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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.

holiday pillow out of an old sweater

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.

A chair sitting by a fireplace

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…

Easy Christmas craft - make your own sweater pillow

 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.

A close up of a fabric surface

 Pop a few faux evergreens and berries in the pocket and weave some ribbon thru.

A sweater pillow

 Tie a little bow and you’re done!

Make your own sweater pillow

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.

How to make a sweater pillow

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 :)

A sweater pillow and ornaments

 Stay tuned for more sweater projects coming your way!

You can check out my 2012 Christmas Tour here for more ideas.

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32 Comments

  1. 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?

    1. 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.

  2. very cute pillow project : ) i like the pocket with the greenery additions. I’ve been scouting for sweaters myself at thrift shops.

  3. 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

  4. And you can use the sleeves of the sweater to make boot socks!!! The carrot puree would probably never show.

  5. 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

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