A favorite blouse in a fabric you already love can be turned into a fashionable pillow. Reuse torn or stained garments in a creative way. Basic sewing skills and a sewing machine are helpful, but are not necessary.
Sewing Machine Step 1
Draw a pattern on tracing paper with a pencil. This is what you will use as a guide to cut out the shape for the pillow. If this is your first time pillow, stick with a simple shape such as a square or a circle.
Step 2
Position the tracing paper on top of the blouse and cut out the front of the blouse for the pillow. Make sure any patterns or buttons are centered. Repeat for the back side of the blouse. If you are using a shirt that is torn or stained, the stain should be located on the edge or the bottom so you can still use the center for the pillow.
Step 3
Lay the back of the pillow on a flat surface with the right side facing up. Set the front of the pillow on top of the back piece with the right side facing down. Make sure the edges line up and pin the edges together.
Step 4
Leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance, sew along the edges of the two pieces with your sewing machine, removing the pins as you go. Do not sew one side shut. Carefully turn the pillow so the right sides are facing out.
Step 5
Fit your hand in the opening and add the desired amount of stuffing. Sew the opening shut.
Hand-Sewing Step 1
Cut out your pattern and pin your pieces together, following the instructions above. Thread the needle and start at one corner. Sew 1/2 inch from the edge, making small, even stitches. Continue along the other edges and thread the needle as necessary. Leave one side open. When you run out of thread, tie the ends in a double knot.
Step 2
Sew the last edge shut with small stitches as you did before. Tie the end in a double knot and cut off any dangling threads.