DIY Sweater Pillows

Lately I have noticed how popular sweater-knit pillows are.  Have you seen them?  Like these from Pottery Barn?  They sell for around $49.00.  I've seen some for close to $80.00!   I like the look, but not the price.  That got me thinking...I have some sweaters that I no longer wear.  Why not convert them into sweater pillows?  You can buy travel pillows at Walmart for less than $5.00.

And, if you don't have any sweaters to convert, check out your local thrift store.  You can always find some there. Mine turned out okay, but because of the vertical ribbing, it kind of stretched out once I put the pillow insert in.  Look for sweaters that have an all over geometric like knit pattern, (like the far right end of my pillow in the picture) instead of a ribbed one.  Since men's sweaters are larger, they would be a good choice.    I think red, white, gray and green colored ones would make beautiful winter pillows.

Here's what you will need:
Sweater
travel pillow
sharp scissors
measuring tape
pencil



Turn the sweater inside out, and lay it down flat.  Smooth out any wrinkles.



Measure the pillow.



Mark the exact measurements of the pillow with a pencil, but add 2 extra inches from the bottom of the sweater.  (That way you will know for sure that the pillow will be sufficiently covered on the open end after you insert the pillow)



Cut out both pieces together.



With a 1/4" to 1/2" seam, sew the three edges of the pillow together.  IMPORTANT!  Make sure that the bottom finished edge of the sweater will be the opening to put the pillow in.  Since that edge is already finished, you will not need to finish it!

After sewing, turn your sweater pillow right side out, and insert pillow form.  Enjoy!