How To Make A Memory Shirt Pillow from Old or Vintage Clothing

In this video, I share my process that I use to create Memory Pillows from button down men's shirts. This process can also be used to create Memory Pillows from other shirts, as well. I hope you enjoy, like and subscribe :-)
🔶 All patterns, materials, downloads and Instructions can be found at
‣ deborahfillmer...
🔶 In this Video You Will Learn
‣ How to choose the right shirt for a pillow
‣ How to stabilize and cut apart your shirt for the best results
‣ Get tips on how and where to add embroidery to your pillow before completing it
‣ How to sew the pillow together using Deborah's tried and true method
🔶 Chapters Markers in this Video
‣ Deborah's Introduction: 0:04
‣ Examples of Memory Pillows 0:53
‣ Getting Started - Dimensions 1:50
‣ Cutting Down the Shirt: 2:02
‣ Closing up the Neck Hole to Determine Space for Embroidery: 3:30
‣ Embroidery: 4:48
‣ Stitching the shoulders and the Neck Hole Closed: 6:30
‣ Dealing with the Back Pleat: 7:50
‣ Where to Stitch the Shoulders: 10:30
‣ Forming the Final Pillow: 12:10
‣ Stitching the Final Pillow: 15:05
‣ Inserting the Pillow Form: 16:15
‣ Outtro: 17:48
🔶 Products in this video I Find Most Useful (affiliate links)
‣ Iron - amzn.to/3sF4xJG
‣ Omnigrid 15" Square Ruler - amzn.to/48rFmiy
‣ Rotary Cutter - amzn.to/3awr4SI
‣ Snips - amzn.to/3cGf6rr
‣ Sewing clips - amzn.to/486frwY
‣ Rotary Cutting Mat -amzn.to/3OQfNRl
‣ Rotary Cutter (18 mm) - amzn.to/3FHE2fs
‣ Sewing machine - Juki TL2010-Q - amzn.to/3t1LGi9
🔶 Sites Related to this Video
‣ My Website: deborahfillmer....
‣ Scott’s Photography: scottfillmer.com/
‣ Company Page: piecesofthepas...
‣ Company Etsy Shop - www.etsy.com/s...
‣ Company FB Page - / piecesofthepastal
‣ Scrap Quilting FB Group - / 308599672989747
If you enjoyed this tutorial, don't forget to give it a thumbs up and leave a comment below. Subscribe to our channel for more fun and eco-friendly DIY projects. #howto #memory #vintage #clothing #sewing
Thanks for watching, and happy crafting!

[@jessheller8441]

I’m so grateful for this tutorial. I have been searching high and low for a tutorial that had the finished look I was going for and this was IT! So simple and the finished product is so professional looking. Thank you!

[@piecesofthepast]

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching!

[@jillhiben3431]

My father in law wore bolo tie's, so I was looking for a pillow that I could use the Bolo Tie's with. This is perfect! Thank you!

[@piecesofthepast]

You are so welcome!

[@susieramer5444]

Thanks for a very thorough tutorial. Grief brain has me foggy! My dad passed away 10 days ago and I am going to make a whole mess of pillows from his shirts. I'll try this route for sure. ❤

[@piecesofthepast]

So sorry for your loss. I am glad to know that this video will help you find a little comfort in years to come. ~Deborah

[@saseim1]

I’m planning on making some of these from my son’s shirts for his kids and for my sister in law from my brother’s shirts. Thank you for sharing! ❤️

[@piecesofthepast]

Wonderful! Those will be such special keepsakes! Thanks for watching and commenting! ~Deborah

[@joycejesko4024]

Just made one from my husband’s shirt for his sister. I love your technique. Will make more.

[@piecesofthepast]

That is great! Thanks for watching! ~Deborah

[@divalea]

A friend sent me! I’m so glad to see this. My son passed away last year, and I have one of his shirts, but I couldn’t bear to take it apart. This is a perfect solution!

[@piecesofthepast]

The first cut is the most difficult. You can do it. So sorry for your loss. Thank you for watching! ~Deborah

[@nancyingram966]

I made a memory pillow as a gift last Christmas. I stitched the back pleat from the back yoke, all the way down the back, on each side. I also had to learn to tie a man's necktie and add it to the shirt. That was my first pillow of this kind and they loved it. I like that you put embroidery on it. I don't embroidery, and I don't care to. I'll leave that to those that know how. Thanks for this video! I couldn't find one when I needed it. Nice work!

[@piecesofthepast]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@rosinyberg8747]

BEAUTIFUL TUTORIAL…! I have 3 to make!!! BEFORE Christmas!! Wish me luck! PLUS a memory bear from a fleece sweat shirt!!! Ohhh the things we say yes too!

