Tufted Sweater Pillow: a tutorial

I finally found a large enough sweater to do this with! No cables but, I'll just have to make do. This is a super simple project that doesn't require a lot of sewing experience. It's just a couple of stitches by machine, and the rest by hand! It's also an awesome way to upcycle a sweater that may have otherwise been thrown out. I was thrilled to find this and one other at a local thrift store. 

I love the contrast of the charcoal knitting with the bright pops of color of my bedspread. With cold weather (maybe?) coming soon, this will make a great snugly addition to my bedroom. 

Materials:

XL Sweater

Buttons

Embroidery Floss

Embroidery Needle

Tutorial:

Start by determining the dimensions of your pillow case. 

Pillow insert dimensions  + 1 inch all around seam allowance

i.e. My pillow insert was 18" x 18" so my case dimensions were 20" x 20"

Cut two panels from your sweater to your pre-determined dimensions

Sew as shown below, leaving a large gap one one side.

Cut out the extra fabric at all four corners.

Turn the case right side out and insert the pillow.

Pin together the gap as shown below:

Secret stitch all the way down.

Now for the "tufting". Cut a long piece of embroider floss (about 36"), and thread through your needle. Tie the thread to the eye of the needle. Tie the other end to your button.

Poke the needle through the center of the pillow. To get the needle to the other side, lay your pillow on a flat surface and press down on top of the needle with the palm of your hand. 

Reach under and pull through to the other side. Luckily, embroidery needles aren't very sharp so you shouldn't get poked. 

Pull tight so that you get the tufted effect. Grab your other button and weave the thread through. Now, repeat this process a few more times so that the buttons are strongly in place. When your done, separate the thread into two and tie off behind one of the buttons. 

Hope your weekend was great, and your week to come even better (: 

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