Re-purpose Old T-Shirts Into Pillowcases

Would you like to re-purpose old t-shirts into pillowcases? Maybe it’s your favorite cozy rainy day t-shirt you have tucked away in a dresser drawer, taking up real estate. Meanwhile, you can’t part with it because it represents fond memories of the time you wore it to a football game and met your love of your life.  It could be a favorite concert t-shirt, a sports team, a race shirt or fund-raiser t-shirt.

It may be a bit worn or it just doesn’t fit right anymore.

Re-purpose Old T-Shirts Into Pillowcases 

I am using a t-shirt from my home town in Cadillac, Michigan. I loved the shirt, but I didn’t like the style. The neckline was too high and felt like it was choking me. Also, the sleeves felt too snug around the arms.

Since the printed design was close to the neckline, it only left about an inch and a half of fabric to work with. That’s how I determined my design.

Design Options 

• leave a folded opening in the back ( too basic for the front)
• sew all four sides together (it wouldn’t be removable)
• use the design as a center patch with a fabric frame ( it would be too big for a small pillow)

Instructions

1. Remove sleeves, collar, and bottom hem wit scissors
2. Cut straight up both sides to create two pieces
3. Then cut the design piece so that there is about 1 1/2” of fabric revealed at the top and bottom of the design.
4. You will also need to cut the back piece of fabric about 2 1/2 inches long than the front piece.
5. Turn design side inside and sew 3 sides to the back piece.
6. Leave the long back piece at the top open.
7. Fold over twice. See both the top and the bottom of the folded hem to create a heavier placement for the buttons.
8. Repeat step 7 with the back piece, but fold about 1 1/4 “ hem instead.
9. Flip right side out and place buttons onto design side of fabric.
10. Place button holes onto the long back piece of fabric.

Conclusion

Viola! You are now able to re-purpose old t-shirts into pillowcases. It is a fun way to preserve old memories by creating your own personal memorabilia. Keep in mind, you can keep a t-shirt of a loved one who is not able to be with you as a way to keep them close to your heart.