[@piecesofthepast]

You can do it! I am right there with you!!

[@chariskey8233]

Love it! Been looking for a detailed video that leaves the collar. Thank you!

[@piecesofthepast]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sylvieshewchuck8984]

I made one today and it turns great, your explanations are perfectly described.. thank you for sharing ❤

[@piecesofthepast]

Wonderful! Thanks for watching! ~Deborah

[@suzannemcmillan8843]

Thank you for the great instructions. I'm going to make one using one of my father's shirts.

[@LeanneTravers]

I love this tutorial! My sister in law asked me to make a memory pillow from her husband's shirt for her grandson who is making his first communion. I did a test run on an old shirt of mine and it came out great. Thank you so much!

[@piecesofthepast]

That is awesome! Thanks so much for watching! ~Deborah

[@janiceconyngham5216]

What a great video...easy to follow...loved it ...made a memory pillow for a friend xx❤❤❤

[@piecesofthepast]

That is wonderful! Thank you for watching! ~Deborah

[@anneard1674]

I like your way best of those I have seen. I do think I will round the top corners a bit. Granddaughter graduates this year and she was a favorite of Papas

[@piecesofthepast]

What a special gift that will be! ~Deborah

[@teresapaul1521]

Phenomenal Video! Thank you for sharing. I’ve watched several and you have nailed it.

[@piecesofthepast]

Wow, thank you!

[@palomino627]

You have helped me so much. My dad passed away in December. I am attempting to make 9 of these for my family. Much appreciated 💜😘💜

[@piecesofthepast]

I am so glad I could help. I would love to see pictures when you are done. ~Deborah

[@palomino627]

@@piecesofthepast I will definitely do that. I am in the cutting process now. Thanks again 💜😘💜

[@DMSmith-yw2fr]

I’ve watched several videos, but I liked yours best, because you went so slow and had detailed instructions

[@piecesofthepast]

Super happy I could help. Thanks for the lovely comment!

[@mylolamakes]

Thank you for this tutorial. I am excited (and far less intimidated, now!) to try my hand at a keepsake pillow. Thanks again!

[@piecesofthepast]

You can do it! Thanks for watching! ~Deborah

[@DoraAnthony]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I am going to try it tomorrow!

[@piecesofthepast]

You can do it! ~Deborah

[@bethangleeson8584]

This is the exact video I’ve been in search for! Thank you for sharing! 😊

[@piecesofthepast]

You're so welcome!

[@AprilNY100]

Thank you so much for this video! You make it look so easy and I can’t wait to try it with my dad’s shirts as gifts for my family. ❤

[@piecesofthepast]

You are so welcome!

[@johnwelch6131]

I like this method. Quick and easy

[@piecesofthepast]

It really is! Thanks for watching! ~Deborah

[@marshasiatczynski8467]

I’ve been wondering how these shirts with the collar are done…thank you for an excellent tutorial!

[@piecesofthepast]

You are so welcome!

[@cherieseward9868]

You are awesome Thank you so much!! Making one right now to give a friend tomorrow ❤❤

[@piecesofthepast]

That is wonderful! Thanks so much for the sweet comment and thanks for watching! ~Deborah

[@deborahpatrick5164]

Thank you very much for this video. I just finished my brother’s much loved and well worn shirt for a very close friend of his who is in a nursing home and is missing him terribly.

[@piecesofthepast]

I am so happy it helped you bring comfort to your brother's friend. Thank you for watching and for letting me know. It warms my heart! ~Deborah

[@carolynsmith7513]

I just did my first shirt the other day and used different pattern I was not very pleased with. After watching your video I know now exactly how to do memory pillow. Thanks for making it easy !!

[@piecesofthepast]

Thanks for watching! So glad I could help! ~Deborah

[@sandrabdutruch1195]

Thank you! Just. What I needed to make for my friend.

[@piecesofthepast]

Wonderful!

[@RobbieDavis-vn8hk]

This video was beautifully presented. I can't wait to give it a try. I have 4 military uniform shirts to make pillows. Thank you very much.

[@piecesofthepast]

Those are going to be stunning and a beautiful keepsake. Thanks for your comment and for watching! ~Deborah

[@margierodriguez9860]

Thank you for the tutorial

[@piecesofthepast]

You’re welcome 😊

[@hampelli]

This was EXACTLY what I was looking for. The only thing I did differently was sew (in the ditch) around the outside of the collar in the front part. because it was so tight. (I stitched the back of the collar on the inside as you instructed.) I make Memory Pillows and Bears for our local Hospice and you've helped me so much!

