DIY Blogger’s Beat: Create Unique Pillows from Thrift Shop Clothing

This is one of those “why didn’t I think of this before” kind of projects. Simple but genius! In this month’s blogger beat, Atlanta blogger Melanie Robinson (of ThePaintedChandelierBlog.com fame) shows us how to repurpose thrift shop clothing to create stunning, unique throw pillows. In the example shown here she uses an intricate dress, but you can use any kind of garment you like.

1. Lay the garment out to measure how many pillows you can make. 

2. Cut the dress down each side seam and across the shoulder seams to create two separate pieces. 

3. If there are any beaded and jeweled areas on your garment like the hem and neckline on this dress, cut them off and set them aside.

4. Measure approximately 14” x 17” starting at the top of the garment (for a 12” x 16” pillow), allow 1” hem at the bottom, 1” seam  and 1” on either side. (Ensure the large piece of fabric has a consistent width and length. If it doesn’t, trim it so you can create more uniform pillows.)

5. Lay the neckline and hemline pieces out on the top piece of fabric and make a pattern that echoes the dress design. 

6. To sew the pillow: Iron a 1” hem or use a fusible hem tape onto the front and back piece of fabric. Pin the fabric together with like sides facing. Sew three sides and part of the fouth side, leaving an opening large enough to fit the pillow form. Insert the pillow form and hand-whipstitch the opening.

7. Lay your pillow down with the front of the pillow facing you. Take the hem and neckline and arrange them on the pillow. Hot glue the fabric to secure it in place then let dry. You’re done! 
 

About the Blogger: Melanie Robinson is an Interior Decorator specializing in residential design and custom hand-painted furniture, and blogs about those design and DIY projects at The Painted Chandelier blog. She is also a wife, busy Mom to 3 teenage sons, and Weimaraner lover, and enjoys photography, kayaking, hiking, traveling, and nature in her spare time. Visit ThePaintedChandelierBlog.com