One of my favorite ways to spruce up the couch or a chair is to add a few throw pillows. Seasonal or decor-driven, changing them out always makes a room feel refreshed and more interesting. But constantly purchasing new throw pillows isn’t something I’m in the market to do- let alone storing all of them, too. Instead, I’m all about making my own pillow covers and DIY pillows using thrifted and unexpected items. And these upcycle ideas are proof positive that there are endless ways to create unique, upcycled throw pillows.
Thrifted or Stretched Out Sweaters
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Outgrown or stretched out sweaters- colorful or neutral- are easy to upcycle into pillows for your home. Whether they come from your dresser or the thrift store, it’s hard to beat the fabulous colors, textures, and designs that sweaters offer.
Shaggy Yarn
Image credit: The Crafty Lumberjacks.
Here’s a fun way to upcycle a plain throw pillow you already have or spot at a secondhand store. Adding shaggy yarn embellishments like this adds all sorts of interest, dimension, and texture to throw pillows and it’s an easy yarn craft to do, as well.
Throw Pillows from Doilies
Image credit: AnnaKlara2008 (Flickr).
Grandma’s old doilies have NEVER looked cuter, if you ask me. Because these grumpy lion pillows are absolutely charming and seem like a fantastic way to repurpose some vintage doilies.
Upcycled Orange Throw Pillows
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I was lucky enough to thrift and source a mismatched pair of vintage orange throw pillows for a very specific reason. And that, of course, was to transform them into funky Halloween pillows with some easy felt embellishments! And since everything is sewn on, I can undo it all and have plain orange pillows again (if I want to…which I don’t).
Granny Square Blanket
Image credit: Swoodson Says.
You know those vintage granny square blankets you see at thrift stores? Well, if using it as a blanket doesn’t appeal, how about upcycling it into a throw pillow instead? I love the idea of giving someone’s hard work another chance to shine like this.
Outdoor Pillows
Image credit: Little Vintage Cottage.
Another thing I see a lot of at thrift stores is plastic tablecloths, the festive kind often used for parties. And they are PERFECT for upcycling into outdoor throw pillows like this because of their waterproof nature. What a smart upcycle idea!
Yarn-Wrapped Pillow Cover
Image credit: Scratch and Stitch.
I absolutely love a scrap yarn project and this embellished pillow cover is a great example of one. And if you didn’t tell me this was handmade, I would have guessed it came from a popular home decor store.
Upcycled Denim
Image credit: Pillar Box Blue.
Believe it or not, but I’ve never once upcycled a pair of blue jeans. But others- like Claire at Pillar Box Blue- is positively an expert at it and has the best denim upcycles. Including these boho-inspired throw pillows.
Plaid Shirts
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
Speaking of upcycling clothes into throw pillows, here’s an idea for a button down shirt. With the patterns and colors, this upcycled pillow is a great way to add warm and coziness during the Fall and winter months.
Throw Pillows from…Bath Mats?
Image credit: Scratch and Stitch.
Given how popular latch hook rugs have become again, this idea might really appeal. Especially if, like the original maker, you find absolutely adorable seasonal bath mats on clearance. Because they can become fantastic throw pillows in no time.
Handkerchiefs and Doilies
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
The supply of vintage doilies and handkerchiefs at antique stores and thrift shops is never ending. Which means upcycling them into any number of projects is extra appealing- and this time, they were used on thrifted pillows for Valentine’s Day decor.
Burlap Coffee Sacks
Image credit: Funky Junk Interiors.
Burlap coffee sacks have been an upcyclers friend for a long time now. Between their rustic texture, fabulous graphics, and the endless supply, they’ve inspired countless projects. Including repurposing them into throw pillows. But have no fear if you don’t come across old burlap sacks- you can get the look with plain burlap and fun stencils, too.
Throw Pillow Covers from Vintage Sheets
Image credit: Busy Being Jennifer.
Vintage bed sheets have it all- pretty colors, charming designs, and well-earned softness. Which makes them the perfect fabric for making cottage- or granny chic-style throw pillows like these.
Flannel Applique
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Since I’m kinda-sorta known as being a upcycling fan of all things flannel, then you know something fuzzy was going to show up here. Of course, this pumpkin pillow started out as a flannel shirt on the thrift store rack- and the pillow was thrifted, too.
Granny Chic Throw Pillows
Image credit: Flamingo Toes.
Sure, a plain doily would have looked perfectly lovely on this round pillow. But an EMBROIDERED vintage doily takes it so much further, doesn’t it? I’m not overly talented when it comes to needlecrafts, but this project makes me want to get more practice in.
Upcycled Tee Shirts
Image credit: Swoodson Says.
Tee shirts are another piece of clothing that are ideal for upcycling into throw pillows. Whether the shirt sports your favorite band, a beloved team, or just a fun and festive design (like this one), you can easily upcycle it into a plush cushion for your couch.
Bandana Pillows
Image credit: The Heathered Nest.
Bandanas are ideal for transforming into pillow covers because they are all the perfect square shape! Of course, any square scarves will do, but bandanas ensure that the front and back will match. Plus, this tutorial offers sew and non-sew versions of this upcycling idea- perfect for any level of crafting experience.
Vintage Buttons
Image credit: Salvaged Living/Hunt and Host.
This button-collage-on-a-pillow is a wonderful way to repurpose any number of things. A sweater to make the pillow…scrap fabric to make the acorn…and buttons to add to the acorn cap! And if you have a lot of wooden, leather, or brass buttons, this is a great seasonal project to use them on.
Small Throw Rugs
Image credit: Scratch and Stitch.
Like bath mats, small throw rugs are another fun option when it comes to making DIY pillows. Between the fun (and durable) textures to embellishments like tassels and fringe, throw pillows made from these small rugs are a fun and easy project.
Upcycle Ideas for Throw Pillows
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I don’t know about you, but I feel awfully inspired right now. And I’ll be side-eyeing EVERYTHING I see while thrifting in case it can me made into a throw pillow or two for my home.
From embellishing a thrifted pillow to turning something else into fun new cushions, this collection is full of cushy inspiration. Happy pillow crafting (and thrifting…and embellishing) to you.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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