How to Make Button Up Pillows

These button up pillows are so easy to make and can be made in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The button up pillows are made using worn button up dress shirts that are no longer being used. You can use floral prints for a feminine design, or striped and solids for a modern contemporary look. To add some country cottage flair, just mix and match the colors and patterns of the button up pillows for a cozy and charming new look. One of the great features of the button up pillow, is the cover can be easily removed for washing. Just follow the easy directions below and you will be creating your own button up pillows in no time.

Materials

Worn button up dress shirts
pillow forms
matching thread.

If you don't have any button up dress shirts you can part with, just check out your local thrift stores or garage sales for great finds and inexpensive prices. You can also pick up used pillows for recovering, to save even more money.

Directions

The first step is to iron the shirt to smooth out all wrinkles. Next button up the shirt and pin the shirt's front and back together to keep them in place while cutting. Now cut out the shirt to match the shape and size of your pillow form. Make sure to add two inches to both the width and length, and be sure to center the row of buttons down the front. Take the 2 pieces of fabric and pin them together so the shirt's finished sides face each other.

Now you are ready to begin sewing the button up pillows. You will start by sewing the pieces together using a 6/8-inch seam. After sewing, snip the corners at an angle to make it easier to turn the pillow cover right side out. After you have turned the pillow cover right side out, iron it flat and button it closed. Now you are going sew a top stitch 1/8" from the edge around the cover. Then you will sew one more top stitch 3/8 inch from the edge around the cover. The cover is now finished. Unbutton the cover and insert the pillow form, then re-button and fluff. Your button up pillow is now complete. To wash your pillow covers just remove them and through them in the washer with like colors.

If you like you can choose to embellish your button up pillows with ribbons, trims, tassels etc. Be as creative as you like, match your decor or add a punch of color to any room with your newly created button up pillows.