Ideas for Recycling Pillowcases

In the previous article, Ideas for Recycling Old Bed Sheets, we explored some recycling ideas. In this article, we will explore a couple of recycling ideas for their matching, or non matching, pillowcases.

Pillowcases are easy to recycle, as they are almost ready to go as they are.

Laundry Bag
As with the sheets, we can use pillowcases to make laundry bags for those delicate items that don't need to be placed in the washing machine unprotected.

Materials needed:
Pillowcase
Cord
Sewing machine
Thread

Directions:
If your pillow case comes with a zipper, then there is no need to make any modifications to it. The pillow case is ready for use as is.

However, if your pillow case comes with buttons or a flap, then you will need to change it to fit your needs.

1. Remove any buttons the pillowcase may have.

2. Fold the border about 1 inch inside the pillowcase. It is better to use a sewing machine to sew the border all around while leaving openings on one side of the pillowcase. If a sewing machine is not available, you may stitch by hand using the backstitch.

3. Once done with the sewing, thread the cord through one of the openings and run it all the way around until it exits from the other opening.

4. Secure the ends of the cord to make sure they will not get lost inside the sewn border.

When you are ready to use it, place the items you want to safely wash and pull the cord to close the pillowcase. Tie a knot that will not get undone in the wash, yet it will be easy to open once the wash is done.

Toy Bag
To make it easier for your child to pick up toys and stuffed animals, use an old pillowcase and follow the directions given for the laundry bag to create a storage bag.

If the pillowcase has a zipper, all you will want to do is to attach a small loop (made out of cord or ribbon) to use for hanging the bag.

This bag can also be used to transport your child's favorite toys when going on vacation.

Storage for Items of Clothing
If the pillowcase has a zipper, use it to store neatly folded sweaters during the warm seasons or summer blouses during the cold ones.

Cover for Items on Hangers
If you have items that cannot be folded but still need to be protected from dust, create a small opening on the short end of the pillowcase. The hole needs to be big enough to let the hook of the hanger through, yet small enough to avoid dust collecting on the clothes.

Slip the pillowcase on the hanger, threading the hook through the hole, and hang the clothes as usual.