Thursday, July 7, 2011

a big idea: cardigan pillow cover



Making a pillow cover from a sweater is not a new idea.  Google "make a pillow from a cardigan" and you can see lots of great examples.  This idea is so simple and perfect that I had to give it a try.

I visited a thrift store and scored this pretty cardigan for $3 (including a shell I can use in future projects!)


I cut out the front of the cardigan along the seams.


Then I cut a square, keeping the buttons in the center (although I think this pillow would also look cute with the buttons offset.  I cut a thirteen inch square to allowing for a half inch seam allowance to fit my twelve inch pillow form.


I sewed the cardigan square to a piece of muslin, wrong sides facing.  Sew around all sides and unbutton the cardigan to turn right side out.  The genius of this idea is that you have a ready made opening to fit the pillow through.  Just sew four seams and you are done.

I was concerned about sewing the knitted fabric, but it wasn't bad.  I used a lot of pins to hold the stretchy knit in place.

That's it.  I now have an elegant and understated pillow in less than twenty minutes.  Give it a try with cardigans, men's shirts, maybe even a hoodie with a zipper?

18 comments:

Randi~Dukes and Duchesses said...

I love it ... and I love your idea of doing it with a man's shirt. That would be adorable in a little boy's room. Might have to try that!

Carrie said...

I really like your pillow. I have an old jean skirt that ripped from the split right up the back - I'm cutting off the bottom and turning it into a pillow for my daughter's room. First I think I'm going to get some iron on's and bright button to girly it up a bit!

Amy Louise Stokke said...

Such a cute idea! And so easy!

Screaming Sardine said...

I LOVE this! Thanks so much for sharing this great idea. I love how you can just unbutton it to put a pillow in.

Cheers,
Tracy Screaming Sardine

Anonymous said...

I love it! Very nice:)

Becca Ross said...

This is so pretty! Love your blog. I'd love it if you'd link up to my Home and Family Friday linky party.

Becca

becca-homeiswheremystorybegins.blogpspot.com

Michelle Paige said...

Love this idea. I can't wait to try it myself!

Pamela said...

That turned out super cute! I need to make some for our foyer bench for the fall! Thanx for the inspiration!

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

Brilliant!!! Not to mention adorable. : )
M.L.

Be Colorful Coastal said...

Thanks so much for leaving a comment on my silverware caddy/chest. I wanted to return the favor and I have to say I really like your project. I don't even sew and you have me thinking I could do this. Hmmm? Do I have a cardigan??? :) Thanks for the idea. Perhaps you could link it up tonight on my Motivated Monday party when it posts.
Pam @ BeColorful

Abby said...

Ahhh! so cute! I am going to make one like this for my room.

Your newest follower,
Abby

julie said...

I am absolutely, positively certain that our couch desperately needs a cardigan cushion (or twelve) sometime in the very near future.

Sandy Ang said...

I've never seen a cardigan cushion before. Just fanastic !

Lisa said...

This is so cute! I really want to do one for the nursery now!

Joselyn @The DIY Spot said...

I purchased some wool sweaters from the thrift store to do the very same thing. I plan to felt them first. Yours turned out great. Hope you will stop by for a visit and enter my summer giveaway.

Christie said...

So cute! I love the buttons

Kristen said...

So cute! If only I hadn't donated my old sweaters this spring...I guess a trip to goodwill to buy them back may be in order. I'm picturing my couch filled with comfy sweater pillows this winter!

Kristen
www.decoratingdiy.blogspot.com

Macy McFly said...

Maybe you could even try using plaid!

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