Christi Fultz

teacher resources • blog design • branding •

  • Home
  • Blog
    • Holiday Ideas
    • Decor
    • Early Learning
    • Literacy
    • Math
    • Tech Tips
    • Archive
  • About
    • Hello, Christi Fultz
    • Beauty
    • Wellness
    • Completely Christi
  • Teacher Shop
    • TeachersPayTeachers
    • Favorite Resources
  • Design Services
    • Website + Logos
    • How to Start a WordPress Blog
    • Apparel
  • Contact
  • Legal
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
You are here: Home / decor / T-Shirt Pillow Tutorial for Classroom Library
decor

T-Shirt Pillow Tutorial for Classroom Library

January 23, 2012

Pin It

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!

    Pin It

    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

    Related Posts

    • Classroom Makeover: Reading
    • Upcycled Crate Seat Tutorial
    • Classroom Library Organization
    • Top “Pop” Stars: Organize Work, Reward Students

    I MAKE STARTING YOUR OWN BLOG EASY…

    previous post: Classroom Library Organization
    next post: Let’s Talk Assessment Pressure

    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

    Christi Fultz

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

    Let’s Get Social

    Search

    Erin Condren Love

    Click here for your $10 discount!

    Follow by Email

    Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    Follow on Bloglovin
    Follow on Bloglovin

    Instagram

    christifultz

    mama • teacher • business bestie | Helping busy moms & 9-to-5ers create websites + blogs that make a difference. FREE digital marketing guides. ⬇️

    Christi | WordPress Expert + Brand Strategist
    Baking With Kids // There’s icing all over my co Baking With Kids // There’s icing all over my counter and cake crumbles with sprinkles all over my floor. The kids have had a sugar rush before noon, and we LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. 

Some of my favorite childhood memories are making cupcakes with my mom. When I saw the I’m The Chef Too subscription box, it was an easy YES. Almost everything you need is right inside the box each month to make it easy. There are typically about 3 servings, so you make enough for everyone to have one treat without leftovers hanging around.

Now... who is going to clean up this mess??

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #bakingwithkids #kidsinthekitchen #familybaking #momentsinchildhood
    It Had To Be Done // When my monthly farm flowers It Had To Be Done // When my monthly farm flowers subscription came on Valentine’s Day, I couldn’t resist. These will bloom over the next few days. 💐
    Offering Websites + Logos Since 2012 // When you w Offering Websites + Logos Since 2012 //
When you work with me, I become your digital marketing business bestie; one point person who helps you get it all done and saves you time with a website that will be beautiful outside and powerful inside. Design by Christi Fultz creates logos, installs WordPress websites, sets up email marketing, and offers virtual assistance for creative entrepreneurs. Let’s tackle your to-do list.

#wordpressdesign #teacherpreneurs #smallbusinesstips #websitedesigner #louisvillesmallbusiness #lousivilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #momsaroundlouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom #locallouisville #mompreneur #momprenuerlife #tptseller #creativebusinessowner #creativeladydirectory
    Why am I like this?? // I’m already tired tomorr Why am I like this?? // I’m already tired tomorrow, but let’s stay up and watch reality tv.
    DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big gi DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big girl room is one of my favorite places in the house. We let the kids choose their own decor for the new house and Charlotte’s room is a purple and pink dream... no surprise there! 

The DIY wallpaper was probably a “once and done” experience for us and took about six hours for this 9 by 16 wall. More pictures and sources are on our family blog, also linked in bio: https://completelychristi.com/2022/02/diy-floral-removable-wallpaper.html

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo #homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #kidroomideas #childsroom #childsroomdecor #childroomdesign #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
    Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our ow Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our own custom closet, we decided to do my son’s too. We primarily use his closet for off-season storage and toys, but it was always a MESS! Then the mess spilled out onto his nightstand, desk, dresser, building table, and under his bed. He needed a system! 

I used the online design tool from @containerstorecustomspaces to create this DIY Classic Elfa system. It took about three hours to install and set up. I love how flexible the system is, which means we can reconfigure the layout as he grows. I’m also really proud of his label choices... maybe he inherited some of my organizational skills after all!

#louisvilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #homeorganization #homeorganizing #closetorganization #organizedhome #organizedcloset #walkincloset #closetgoals #closets #closetdesign #customcloset #closetmakeover #kidroomideas #childsroom #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
    Load More... Follow on Instagram

    Pinterest

    Visit Christi Fultz's profile on Pinterest.

