Activity
T-Shirt Pillow
When your child has outgrown that favorite t-shirt that he just can’t bear to part with, why not recycle it into a pillow? He will love the fact that he doesn't have to get rid of his favorite shirt but will get to cuddle with it instead! This t-shirt pillow is easy to do, and it makes a great gift too! It is also a fantastic opportunity for your child to work on color matching the thread to the shirt color and then threading the needle of the sewing machine for fine motor finger work.
What You Need:
- T-shirt of your choice (a new one with a logo you like or an outgrown, well-loved shirt)
- Sewing machine (or a needle and ambitious hands)
- Pillow stuffing (you can get this at a craft store, fabric store, or even Wal Mart)
- Thread
- Pins (optional, but recommended)
What You Do:
- Turn the clean t-shirt inside out.
- Have your child help you pin the bottom edges of the t-shirt together. Make sure to place the pins next to where you want to sew so that the needle doesn't hit the pins while sewing!
- Sew across the bottom edge so that it is shut completely and remove the pins carefully.
- Now, have your child help you pin and sew the arms in a similar way! Pin and sew at the very edges of the sleeves to make a t-shirt shaped pillow (fantastic for cuddling and a fun addition to a kid's room).
- Turn the shirt back right-side out and let your child start stuffing! For a fuller pillow, make sure to push the stuffing to the corners and really plump it up. The stuffing will get compressed a little over time.
- Once the shirt is full and you are happy with it, flatten the collar edges together and sew them shut.
- Voila! A great pillow that is sure to bring some recycled comfort and joy.
For a larger pillow, use an adult-sized shirt. You will need more stuffing or fill for the shirt, but it makes such a cozy pillow!
Related learning resources
Zombie Shirt
Activity
Zombie Shirt
This zombie shirt is a fun and incredibly simple Halloween costume. Have your kid don the shirt lurch around the neighborhood searching for brains...or candy!
4th grade
Arts & crafts
Activity
Heart Cut-Out Shirt
Activity
Heart Cut-Out Shirt
Make over an old shirt that's destined for the thrift shop with this heart cut-out craft for Valentine's Day.
4th grade
Arts & crafts
Activity
Biography: Booker T. Washington
Worksheet
Biography: Booker T. Washington
In this biography worksheet, children read a passage about Booker T. Washington's life, then follow a series of thoughtful prompts to reflect on what they have learned.
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Top Row Typing: T and Y with Gem Miner
Game
Top Row Typing: T and Y with Gem Miner
Extend those index fingers up and in to start learning T and Y, the final letters in the top row of the keyboard.
1st grade
Game
Top Row Typing: R-U-E-I-W-O-Q-P-T-Y with Gem Miner
Game
Top Row Typing: R-U-E-I-W-O-Q-P-T-Y with Gem Miner
Gain accuracy in typing R, U, E, I, W, O, Q, P, T, and Y in this fun game.
1st grade
Game
DIY Hair Bow
Activity
DIY Hair Bow
Upcycle an old dress shirt into artsy bow with just a few simple sewing techniques.
4th grade
Arts & crafts
Activity
My Black Shirt Is A Heater!
Science project
My Black Shirt Is A Heater!
...Do you feel a difference when you wear a black or white shirt in the sun?...
3rd grade
Science project
T-Chart with Three Columns
Worksheet
T-Chart with Three Columns
Have students sort information into three groups with this multi-purpose graphic organizer.
4th grade
Worksheet
Input and Output Boxes
Lesson plan
Input and Output Boxes
Input some patterns to T-charts in this lesson. Use this lesson about input and output boxes as a precursor to finding patterns within word problems.
4th grade
Math
Lesson plan
Fiction vs. Nonfiction
Lesson plan
Fiction vs. Nonfiction
Using T-charts and Venn diagrams, they'll analyze stories and explore different characteristics of fiction and nonfiction.
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Lesson plan
Kool-Aid Tie-Dye
Activity
Kool-Aid Tie-Dye
...If you want your T-shirt to be more vibrant, permanent dye is the best way to ensure a long-lasting tie-dye!...
4th grade
Arts & crafts
Activity
Stubborn Stains
Science project
Stubborn Stains
... The jeans, T-shirt and towel are all made out of cotton. How does the density of the material influence the results?...
4th grade
Science project
See this activity in a set:
10 Irresistable Eco Activities: Get Crafting!