[@piecesofthepast]

I am so glad that I helped. There are more videos on the way, stay tuned. ~Deborah

[@Keepsake_Biz_Academy]

Beautiful work!!

[@piecesofthepast]

Thank you so much 😀

[@phyllislyttle2280]

Just found your channel, great tutorial. Thank you have a lovely day.❤

[@piecesofthepast]

Welcome!! Happy you are here!

[@sylviacook326]

Thank you so much for a very detailed video!

[@piecesofthepast]

I am so glad you liked it! Please tell your friends :-). More videos on the way soon.

[@user-vg3ki9tm4q]

Can you do a video showing how you sew the collar? I see where, but I can't quite get that part as clean as I'd like to. Thank you!

[@piecesofthepast]

The next time I do one of these orders I will try to do one. 👍🏼

[@joocy69]

Thank you❤Our family lost our Dad 2 weeks ago today. I’m going to make cushions from his favourite pyjamas. The legs are going to be made into 6 small cushions and the top into one using your tutorial. Your explanation is perfect❤

[@piecesofthepast]

So sorry for your loss. I know these items will bring lasting comfort to those who can see them every day. ~Deborah

[@joocy69]

@@piecesofthepast Aw thank you♥️

[@user-uh6zu1hd1n]

I'm hoping to try this with a dr's "lab coat". Love your technique.

[@piecesofthepast]

Oh, I would love to see pictures of that when you have it finished. What a great idea!! ~Deborah

[@Sowergirlsews]

Thanks for making this so easy to understand! I'm going to try it!

[@piecesofthepast]

Fantastic! So glad I could make it easy!

[@mandytrueman4210]

Fantastic easy to follow tuturiol

[@piecesofthepast]

Thank you and thanks for watching! ~Deborah

[@marshiahobson3727]

Great technique. Excellent instructions. TFS

[@piecesofthepast]

Thanks so much! ~Deborah

[@carolanneconnolly-brown6781]

By far the best tutorial for this. Thank you so much for sharing. New subscriber

[@piecesofthepast]

Thank you so much! I am so glad you liked it!! Thanks for subscribing!!

[@janicesheppard2084]

Beautiful idea, love it ❤

[@piecesofthepast]

Thank you! 😊

[@roxanneloyst3733]

Wonderful. So I am making a pillow for 18" form so I would make it 17"

[@piecesofthepast]

Yes, I would make the pillow casing about one inch smaller than the pillow form. This gives it a more snug fit. ~Deborah

[@mariecarterflynn3584]

Beautiful x

[@piecesofthepast]

Thank you! 😊

[@woodydotsonandwandabibb4288]

Thank you for the video. It has been so helpful. Do you press the shirts before starting the sewing?

[@piecesofthepast]

Sometimes I do. It really depends on how wrinkled they are. Not really necessary, but good practice if you don't mind ironing. :-) ~Deborah

[@cgoldie6168]

Fantastic video, thanks x

[@piecesofthepast]

Thank you 😁

[@katieodom5598]

Thanks really helped me

[@piecesofthepast]

Wonderful! Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching! ~Deborah

[@user-jw2vm5nt7q]

Thank you 😊

[@piecesofthepast]

You're welcome 😊 ~Deborah

[@karenmathews2701]

Thank you

[@piecesofthepast]

You're welcome

[@sandycampbell6087]

What a great video! So glad to have found your video for making memory pillows as I need to make four using two regular button-down shirts & two buttoned polo shirts for family members. You mentioned making these pillows for clients. What/how do you charge clients? Do you charge differently based on type shirts?

[@piecesofthepast]

These pillows can be found on Etsy for an average price of $35 at the time of this writing. I never charged differently for different types of shirts. To me, one pillow was the same labor of love as the next. I am glad you are going to be able to make these for your family. Thank you for watching and subscribe if you would like to see more upcoming videos. Thanks bunches! ~Deborah

[@pattypelayo3272]

Beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing. Where do you purchase pillows?

[@piecesofthepast]

I get them from Amazon. 😁

[@sharonfuller5549]

Very good video

[@piecesofthepast]

Thank you! ~Deborah

[@Katiemadonna3]

so cool!!1

[@piecesofthepast]

Thanks!

[@elizevanderschyff]

Thank you so much for the tutorial

[@piecesofthepast]

You’re welcome 😊

[@cadnfrog]

I need to make a pillow from a very petite woman's collared dress for her son - I think the largest I could possibly get from the dress is 12 1/2" What size would I need to cut the fabric for a 12" pillow form? Would it follow the same rule and I should cut the fabric 12 " as well? If I cut the fabric 12 1/2" could it work with a 14" pillow form?

