shirt
Lay the t-shirt out flat. If the shirt has a graphic design you intend to use, figure out which parts you will use before you cut!
The lumbar pillow insert I had measured 10×20″. You will want to add at least 1″ seam allowance on each side. Use the measuring tape to determine where you will cut.
Based on the size of the pillow insert* I was using, I cut three pieces of fabric from the t-shirt:
- 10×20″ piece (+ 1″ seam allowance on each side) — this is the front of the pillow
- 10 x 14″ piece (+ 1″ seam allowance on each side) — this is the back of the pillow
- 10 x 8″ piece (+ 1″ seam allowance on each side) — this is also the back of the pillow
*Adjust these measurements based on the dimensions of the lumbar pillow insert you are using.
how to sew an envelope pillow cover
Pin the two back pieces of the pillow to each end of the front piece. Make sure the right sides are together.
Sew the sides together.
On pieces #2 and 3, fold over a 1/2″ hem on the non-sewn sides. Sew.
Pin the perimeter of the three pieces together. Sew.
Once sewn, turn the pillow cover inside out.
how to quickly turn a long sleeve t-shirt into a pillow
If desired, add some decorative tassels or pom poms.
What have you re-purposed and refashioned lately?
Other Upcycled DIY Ideas You May Like:
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- Upcycle a staircase banister into a gallery photo wall
- Upcycle a larger dresser mirror frame into large-scale wall art
- $20 Craigslist mid-century modern coffee table makeover
- $10 vintage suitcase turned into a wall photo display
- Vintage wooden ruler as frame for a message board
- Brass firewood holder made modern magazine rack
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What a cool idea for a t-shirt to become a beach pillow. It looks great!
This is a terrific idea. There are so many cute tee shirts that will make a great pillow.
I love this idea! It turned out wonderfully and you would never guess that was once a shirt!
I still have some t-shirts that I can’t use anymore but I can’t get rid of them, so this is an excelent idea to upcycle them.
It looks great. I’ve done something similar with my son’s favourite Star Wars T shirts, he couldn’t bear to part with them and I couldn’t bear to see him wearing a shirt that was too small.
Ha, great minds think alike! I just made a cushion cover out of an old t-shirt. I was never wearing it, but couldn’t throw it away either. Love your instructions.
Love your idea. I’m not a sewer, though, so I’ll just have to come up with some no-sew instructions:) I’ve even thought about making a quilt with all my husband’s old college t-shirts…..he has so many, but won’t get rid of any of them! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm.
xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
This is such a great upcycle! Love the addition of the tassel!
Thanks Michelle! I love a great re-purpose project.
What a real informative & smart article. Just lovely & so much valuable. Really helpful. Thanks a lot. Keep going.