I’m pretty sure I mentioned in a previous post that I have recently begun developing my sewing skills. I must say that I’ve gotten a lot better at measuring and cutting fabric and following simple patterns, but I decided not to complicate this project. Besides, I had already sewn four other pillow covers the morning I decided to make this cover, so I was ready to save a step or two.
Today I’m going to show you how I made a cute pillow cover out of a thrift store flannel shirt. So, are you ready to learn how to make a flannel shirt pillow cover in just 5 easy steps? You are going to love this one!
1. First, cut off the sleeves of the shirt along the seams.
2. Next, position your pillow inside of the shirt to determine the the placement of the pockets. You want the pockets centered on the front of your pillow. Use your scissors to trim the excess fabric around the pillow, leaving an extra inch of fabric around all sides to allow for the seams. I cut mine along the lines on the fabric to keep edges straight!
3. Now, turn your fabric so the right sides are facing in and place your pillow between the fabric layers. Use straight pins to mark the edges of the pillow where the seam needs to be. Unbutton the shirt so you can slide your pillow out.
4. Sew around the edges of all 4 sides of fabric, using the straight pins as a guide. Watch out for any buttons!
5. Turn your new pillow cover right side out, insert your pillow, and button it back up.
Wasn’t that super easy? I was pretty amazed myself at how simple this project was…and I love the result!
I really love the look of flannel for the fall and winter months. It just makes me feel cozy. Have you checked out the candles I decorated with flannel and leather belts? If not, you can check them out here.
You have my permission to go seek out all the flannel shirts you can find and get working on this project..now! I know you can make this easy flannel shirt pillow cover, too! As always, I love to hear your comments. Also, keep checking back for more easy DIY projects you can use to decorate your home.
Shared at the following Linky parties: Share It, TOO Cute Tuesday, Time to Sparkle, Take-A-Look Tuesday, Do Tell Tuesday, Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party, Create Link Inspire, Twirl & Take a Bow, The Makers Link Party, Totally Terrific Tuesday, Fall Frenzy Linky Party
I totally lack sewing skills. Luckily I have a MiL that rocks! Always in the search for a new way to reuse my shirts. Sweaters as pillow covers I’ve come across, flannel shirts… this is the first =)
I’m glad you like the flannel shirt pillow. It looks so cute in my living room! Best of all, I picked up the shirt from my local Salvation Army when they had a $1 sale. You can’t beat that! I’m slowly working on my sewing skills and getting better every day…I think!
I’m so proud you shared this ! My dad passed away an he had so many flannel shirts. Now I can use your pattern an make Christmas gifts for ALL my family ! I hated to get rid of his shirts an now I don’t have to !! Thanks !!!!
I’m so glad you stumbled across my project and have been inspired to share your dad’s flannel shirts with your family. I know they will love it!! Blessings!
Hello cute lady! This looks so cool. Pinned. We couldn’t think of anyone better to party with. We hope to see you tomorrow at 7 pm.
Happy Sunday! Lou Lou Girls
Thank you so much! I appreciate you stopping by, and I’ll see you tomorrow night! 🙂
Thanks for linking up this week to Totally Terrific Tuesday Link Party!! Remember party starts again monday at 10pm to see who was picked for features and link up new content!
If you follow me on Google+ I send out a reminder, and I try to follow everyone back that adds me 🙂
There were so many inspiring links this week, hope you found a few that inspired you as well!
Thanks again
Jessica
http://www.LiveRandomlySimple.com
Thanks, Jessica. I will definitely see you there again this week! I appreciate you hosting the awesome party.
How do you cut the shirt to remove the collar, ???? I want to make this for my best friend out of her father’s flannel shirt for Christmas. I love the idea and am a novice at sewing. I notice the pillow doesn’t have the collar from the shirt so how do I remove ????
I just cut the shirt straight across underneath the collar after removing the sleeves from it. Then I cut the fabric into the size rectangle I needed for my sized pillow. I hope this helps!
WWOW– My husband just passed away and I was planning to use his clothing to make things for our children,grandchildren and great grandson—-Pillows was one of the things I thought about—I have done many quilts for people from their loved ones clothing and have used every part of the peices–buttons pockets etc.— never thought of doing a pillow with the shirt front–& Pockets
Thanks
Ruth, I’m so sorry to hear that your husband passed away, but I think this project is the perfect way to let his memory live on. I’ve seen people make quilts from their loved ones clothing, too, but my sewing skills are not that advanced. 🙁 This would definitely be an easier way. I’m so thankful you stopped by today!
My sister and i made flannel pillows from our dad’s shirts as gifts to his grandchildren.😃
That sounds like a lovely gift!
I have a box full of shirts from my husband who passed several years ago. My daughters & grand daughters couldn’t bear to get rid of them & wanted to make quilts from them. Well needless to say, I still have the shirts. This would be an awesome idea for Christmas this year. With just a little time & expense I could send them a memory from “PaPa”. Thanks for the idea!
I think this is an awesome idea to use up those shirts for a memento, and you have plenty of time to get started on them. 🙂 I’m so glad you liked this idea! 🙂
I have seen this with a saying from a father printed on the pocket, do you know the saying or have seen this before?
Hi Janet,
I think this is what you may have seen:
This is a shirt I use to wear.
Whenever you hold it,
know that I am there.
Love, Dad (or other loved one)
I hope it is!
Christie
Understand you I understand year I had to make the panel but how do you put the words on there thank you for your help
Hi Louise,
I didn’t put any words on my pillow. I only used the shirt and made a pillow cover from it.
Thanks,
Christie
A lady asked me about making some of the memory shirt pillows and asked how much I would charge. I have no idea. Could you give me a suggestion please?
I think you should keep track of the time you work on it then decide how much you would like to charge per hour and go from there. Tracking the time spent on a project is a great place to start!