Everyone has an old sweater lying around that feels too special to give away but too worn to wear. Instead of letting it stay forgotten, turn it into something beautiful and useful.
Making DIY pillows from old sweaters is an easy, creative project that adds a cozy touch to your home. It’s a simple way to try upcycling, save money, and bring a bit of warmth into your space while following the idea of sustainable décor.
Why Old Sweaters Work Perfectly for Pillows
Sweaters are already soft, stretchy, and warm — everything you want in a good pillow cover. They’re also easy to cut and sew, which makes them great for anyone who’s new to fabric crafts.
You’ll enjoy this project if you:
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Want to refresh your room without spending much.
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Like reusing things instead of buying new décor.
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Enjoy hands-on creative projects.
Wool, cotton, and cable-knit sweaters work best. They hold shape nicely and give your pillow that cozy, handmade feel.
Easy Steps to Turn Sweaters into DIY Pillows
Once you have decided on the sweater that you’re going to choose for this activity, making your DIY pillows is very easy. You’ll need:
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An old sweater (washed and clean)
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A pillow insert or stuffing
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Scissors
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Needle and thread or a sewing machine
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Pins and a ruler
Here’s how to make it:
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Cut your sweater into a square or rectangle to fit your pillow insert.
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Turn it inside out and pin the edges.
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Stitch along three sides and leave one side open.
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Turn it right side out, put the insert inside, and sew the last side closed.
If you want ideas for colors or textures that go with your new pillows, check out our leather cushion collection that includes zippered Sunbrella cushion covers.
How Do You Make Upcycled Pillows Look Stylish?
Many people think upcycling projects might look messy or too handmade. The secret is to keep things simple and balanced.
Some styling ideas that you can try are:
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Combine your sweater pillows and linen or jute pillows in a mix.
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Add buttons, patches or small embroidery.
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Select light colors such as beige, gray, or cream to appear clean.
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Combine your DIY pillows with other cozy décor pieces, like the ones you might find at Pottery Barn or West Elm.
If you’re looking for some DIY craft ideas to style your home since the festive season is just around the corner, delve into our blog on 10 Easy DIY Crafts to Make Your Home Feel More Festive This Holiday Season.
How to Style Your Sweater Pillows
Once your pillows are ready, think about where they’ll look best. Placement can make a big difference in how your space feels.
Here are some ideas:
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Place them on your couch with a throw from our throws and blankets collection.
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Add them to your entryway bench for a welcoming touch.
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Use a few in your bedroom or reading chair to make it extra cozy.
If you like mixing style with practicality, check out our piece on Must-Have Throw Pillow Designs to Add Personality to Your Sofa.
Keeping It Eco-Friendly and Creative
Repurposing sweaters is an easy way to support sustainable décor. By making something new from what you already have, you cut down waste and save resources.
You can also mix leftover sweater pieces with other fabrics like denim or velvet to create patchwork pillows. The mix of textures gives your space a fun, unique feel that even big stores like IKEA can’t match.
Finishing Touches for a Polished Look
If you too want your DIY pillows to give a neat as well as professional look, try giving them some finishing touches:
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Use matching thread colors for clean seams.
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Press your pillow edges with an iron for a sharper shape.
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Add small handmade tags or fabric labels for a designer touch.
Combining your handcrafted pillows with stylish décor items from curated collections gives your room a balanced and warm feel.
Giving old sweaters a new identity through upcycling lets you tell a story through your home. The most rewarding aspect of it is that you make sustainable, fashionable and one-of-a-kind DIY pillows. Your home becomes more interesting, your conscience remains unstained, and your wallet is content.