    Affiliates



    Disclosure: Some of the links on my site are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase from one. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Categories

    Holiday Ideas

    Early Learning

    Decor

    Literacy

    Math

    Button Up

    Other Projects

    • Contact
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Site Map

    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…

    Follow by email

    Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    Blog Design by

    Illustration by Lovely Tocu. ©Design by Christi. Plaid Apple Ltd.

    Follow @ ChristiFultz

    Baking With Kids // There’s icing all over my co Baking With Kids // There’s icing all over my counter and cake crumbles with sprinkles all over my floor. The kids have had a sugar rush before noon, and we LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. 

Some of my favorite childhood memories are making cupcakes with my mom. When I saw the I’m The Chef Too subscription box, it was an easy YES. Almost everything you need is right inside the box each month to make it easy. There are typically about 3 servings, so you make enough for everyone to have one treat without leftovers hanging around.

Now... who is going to clean up this mess??

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #bakingwithkids #kidsinthekitchen #familybaking #momentsinchildhood
    It Had To Be Done // When my monthly farm flowers It Had To Be Done // When my monthly farm flowers subscription came on Valentine’s Day, I couldn’t resist. These will bloom over the next few days. 💐
    Offering Websites + Logos Since 2012 // When you w Offering Websites + Logos Since 2012 //
When you work with me, I become your digital marketing business bestie; one point person who helps you get it all done and saves you time with a website that will be beautiful outside and powerful inside. Design by Christi Fultz creates logos, installs WordPress websites, sets up email marketing, and offers virtual assistance for creative entrepreneurs. Let’s tackle your to-do list.

#wordpressdesign #teacherpreneurs #smallbusinesstips #websitedesigner #louisvillesmallbusiness #lousivilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #momsaroundlouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom #locallouisville #mompreneur #momprenuerlife #tptseller #creativebusinessowner #creativeladydirectory
    Why am I like this?? // I’m already tired tomorr Why am I like this?? // I’m already tired tomorrow, but let’s stay up and watch reality tv.
    DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big gi DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big girl room is one of my favorite places in the house. We let the kids choose their own decor for the new house and Charlotte’s room is a purple and pink dream... no surprise there! 

The DIY wallpaper was probably a “once and done” experience for us and took about six hours for this 9 by 16 wall. More pictures and sources are on our family blog, also linked in bio: https://completelychristi.com/2022/02/diy-floral-removable-wallpaper.html

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo #homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #kidroomideas #childsroom #childsroomdecor #childroomdesign #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
    Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our ow Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our own custom closet, we decided to do my son’s too. We primarily use his closet for off-season storage and toys, but it was always a MESS! Then the mess spilled out onto his nightstand, desk, dresser, building table, and under his bed. He needed a system! 

I used the online design tool from @containerstorecustomspaces to create this DIY Classic Elfa system. It took about three hours to install and set up. I love how flexible the system is, which means we can reconfigure the layout as he grows. I’m also really proud of his label choices... maybe he inherited some of my organizational skills after all!

#louisvilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #homeorganization #homeorganizing #closetorganization #organizedhome #organizedcloset #walkincloset #closetgoals #closets #closetdesign #customcloset #closetmakeover #kidroomideas #childsroom #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
    DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall with Display Ledg DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall with Display Ledge Tutorial // Carter’s room needed a punch of color and a place to display his favorite Legos. This weekend project was exactly what I had hoped for! Full tutorial and sources on my hobby blog, linked in bio. https://completelychristi.com/2022/01/diy-board-and-batten-accent-wall-tutorial.html 

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective  #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #kidroomideas #childsroom #childsroomdecor #childroomdesign #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
    Farm Flowers // I absolutely love my monthly flowe Farm Flowers // I absolutely love my monthly flower delivery. It’s the perfect “pick me up” on a gloomy January day… or any time! As a momma, it’s easy to do all the things for your family. This is one thing I do for me! And since I work from home, it makes my space just a little happier every day. I was initially intimidated by the thought of arranging my own bouquets, but they provide tips and pictures to help. The best part? They arrive mostly in bud form and bloom in your home so you can enjoy each arrangement longer. ✨ Mine usually last 10-14 days. Link in bio to learn more.

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #momselfcare #freshflowers #thebouqscompany

    Copyright © 2023 · Christi Fultz

    Copyright © 2023 · Website + Branding Design by Christi Fultz.