Burlap Christmas Pillows

T-Shirt Burlap Pillow

I had to do some t-shirt extensions this season and I was left with the front of the shirts.  This left the full design, so I knew I could make something cute with these.
Pillows are so simple to make, so this could be an easy and festive gift idea.


Supplies:
Christmas T-shirt
Burlap (about 1/2 yard for each pillow)
Polyester Stuffing
Sewing Machine
Straight Pins
Rotary Cutter and Mat or Scissors
Needle and Thread
Ruler
Iron
Serger Machine (optional)

Here are my t-shirts:

Step 1: Cut the design out of the t-shirt into a rectangle.  I measured about  1 1/2" outside of the edge of the design.

Step 2: Serge the edges of the t-shirt fabric rectangles.  If you do not have a serger, you may skip this step.

Step 3: Iron the edges of the t-shirt design 1" down on all sides.  This creates a smooth edge.

If you did not serge the edges in the previous step, I suggest making two folds, both 1/2" long.

Step 4: Cut out the burlap fabric.  It should be about 2 1/4" larger than the ironed t-shirt fabric.

Remember to cut two pieces  for the front and back.

Tip from Amy: If you need to cut a straight line in burlap, you can pull out one strand.  You can see below where my center strand is missing.  This creates a straight line and is much easier to cut.

Step 5: Pin the t-shirt fabric to the front of one piece of burlap.  Make sure to pin it in the middle of the burlap.

Step 6: Sew the t-shirt fabric to the burlap.  Keep your stitch close to the edge.

Step 6: Pin the right sides of the burlap together, with the t-shirt in the middle.

Step 7: Sew the two pieces of burlap together, about 2" outside of the t-shirt stitch.  Make sure to leave an opening so that you can flip the pillow inside out and stuff it.

Step 8: If you have a serger, serge the edges of the burlap.

Step 9: Flip the pillow inside out.

Step 10: Fill your pillow with stuffing.

Step 11: With a needle and thread, sew the opening together.  Turn over the fabric so that it matches up with the other seams and sew so that you cannot see the stitches.

Here is a close up of my stitches.  When the thread is pulled tightly, you cannot see it and it matches the other stitches, as seen in the second photo below.  Keep sewing until the opening has been sewed up completely.

You are finished with your pillow.  Enjoy!