Holiday Sweater Pillow DIY
Ok don’t hate me, but I’m putting up my first C-c-c-c-c-hristmas (I normally have a hard time even saying the word Christmas before Thanksgiving) post. All us crazies in blog land like to get the holiday cheer rolling a bit early so you all can gather fun ideas without rushing last minute.
Although I promise I have a really fun Thanksgiving Tablescape post (and tour with a bunch of great bloggers) that I’m participating in later this week – so don’t think I’ve entirely forgotten about Turkey day.
Ok, I’ll stop trying to justify my craziness at having my house all decked out for Christmas and introduce you to the easiest little Holiday Sweater Pillow DIY ever.
You all know sewing is not my forte, but let me tell you sewing a chunky knit fabric like this is a breeze. It is so forgiving you can hardly tell that my lines are totally not straight.
The hardest part of this project will be finding an old sweater with a cute pocket. I happen to have had this sweater in the back of my closet for a while, ok since High School!
I remember saving up my money to buy this cozy sweater (am I the only person who has attachment issues to clothing?) and it is still the softest thing ever. The softest thing ever with pureed carrots all over one sleeve…
Sigh, the life of a mom.
I figure I got my use out of it and was getting ready to trash it when I realized it would make the cutest pillow.
I just cut it to the size of my pillow leaving about 1 inch extra for the seams.
Then I cut a piece of extra white burlap to the same size.
Pin the pieces together facing inward, zip 3 sides thru the sewing machine and hand sew the last side shut.
Pop a few faux evergreens and berries in the pocket and weave some ribbon thru.
Tie a little bow and you’re done!
If you aren’t lucky enough to have a beloved yet stained ancient sweater lying around, hit up your local thrift stores. I don’t want to give too much away yet, but this pillow inspired my whole Christmas look this year.
I finished sewing this pillow and immediately packed up little man and hit up Goodwill, buying every white sweater in the store. Make sure you check out the mens section too.
Sooooo, you may get some weird looks at the register – what? who doesn’t buy 6 white sweaters in all different sizes?
My checkout guy said “Wow, you must REALLY like white huh?” Oh if only he knew :)
Stay tuned for more sweater projects coming your way!
You can check out my 2012 Christmas Tour here for more ideas.
So, so pretty, Kelly! I love the little touch of evergreen and ribbon! It adds so much! :)
Thanks friend!
Perfect and clever idea Kelly! It turned out fabulous! I can not believe I am putting out Christmas…gasp!
I love this, and in fact I have tried it before. I had trouble sewing the sides without the knit unravelling all over the place. How did you keep the edges together and so neat?
Hey Shawn, hmmm maybe it was a tighter weave? I’m not sure I didn’t have that problem at all, sorry no tips for you!
If you cut out a piece slightly larger than you need, then before you cut your pattern piece, zigzag with your sewing machine just inside the edges where you are going to cut, it should stay together. I did this when turning a cashmere sweater into a cardigan.
very cute pillow project : ) i like the pocket with the greenery additions. I’ve been scouting for sweaters myself at thrift shops.
Kelly that is absolutely adorable!!!! I’ve been inspired. ;0)
Oh I just LOVE this Kelly!! It is so beautiful but I totally feel your pain over those moments when little hands leave their permanent mark on something! :-)
Vanessa
Oh, my goodness! Now I know what to do with those “tacky Christmas sweaters”. Great idea!
So super cute! I love the little ribbon running through the pocket.
Thanks friend!
And you can use the sleeves of the sweater to make boot socks!!! The carrot puree would probably never show.
I’ve got other tricks up my sleeve for those ha :)
As always, beautiful. You are so creative.
Thanks :)
I love love love this idea!!! I think this is something I’m definitely going to do for my own living room.. I never would have thought!
Kelly, I ADORE this pillow! You always have the greatest ideas on DIY, decor, and your recipes rock! I can’t wait to try this out and hit up the thrift stores! So fun! Excited to see what else you’ve been making!! -Jen
Thanks so much Jennifer, you are so sweet! Happy hunting in the thrift stores :)
Super Cute! thanks for sharing :)
Very cute! So cozy and soft….thanks for the tip on checking out men’s section at Goodwill for sweaters :) I would love to find a couple. :)
Thanks! Bonus the men’s sweaters are a little bigger so you can get 2 out of them ;)
Cute!
Adorable! I just asked my husband this week if he had any old sweaters I could turn into a pillow cover. Great minds… :)
Can’t wait to see yours, glad to share a brain with you ha :)