If you have been reading my blog for awhile now, you will realise I am not a big wearer of jeans. I basically live in dresses all year around, but this apparently still doesn’t stop me from buying cute t-shirts that I will never wear. I did come to a solution for this problem a few years back now and started converting some of my old favourite t-shirts into throw cushions. Needless to say, it was a massive success and I even had requests from family and friends for me to make one for them.
This post will actually be part of a DIY: Office Space Makeover SeriesI am putting together for the month of July, which will showcase each week my progress as I update our home office space – all on a budget and by creatively using up-cycled items. So make sure to check back each Thursday for the month of July to see the individual reveals, or like Vintage at Heart‘s Facebook Page so you don’t miss a single post.
The t-shirt I used for this project was a local market purchase, and I just had to have it. I think it is obvious as to why… Who doesn’t love Unicorns? But aside from that, look at the colourful watercolour artwork, so dreamy. So I take the unicorn t-shirt home, super happy with my purchase, to discover it would merely live out its days in my drawer because it didn’t match anything in my wardrobe, and I completely forgot to remind myself that I am actually not a fan of wearing white. The unicorn shirt was a definite ‘impulse purchase fail’ … but in my defence LOOK HOW CUTE IT IS!
What you will need:
- Cushion insert
- Old t-shirt
- Decoration (if you desire)
Just remember cushion inserts can easily be sourced in different measurements depending on the size of the t-shirt you are looking to up-cycle, my husband had an oversized Atlanta Falcons t-shirt that never fit him and I made it into a large cushion for his man cave. Always remember that you will want a nice snug fit, so don’t go too small in size when picking a cushion insert.
Step 1: Measure out the size required to fit your pillow, and cut square. Leave the sides of the t-shirt in place if able as it forms an already stitched side.
Step 2: Sew the top of the t-shirt closed, joining the open-top with the already sewed siding of the t-shirt. Leave the bottom of the t-shirt open to insert pillow.
Step 3: Insert the cushion into the now enveloped t-shirt, and sew shut the bottom opening. It is at this stage that you can also add any decorations you desire.
Step 4: You’re done! This project is also great for using button-down shirts or blouses, as you can easily sew up all the edges and button the cushion into place, plus you will get a cute pocket out of it.
Follow the above simple steps to achieve your very own personalised throw cushion or pillow. I completed mine on a Sunday afternoon in about an hour, so it really doesn’t take up too much time and the outcome is worth every second. I really loved the addition of the pom pom trim on this particular cushion, as it really is an “on-trend” addition and cost a mere $7 from Spotlight to purchase the materials.
Love this idea! I have so many t-shirts that I never wear, will be giving this a go for sure 🙂
Love finding DIY projects that I can do with my daughter. She’s going to love this project.
So great to hear Shantel, I think it will be a gorgeous project for you and your daughter. Maybe use one of her old favourite t’shirts from when she was younger <3
I love this idea, if only I owned any tshirts! I may have to go thrift a cute one for this project! Looking forward to the rest of your diy posts!
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Em xx
Hahaha see this is my issue Emily! I think I will wear t’shirt and buy one only for it to ever be used if I go for a run (which is rare). Lucky I have a healthy addiction to throw pillows (or making throw pillows) 😉
I’m always up for a good DIY, and this one is so cute! The pom-pom trim adds so much charm to the pillow, and I think the colours will brighten up any space. You’re so great at finding amazing ways to re-purpose items people have lying around their home.
xo, Rowan | rowanmorrissy.com
I’m not usually one for a DIY but this is such a clever idea! Definitely a great way to get the most of your tees.
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