When I buy clothes, I keep them for a very long time. Even as a kid I was never into trends and wore clothes that I liked, regardless of if they were “in style”. So I wear my clothes until they just can’t be worn anymore. That’s how the story of upcycling this shirt begins. I bought this shirt from a trendy teen store when I was in early high school (c. 2009-ish for context). And I kept it and wore it until 2021. The only reason I stopped wearing it was because it finally developed holes in the back and I wasn’t going to be able to repair the holes without it being very obvious. But I held onto it since I love the velvet floral design on the front, and I figured that one day I would find a project for it. And lo and behold, about two years later, the perfect idea came to me!
(Stool my Pappaw made for me)
I had just purchased my antique vanity on Marketplace and I was searching for an antique or vintage stool for it so I could sit and do my makeup. But then I realized I had a small wooden bench that my Pappaw made for me that I could use as a vanity stool instead of buying one (and it would be much more meaningful). And to make it more comfortable, I could make a cushion for it from that old velvet shirt!
While any shirt would have worked, the floral velvet design ended up being so perfect because it gives off an antique vibe (the Victorians - my go-to inspiration for home decor - loved their velvet) so pairing it with my antique vanity was kismet.
(Shirt before it is cut)
Construction
Making it into a cushion was pretty simple, but I’m only going to give a basic overview instead of step-by-step instructions since this isn’t meant to be a tutorial but only some inspiration. However, with some basic sewing knowledge you can definitely follow along with my process. But there are plenty of tutorials out there if you want more detailed instructions. I started by measuring the length and width of the stool, and that was the exact length and width that I cut out of the shirt (plus a ½” seam allowance around). The only part of the shirt I had left over was the neckline and up (I used those leftover bits as part of the stuffing for the cushion later so that I had no waste from this project).
I didn’t end up having enough material from the shirt to make the straps I wanted to wrap under the stool to keep the cushion from sliding off (a necessity since both the stool and shirt materials are slick). But I had some leftover navy fabric from another project that was a perfect match.
To make the straps, I measured from the top of the stool under the bottom to the top of the other side. Since the material I have is stretchy, I did not add any length to that measurement, figuring that it would stretch enough even with the extra inch of the pillow. But if you’re using a fabric that is not stretchy, you would definitely want to add an extra inch or two to account for half the bulk of the cushion.
I folded my strap fabric in half and cut out the length I had measured with a width of 2.5” (2” for the finished strap and ¼” seam allowance on both sides). I did this twice to make both straps (so I had 4 pieces total). To sew them I simply sewed around three sides and left one of the short sides open to turn them right side out, then tucked in the ends and slip stitched them closed.
Now that the straps were done I could sew the actual cushion. I placed the straps on one of the long edges of the top side of the cushion, pinned them in place, and stitched them so they wouldn’t move when I sewed around the cushion. I left the other end of the straps free for now as I will be adding button closures. I then pinned the cushion, right sides together, and sewed around (with the straps tucked in the middle so they wouldn’t get stitched where they shouldn’t) and left a small 2” opening to turn the pillow right side out.
After sewing I stuffed the pillow with some leftover memory foam pieces that I had as well as some polyfill until it was stuffed to my satisfaction. I slip stitched the opening closed.
Now time for the finishing touch, the buttons (and the dreaded buttonholes) for the straps. This step isn’t necessary as you could use Velcro or sew the straps onto the cushion after it’s in place on the stool if you want something more permanent. But I love whimsy so I wanted to use these buttons. However, I despise buttonholes so this wasn’t my favorite part of the project.
But I laid the buttons on the strap where I wanted them to be, measured how long I would need to cut the buttonholes with some tailor’s chalk, and cut that line with my tiny scissors. I then sewed the buttonholes with embroidery floss by hand since I have yet to figure out how to use the buttonhole attachment on my sewing machine (I probably should as it would make my life easier but I haven’t had the time yet). I then sewed the buttons onto their respective places on the pillow and voila! My cushion is complete and ready to use!
Reflections
It has been over a year since I completed this project and I continue to be very happy with it. I use it every time I sit at my vanity to do my makeup and it has held up perfectly. Plus y’all know I love a good upcycle project to be kind to our planet! It also didn’t cost me anything as I already had all of the materials which is a bonus!
I hope this project inspires you to give your old shirts/clothes a new purpose and, as always, happy crafting!
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