[@piecesofthepast]

Normally, when sewing, you would leave a specific seam allowance, but when making these pillows, there is a lot of wiggle room. The stuffed pillow form will fill up the size specified, or smaller. So, you could use a 14" pillow form on a 12" pillow. It would just be more firm and fuller. The 14" pillow with the 14" form tend to be pretty flat anyway. As far as cutting for a 12" pillow, I would cut the pillow to be 12.5" or as big as I can get from the dress supplied.I hope that makes sense.

[@patsybrake6892]

Love your pillows I have some shirts of my husband I want to make pillows for the grandkids but I can’t get the collet right still trying and watching

[@piecesofthepast]

Hi Patsy, I hope this video will help. Thanks for watching!

[@nancys2440]

Instead of making the corners square, is it ok to round them off so it's easier to stuff? I would use stuffing instead of a form for this method. Or use the pillow form and add stuffing to the corners to fill them in. Great video!!

[@piecesofthepast]

Yes, absolutely. I have done both of those methods and both work well. Thanks for watching 😁

[@coleenforbes6918]

Can you add interfacing to pillow and collar? Great job!

[@piecesofthepast]

Yes, I frequently add interfacing to the shirts that are thinner, or when I need to make one from a polo or knit type of shirt. I use SF101 stabilizer.

[@cherylmayer8039]

I am going to make this from my dad's shirt so that I can give it to my son.

[@piecesofthepast]

That is fantastic! That is the whole reason I made the video. What a special memory. ~Deborah

[@user-gi2ps2ic7o]

❤

[@bettybiad7357]

Thank you!!

[@piecesofthepast]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it!

[@carolynlane6987]

Can you please tell me the measurements that you cut the shirt. Im not sure what size you made this pillow. Your instructions were very simple to follow so i know i will be comfortable making these, but again im not sure the size of the insert pillow. Thanks for the video. It is great!!!!

[@piecesofthepast]

Thank you! In this video, I am making a 14" square pillow. I make 14" and 18" square pillows, mostly, and the process is the same. It is a matter of preference and size of the shirt that will determine how large you make your pillow. Enjoy! ~Deborah

[@roxanneloyst3733]

I have a Husqavarna Designer 1 embroidery machine. I need to learn how to do the name. ie Dad. or Mom or say persons name.

[@irenebraccia7436]

What size pillow did you use? Great video

[@piecesofthepast]

Thank you! In the video I am using a 14" pillow form, but I make up to an 18" square with a large men's shirt. You could make one even larger, if the shirt was larger. The techniques are the same. ~Deborah

[@clairetimewell7477]

Hello love your video. Can i ask what board you are cutting on please? Is it self healing or acrylic?

[@piecesofthepast]

Hello Claire, It is self healing. I believe I got this one at Joann's Fabrics with a coupon or on a sale. They can be pricey. I save my worn out ones for other projects around the house, as well. Thanks for asking!

[@marcykay1392]

Your embroidery machine looks like a singer? I have always had issues with my embroidery machine. Can you help me with any solutions it constantly knots up in the back on every work that I do. I’ve changed the bobbin change the bobbin holder change the thread change the type of bobbin still no luck.

[@piecesofthepast]

My embroidery machine is a Babylock. While I cannot really help with your issue on your machine, since I cannot see it to diagnose the problem, I can give you a few suggestions. My first suggestion is one you have already tried, but I would try again, several times. I would make totally sure that the bobbin was in the machine correctly and not backwards. This is usually the thing that causes what you describe. Second, I would service my machine, or have it serviced. When I service my machine, I disassemble the bobbin case and clean it out throughly. The second thing that causes what you describe is usually a very small piece of lint or thread that has gotten stuck in the bobbin case. Sometimes it takes several looks to find it. Beyond those suggestions, I would recommend that you have someone look at it for you. I am planning a video on servicing my machines, so maybe when that comes out it will help you figure it out, too. Best of luck!! ~Deborah

[@roxanneloyst3733]

I am enjoying your video on making a memory pillow. Do you have any suggestions for making a ladies memory pillow. I have a friend asking me to make one for her from her mothers clothes but none of them are button or collared. To me in my head I see a very plain cut square. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[@piecesofthepast]

Hello Roxy, I think I would choose garments that have something on them, like lace or a logo, or something like that. Even if you have to make a "plain" cut square pillow, most of the time you can incorporate (or reincorporate) a bit of lace to make the pillow unique and special. You could also use one garment to create a ruffle or piping that you use to go around the edges of another garment (choose two items that go well together in color, etc.). Hope that helps, ~Deborah

[@roxanneloyst3733]

@@piecesofthepast I love this idea. Using another garment to make the ruffle or edge. Awesome. Thank you

[@nancypowell3621]

My customer Dr wants long sleeves folded across and tied. Do you just cut them off and sew back on shortened?

