Don't toss your kid's favorite shirt! Upcycle it into a pocket pillow they will love.
We've all been there. That moment when your child outgrows his or her favorite t-shirt. The one they don't want to part with even though it's bursting at the seams. It's so soft and loved that you don't want to give it away and you're not sure what to do.
When this happened to my twins' favorite LEGO Batman shirts right before Christmas it was grandma to the rescue. My mom came up with a brilliant DIY project that was super easy to make, cost almost nothing, and kept us from having to part with our beloved Batman friends.
She turned each boy's shirt into an awesome new pocket pillow, and she's shared her secret with me so that you can make a pocket pillow for your kids too!
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DIY T-Shirt Pocket Pillow
These pocket pillows were an instant hit with both of my boys. Made from their favorite LEGO Batman t-shirts, they are soft, snuggly, and a perfect addition to their beds. They have a soft fleece pocket on one side, perfect for holding a book, a lovey, and a minifigure or two.
These pocket pillows even have a handle so they can carry them to the playroom or even to the car, anywhere they need a soft spot and a story!
Want to make your own t-shirt pocket pillow? Here's what you'll need.
Pocket Pillow Supplies
- Kid's t-shirt (this is the one we used).
- Additional piece of fabric, the same size as the t-shirt, for the pocket. My mom used a fleece similar to this for ours, but you can choose anything that is complementary to your shirt design.
- Fabric scissors
- Cord or ribbon
- Straight pins
- Sewing machine
- Pillow stuffing
- Needle & thread for finishing
Pocket Pillow Directions
Cut your t-shirt into two equal size rectangles by removing the sleeves and neckline. Cut both pieces the same size, 1 inch larger on all sides than the size you want the finished pillow to be.Cut your additional piece of material to the same size (this will be your pocket).
Lay the pieces stacked together in the following order:
- T-shirt design piece right side up.
- Pocket-piece folded in half wrong sides together, placed with right side out.
- Pillow back piece wrong side up.
Place a piece of ribbon or cord facing toward the bottom and against the 2 right sides.
Pin all pieces together.
Sew them together about an inch from each edge. Leave about 4 inches open on the bottom to use for stuffing the pillow.
Trim the seams and then turn the pillow right side out. Stuff the pillow. Hand stitch the opening shut.
That's it! A super easy DIY project that your kids are sure to love, and the perfect place to store their treasures or a favorite book.
New to sewing? Here's the best sewing machine for beginner sewers and the best place to buy fabrics online!
Are your kids LEGO fans like us? Check out our DIY LEGO table, LEGO travel case, and our LEGO Batman birthday party for more brick themed fun!
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