Recycled Sweater Throw Pillows
This eco-crafting idea uses recycled sweaters found at thrift stores or in the backs of closets to create cozy pillows. For the best results, look for sweaters with embellishments or great texture. This project comes to us compliments of Heidi Borchers for Inspired at Home.
Listen to the audio of this project. (mp3)
Materials:
- Pillow form
- Ruler
- Chalk pencil or disappearing ink pen
- Embellished sweaters
- Sewing machine and thread (either complementary or contrasting color)
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Decorative trim
- Hot glue and glue sticks
Instructions:
- Using pillow form as guide for size, mark sweater on right side, using the same measurement as pillow form (i.e. 16” form, draw 16” square on sweater.) Be certain that you shift your pillow form around sweater to include the most decorative areas!
- With wrong sides of sweater together, stitch along 3 sides of marked guidelines.
- Cut along stitched edges to ½” from stitched line. Cut along unstitched 4th edge too.
- Slip pillow form inside stitched sweater.
- Pin unstitched edges together to hold in place and stitch together.
- Working a small section at a time, place a line of glue along the stitched edge. Immediately lay trim into glue. Repeat until trim is glued along all four sides of pillow.
Heidi’s Designer Tips: It’s easier to stitch with a contrasting color thread so when it comes time to clip the edges, you can follow the stitching line. Because the trim will cover the stitching line, you don’t need to worry about the color of the stitching. Also, if you don’t sew, wherever the instructions tell you to sew, you can glue this project instead.
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OrahLee
Apr 07, 2012
Great project. One I definitely will try--I have a perfect sewater for it! Way to go Heidi !!!! OrahLee-- a long time fan.
GeorgiaAnn
Jul 01, 2011
I love the sweater pillows. I have several sweaters that could possibly be used this way. I promise to "go green" and get them out to consider my options....
Crafter 5278690
Feb 17, 2011
When sewing the side seams include twill tape or other non stretch material to prevent distortion. Iron on hem tape can also be used to preventing stretching. Mark equal lengths to create symmetrical sides. Kathy B.
pld
Aug 26, 2010
I have some sweaters of my mother's as well. We lost her last year at age 89. One is a bright red wool pullover with her initials embroidered. A pillow from that sweater would be a lovely remembrance that I know she'd appreciate. Thanks for the idea!
MorgansMeema
Jun 26, 2010
My Mom passed away last year and so for my adult children I have decided to use some of Mom's sweaters to make these wonderful pillows. It will be a special way for them to remember their beloved Grandma...I am so happy to be able to do this for them and for myself. I have also included her holiday sweaters and sweatshirts to use for decorative pillows for Christmas. Thank you for sharing this idea!!!!! I love Fave Crafts!!!
wild and wacky gra ndma
Mar 28, 2010
can make swhals, slippers,hand bags, even a bed throw, hats, mittens
beverly largent
Mar 13, 2010
Mom used to recreate from the old things to make beautiful things 40 years ago, still holds TRUE today. Good work FAVERCRAFTS!!!
PHYL PEEK
Feb 28, 2010
i bought a gaudy large sweater from goodwill. i have been waiting for an idea as what to make out of it. thanks a bunch. phylpeek
Cherry Lamb
Feb 16, 2010
This is great. I lost my son when he was 16 and he has a sweater with a saxophone on it and I was trying to figure out how to incorporate that into a quilt, but the pillow idea is fantastic.
Member 14332
Feb 01, 2010
What a great idea! This will make more room in my closet. I love my sweaters, but with hotflashes now I just can't wear them. Thank you!
MunchiesGramma
Jan 31, 2010
This is such a great idea! I have a closet full of sweaters that I love but no longer fit (and sisters and daughter have different tastes in clothes) now I have a great use for them and can see them all the time again, since I couldn't bear to part with them!
Crafter 7251686
Dec 26, 2009
I just love this idea. My son taught himself how to knit and he also taught himself how to felt. I will have him help me and see if I can make some of these. Vicki Knott
Crafter 19853
Sep 30, 2009
I can't wait to try this I have so many sweaters that I do not wear any more. This is a super idea!! Thanks
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