Do you want to know how to make a shirt pillow with a collar? You can achieve it in just six simple steps!
If you have button-down shirts taking up space in your closet, why not put them into use.
Doing this project won’t take up much of your time. All you need is the fundamental sewing skills and a few tools and materials to get it done.
Plus, you’ll get to have more room in your closet!
So, prepare to get creative because this pillow will make your space have more personality than before.
Supplies and Tools Needed
Listed below are the supplies and tools you will need in creating this project:
- A button-down shirt with collar
- Pillow form or filling
- Sewing Machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- Pins
- Ruler
- Pencil
Steps To Make A Shirt Pillow With A Collar
Now that you have prepared the thing needed, it’s finally time to start the project!
Here are the steps on how to make a shirt pillow with a collar:
Step #1. Cut the shirt into a rectangular shape
Before doing this step, make sure that the shirt is clean and pressed. Get the shirt and lay it flat on top of your work station.
Focusing on one side of the shirt, use your scissors to cut off a sleeve. Start from where the shoulder and the sleeve meets.
Proceed and cut down up to the bottom, removing the side seams.
By doing this, the shirt will be more rectangular, making it easy for you to sew it later on. Once done, repeat on the other side.
If the edges are still uneven, trim the sides for about an inch to straighten them.
Step #2. Pin and straighten the shoulder seam and collar
Lay its front and back part of the shirt flat on the surface, making it look like one long piece of fabric.
At this point, however, you will notice that the shoulder seam and collar stick out it is because the shirt’s shoulders are in a curve.
What you’re going to do is hold both sides of the shoulder seam and lift it. Fold it back for it to overlap the shirt’s back portion.
Ensure that the collar is in a straight position and that there should be enough fabric beneath it to cover the neck opening.
Take your pins and secure the fabric’s position in place just along the shoulder’s edge and around the collar.
Step #3. Stitch along the collar and shoulders
Bring the shirt to your sewing machine. Using a straight stitch, sew across the areas where you placed the pins earlier, the shoulders’ edge, and around the collar.
Be careful not to stitch across the pins! They serve as your guide but remove them as you go.
After doing this, you’ll notice that there’s an opening behind the collar, just like a pocket. You can leave it as is, or you can choose to stitch it up.
Although it will not seal up completely, you can sew right at the bottom of the collar to hold it down.
Step #4. Cut the bottom part of the fabric on both sides
Focusing on the back, use your scissors to cut off the curve from the bottom. Use the edges of the shirt as a guide as to how much to remove.
If you are not confident about eyeing the cut, you can mark the shirt using a ruler and pencil.
Now, switch to the front part. Stitch down for about half an inch, starting from the last button of the shirt.
By doing this, it prevents the shirt from flapping during the cutting process.
Step #5. Sew the bottom and sides together
With right sides facing each other, bring the shirt’s top and bottom edges together. While doing this, ensure that the sides are aligned as well.
Securely pin the bottom and edges to keep it in place.
Bring the shirt to your sewing machine and stitch them together while removing the pins as you go.
Once done, open a button and turn the pillow inside out through the opening. Do not forget to press into its corners to make it neat.
Step #6. Insert pillow form or filling
Get your pillow form and insert it inside the shirt to complete the project.
You can also choose to stuff it with polyester filling. Be as generous with it as you want.
It is your pillow! You can make it plumper and stuffed with fluff.
Close the buttons, and, voila you have a one-of-a-kind and stylish pillow.
Final Words
Who knew! In just six easy steps, you learned how to make a shirt pillow with a collar.
It is the perfect addition to your home, elevating the space and giving it more life. Now, who needs store-bought pillows?
Starting now, you don’t have to throw out your unworn shirts. Just make them pillows instead!
Doing this can save you more money and clear up your closet space. Moreover, the process was an experience that you can share with family and friends.
Till the next sewing project!