You know how a certain shirt can instantly take you back to a moment? The smell of cologne, the way the fabric felt, the memory of hugs given in it. This pillow captures all of that. Made from a favorite shirt, it becomes a bridge between memory and touch. The sewn message adds words that echo in the heart, offering reassurance during times of longing. It’s the kind of pillow you don’t just see—you feel. Whether kept on a bed, chair, or tucked somewhere quiet, it’s a tribute stitched with both fabric and love.
Materials Needed
- 1 button-up shirt (belonged to your loved one, ideally cotton or flannel)
- Pillow insert (size depends on the shirt dimensions, often 16”×16” or 18”×18”)
- Sewing machine or hand-sewing needle
- Fabric scissors
- Iron and pins
- Optional: embroidered or printed memory patch with message
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Wash and iron the shirt so it’s clean and smooth. Then button it up fully before cutting.
Step 2: Cut a square from the shirt front large enough to fit your pillow insert. Keep the button placket centered so it becomes the pillow’s opening.
Step 3: Cut a matching square from the shirt’s back or another section of fabric for the pillow’s reverse side.
Step 4: With right sides facing together, pin and sew around the edges, leaving a small seam allowance. If using the front button section, you can leave it as the closure instead of adding a zipper.
Step 5: Turn the cover right side out, insert the pillow form, and button it closed.
Step 6: Finally, attach a memory patch, embroidered message, or hand-stitched note to make it extra personal.
Tips:
I discovered that leaving little details like the pocket or collar makes the pillow even more special, because those were parts of the shirt you remember most.