Recycle an old shirt into a clever pillow cover - Stefanie Gabrych Fraser
If you have a few favorite shirts or blouses that have torn or stained sleeves or collars, you don't need to throw them out. They can be recycled into cost-saving items.
Even if sewing is not one of your basic skills, it’s very simple to recycle those old, unwearable shirts into a useful and decorative pillow covers. All you need to do is to create a paper pattern, cut out the shirt material, sew the pieces together, and insert the pillow filling. You'll save money and help the environment in one go.
Tools and Materials
- One shirt
- Paper for making pattern
- Dressmaker pins
- Scissors
- Pillow form
Instructions
- Determine the size of the pillow by laying the buttoned-up shirt out flat and measuring the width. The larger the shirt, the more options you will have.
- Cut a paper pattern 1/2-inch larger than the pillow on all sides.
- Place the pattern over the centre placket so that the buttons poke out through.
- Cut out the front and back pieces of the shirt. Pin the pieces right sides together.
- Sew the front and back together at top, bottom, and sides, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
- Turn the pillow cover inside out and press. The front of your shirt should now be the front of the pillow.
- Insert pillow and button up the closures.
- So what can you do with those leftover sleeves? Read on.
Recycle a Shirt Sleeve into a Rag Bag Holder
Of course you can tear up the sleeves and use these as rags themselves, but why not make a rag bag from at least one of the sleeves. It's a really great way to store your rags and keep them handy. Keep one in the kitchen, the back porch and basement (and garage) to keep them out of the way until needed.
Tools and Materials
- Shirt sleeve (from an old, stained shirt)
- Elastic
- Webbing tape (or sturdy ribbon)
- Scissors
- Safety pin (optional)
Instructions
- Remove a sleeve from a long-sleeve shirt and turn the sleeve inside out.
- For a neat finish to the top of the sleeve, cut off any surplus material so it is straight across, and then hem. You can leave the cuff at the other end of the sleeve or remove it. If you remove the cuff, sew the tab opening closed.
- Hem the top of the sleeve (and bottom if you’ve removed the cuff) to make a casing for your elastic webbing, and then run the elastic through the hemmed ends. Attaching a safety pin to the elastic makes it easier to force the elastic through the casing.
- Tie off the elastic and cut off any surplus. Hand stitch the opening.
- To make a handle, take a length of webbing tape (or sturdy ribbon) and attach it firmly inside of the top end of the sleeve tube.
- Stuff your new rag bag holder with your clean rags and hang somewhere within reach. Next time you need to do a clean up, you'll have a rag handy.
Copyright Stefanie Gabrych Fraser. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