[@piecesofthepast]

That is interesting. I would cut them, like you have suggested. Any bulk you can eliminate will be good to help the pillow be more smooth. Tied sleeves would create a knot, so I would suggest just overlapping them and sewing them down to the front. I would love to see the final result. Good luck! ~Deborah

[@ashleyweilbacher5058]

I'm making 20 of these after my grandpa passed two weeks ago. He was a 2XL and known for having two pens in his pocket on the shirts. What size would be best to make them or to at least how to measure to figure out the size?

[@piecesofthepast]

A 2XL makes a wonderful 18 or 20 inch size. What a beautiful thing to do to preserve his memory. Perhaps you could appliqué some “pens” in the pockets. Just a thought. ~Deborah

[@ashleyweilbacher5058]

Great idea!

[@12desman]

Would it be better using a 14x14 ruler

[@piecesofthepast]

A 14" ruler will work for a 14" pillow. I have two rulers, a 15" and a 20.5" because I make 18" pillows, too.

[@juliecinquina3636]

What scissors are you using? I need a good pair of sewing scissors.

[@piecesofthepast]

The scissors are from Ernest Wright and were a gift from my husband. He had to order them 6 months in advance and they are handmade in the UK. They are a lifetime purchase and the best scissors I have ever owned. Well worth the investment. Here is the link for you: www.ernestwright.co.uk/

[@juliecinquina3636]

@@piecesofthepast Thank you so much. Which one are you using in particular? I've been sewing on and off for many years but am starting to sew regularly for someone. Really trying to learn more.

[@piecesofthepast]

Mine are the Tailor Shears (10 inch)

[@wendygall1485]

I was asked to make a pillow out of a quilted jacket with a metal zipper. Would this method work for that as well? I have never worked with metal zippers and I admit that I am a little intimidated by it. lol Thanks.

[@piecesofthepast]

Hi Wendy, yes, this method works well with zippered clothing. When I use items with zippers, I usually work them in as pockets and keep the zipper closed and attach the piece to a background layer of fabric (this could be another shirt). I keep the zipper closed throughout the entire process of assembling the block and once it is completely enclosed in the quilt top it is then safe to open it as a pocket. If you wanted the zipper to have an open look on the quilt top, you would need to open it and work it into the block in it's open position. I hope that makes sense. ~Deborah

[@wendygall1485]

@@piecesofthepast Thank you!

[@shellyhansen5279]

I wish I would have seen this before trying to remove the inside tags.

[@12desman]

What size pillow form 14x14 ??

[@piecesofthepast]

I use the 14" square. Sometimes I make the actual pillow a smidge smaller so the form will fill in the corners better.

[@rosacampos9977]

What the size of the pillow. I got a pillow 14in x 14 in

[@piecesofthepast]

Hello Rosa. The pillow I make the most often is the 14" square. I also make an 18" and a 20" square on occasion. The ones in the video are 14." Thanks for watching! ~Deborah

[@shellyhansen5279]

What is the "S" ?. Don't quite have it.

[@piecesofthepast]

Thanks for the question! When you look at the folds from the ends (from the shoulders), you can see an "S" while it is sitting on the table. On one side you would see an "S" and on the other shoulder, it would be backwards. It is the shirt fabric that is making the back and forth folds that makes the "S." I hope that helps. ~Deborah

[@brookebenton7492]

Is there a way you can wash them if you need to?

[@piecesofthepast]

Oh yes, they are essentially a cover for a pillow form. So, you would just unbutton the front of the shirt, take out the pillow form, and wash.

[@brookebenton7492]

@@piecesofthepast what if I am not able to take the pillow out?

[@piecesofthepast]

You should still be able to wash the pillow on a gentle cycle and tumbled dry. It really depends what material the pillow was made from. Any cotton, button down shirt pillow should be fine in the wash.

[@jessiedejongh6837]

How much you charge for the pillow?

[@piecesofthepast]

Jessie, my pillows range from $30 to $60.

[@sammiec4540]

THANKS FOR THE TUTORIAL. I FOUND IT JUST IN TIME FOR A GIFT.

[@piecesofthepast]

Glad I could help!

[@NightQuilter]

Nice. Laura at SewVeryEasy here on KZbin has has the same method Fido on here for years. Looks like you collaborated. Lol it’s my method too.