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The Cutest Pillow Ideas for Recycling Projects

Do you need an idea for recycling project? How about helping the environment and creating cute decor at the same time? Then you will love this cute pillow idea using recycled scrap fabric.

I was inspired to make some new scrap fabric pillow covers for my Spring porch.

They turned out so cute and look great with the new painted rug.

I’m also sharing some of my other scrap fabric creations with you today. You may have seen some of these if you’ve followed me for a long time.

Why Is Recycling Important?

Y’all know I love recycling used home decor by shopping at thrift stores. You may have read 17 Reasons For Shopping Second-Hand Charity Shops.

Each of these recycling projects helps to keep textiles out of landfills. Clothing and other textiles create greenhouse gases which are believed to contribute to climate change.

I am known for sharing my budget-friendly decorating and DIY ideas. However, I also like to find eco-friendly and sustainable decorating ideas to share with you.

These cute pillow-recycling projects are both economical and environmentally friendly.

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The Cutest Pillow Ideas

Before I share all the cute pillow ideas and recycling projects, I want to share my latest creation.

In addition, I’ll share the step-by-step tutorial.

I made two pillows for my Spring front porch sitting area.

Supplies for Scrap Fabric Pillow Covers

You can choose any colors that work with your decor. The pillow covers also come in a variety of colors.

All the fabric should be torn into 1/4 – 1/2 inch strips. Don’t cut the fabric, or it will not curl as easily.

Rip fabrics into small pieces to add to pillows.

Draw Your Design on Pillow Cover

To begin this recycling project idea, you need a design for your pillow.

You can trace your design onto the pillow cover, as you can see in this Spring Pillow Cover tutorial.

However, I drew my design for this project without a template.

Using your Green Sharpie Permanent marker, trace or draw your design.

I used green because I plan to leave the stems bare, and the green maker works for my design.

Draw or trace the design for the pillow cover with a sharpie pen.  Ideas to recycle textiles.

Add Fabric

First, add a protective barrier inside the pillow cover. This can be a piece of card stock or cardboard, which will keep the material from sticking together if the glue seeps through.

Next, add a bead of fabric glue around the outside edge of the flower petals. You can fill the entire petal with glue if desired.

Note: Work in small sections because the glue will dry quickly and may require additional application.

Use permanent fabric glue to attach fabric to the pillow cover.

Twist the fabric as you apply it to the glue. Begin on the outside of the petal and work inward.

Twist scrap fabric to apply to pillow covers

You must hold the scrap fabric in place for a few seconds for the glue to adhere. You can use straight pins to keep it in place if you desire.

I found that using the pins slowed my progress, so I ended up with very sticky fingers. LOL

Keep twisting and adding the fabric until the petal is filled in.

Next, add the pink fabric to create the flower centers. Use the same technique as the petals.

Use pink fabric to make flower centers on pillow covers.

Finally, add the green fabric to the leaves.

If you desire, you may add fabric to the stems. I chose to leave mine bare.

Use green scrap fabric to make leaves on DIY Pillow Covers - Recycle textiles by making home decor projects.

Allow the glue to dry thoroughly before adding a pillow filler.

Ideas for Recycle Project - make a pillow cover with scrap fabrics with flowers and leaves.

Don’t the recycling project flowers look cute?

DIY Pillow Cover with scrap fabrics for DIY Recycle Project Ideas

Ideas for Recycling Project – Pillow Cover

Add your pillow inserts and you are ready for Spring decorating.

The pillow covers are safe for outdoor use and will be part of our front porch sitting area this Spring and Summer.

Hands-holding DIY Pillow Cover for Recycle Project.  Scrap Fabrics used to make cottage style home decor.

They will be perfect with the new painted rug, and you can see more detail on 10 Ideas for Ideal Porch Sitting.

Resources:

See all resources and similar products in Storefront.

Other Scrap Fabric Pillow Cover Ideas

Here are other recycling project ideas using scrap fabric to make cute pillow covers.

Pin It To Remember It

Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? Hover over the images you’d like to save and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button.

Idea for recycle project - make a craft pillow with scrap fabrics for home decorations.  Farmhouse Style.
Ideas for recycling projects with scrap fabric.  DIY Home Decor pillow covers.

Patty

Saturday 9th of March 2024

Very pretty! I was wondering how the fabric glue withstood washing?

Rachel

Saturday 9th of March 2024

Patty, I wash by hand and so far so good.

Cindy@CountyRoad407

Thursday 13th of April 2023

I can see why you can't stop making them. I think it's so clever. Featuring them tomorrow on Farmhouse Friday. Thanks for always linking up. I'm grateful for you! pinned again.

Rachel

Thursday 13th of April 2023

Cindy, I appreciate this so much.

Wendy McMonigle

Wednesday 5th of April 2023

Super cute Rachel! these will be so cute on the porch.

Rachel

Wednesday 5th of April 2023

Wendy, I was inspired to make these for my porch idea on tomorrows hop.

Week In Rewind With Midwest Life And Style - Midwest Life and Style Blog

Tuesday 4th of April 2023

[…] DIY Spring Pillow With Scrap Fabric […]

Rachel

Wednesday 5th of April 2023

Thanks for sharing Jen.

Jen

Sunday 2nd of April 2023

Oh my gosh, Rachel. This is just the cutest! I am going to share a photo and link to your pillow in my recap tomorrow!

Rachel

Monday 3rd of April 2023

Jen, I appreciate this. Thank you.