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You are here: Home / decor / T-Shirt Pillow Tutorial for Classroom Library
decor

T-Shirt Pillow Tutorial for Classroom Library

January 23, 2012

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At our school, the students in third-sixth grades design t-shirts each May as part of a t-shirt/school theme contest.  The office staff narrows the designs down to about twelve and then the entire school gets to vote on a winner.  The winning t-shirt becomes our school’s slogan for the next year.  Students and staff get the free t-shirt on the first day of school the following year. After teaching several years, I had a stack of old shirts.  I thought about making a blanket or quilt out of them someday, but then decided I had a more immediate use… pillows for our library!

The students love using them for reading workshop, and they’re cheaper than the fancy store bought pillows.  As a bonus, the shirts are easy to slip on/off and can be machine washed.  I just run the shirts through the sewing machine in three places, add snaps, and stuff away.  I used old bed pillows for the body and a little polyfill for the sleeves.  If you don’t have any old bed pillows, I purchased a few at Wal-Mart for $3 each.  Can’t beat that!  

Here’s How:

  • Turn the t-shirt inside out.
  • Sew each sleeve shut straight across the hem.  Remember to back-stitch at both ends to reinforce the seam.
  • Sew the bottom of the shirt closed along the hem. Again, remember to back-stitch.
  • Turn the t-shirt right-side out again.

  

    • Add three snaps along the collar to keep the pillow closed.  The snaps are perfect because they keep the t-shirt in place during use, but also allow it to be removed for washing.  I purchased no-sew snaps at Hobby Lobby and was able to attach them with a pair of my husband’s pliers. I found similar ones on Amazon if you aren’t sure what I’m talking about.
    • Slide a fluffy bed pillow into the t-shirt.
    • Use polyfill to stuff the sleeve area of the shirt.  This makes the sleeves stand out nicely.  
    • Close your snaps.  Tada!

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    Looking for other pillow ideas?  I had a couple older t-shirts that coworkers had given me from before I started teaching.  They were pretty worn out, but I was able to save the design portion and turn them into square pillows.  I also used cheap bandanas from Hobby Lobby to make large square pillows.  Now I have enough for each student to have something to use during reading workshop independent reading time.  No more fighting or rotating schedules AND I didn’t break the bank in the process.  Love that! 

    Like this how-to?  Stay tuned for my crate seat tutorial.

    library tshirt pillows
    by Christi Fultz 

    About Christi Fultz

    wife • mom • teacher • writer • tech obsessed • sometime crafter • beach lover | Empowering entrepreneurs through branding & website design

    View all posts by Christi Fultz

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    previous post: Classroom Library Organization
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    Comments

    1. Amy Kica says: July 4, 2013 at 12:15 am

      I just made my first t-shirt pillow and I plan to make two more! It was so easy and I know that it will make my reading corner so cozy!! What a creative idea! Thank you so much for sharing!

    2. Miyako Powell says: December 20, 2013 at 3:44 am

      Your ideas are so amazing. i am remodeling my basement now to put my daycare downstairs. Right now i am upstairs. But i will be using this idea along with the crate idea. Thanks for sharing with us. Can't wait for more ideas.

    3. Mary Bauer says: November 29, 2014 at 3:46 pm

      I just found a picture from this post on Buzz Feed, "35 Money-Saving DIYs for the Classroom". You do have amazing ideas.
      Artistry of Education

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    As an experienced third grade teacher with a Masters in Elementary Education and K-12 reading license, I know educational resources need to be both inviting and engaging to capture students' interests. I am passionate about creating user-friendly resources to help all students learn while saving valuable prep for teachers. Read More…

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    This Is 3 // Charlotte girl, being your momma is a This Is 3 // Charlotte girl, being your momma is a gift. I cannot believe you turn THREE tomorrow! You have the most adventurous heart, love your babies, and always keep us on our toes. We love you!
    Lake Love // Even though our trip was cut short th Lake Love // Even though our trip was cut short this year, I’m thankful we made it to Marblehead. It’s my absolute favorite spot on Lake Erie. Just swipe to see that sailboat and sunlight on the water. Absolute peace.
    Happy Last Day // We had a lot of changes last sum Happy Last Day // We had a lot of changes last summer, but the move back home to Louisville has been even better than I expected. Kindergarten was so special and Carter had the sweetest teacher. Today was a much-needed bright spot. Here’s to what’s next.
    Joy // I shared this in stories, but it deserves a Joy // I shared this in stories, but it deserves a permanent place in my feed too. When do we lose this endless wonder and joy?? These kids are here for a good time all the time. 

They loved a night in a hotel to swim and play. It wasn’t a relaxing experience away with a spa like many of my trips pre-kids, but it was exactly what we needed.
    Proof Of Mom // Took the kids to opening day at @k Proof Of Mom // Took the kids to opening day at @kentuckykingdom today. After moving back to Louisville last summer, it’s been fun exploring old places that are “new” to my kids. The new ownership seems to have big plans for the park. Carter is eager for the water rides to open. We’ll be back soon!

#kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom ⁠#locallouisville #louisvillelove #mylouisville⁠ #howwelou #louisvilleigers #momsaroundlouisville #momlife
    Happy Easter // So blessed to be their momma. 🐰 Happy Easter // So blessed to be their momma. 🐰

#kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom  #locallouisville #louisvillelove #mylouisville⁠ #howwelou #louisvilleigers #momsaroundlouisville #momlife #instagrammom #momsofig
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