A week ago I showed an easy way to make a pillow from a fringed fleece scarf. I’ve also been turning old sweaters into cozy cushions, and today I’ll walk you through a simple, zero-waste method to make DIY sweater pillows. These projects are quick, use the whole garment, and are perfect for updating seasonal decor or upcycling wardrobe pieces you no longer wear.
Turning Sweaters into Throw Pillows
I have a lot of sweaters on hand, but if you don’t, ask friends and family or visit a thrift store for affordable options. Sweaters come in many textures and patterns, and almost any style—sleeved, sleeveless, buttoned, or cowl-neck—can become a lovely pillow cover.
For this tutorial I used a patterned long-sleeve sweater and a sweater vest. Both worked well, showing how versatile this simple technique is.
Supplies Needed to Make Sweater Pillows
Minimal supplies are required, making this an approachable project for beginners and teens.
- an old sweater to upcycle
- scissors (optional—most projects shown require none)
- needle and thread in a matching color
- soft clothing for stuffing (old scarves, t-shirts, or cotton/poly batting)
How to Make a Throw Pillow Cover from Sweaters
Start with a sweater vest: it’s the easiest. Thread a needle and run a simple gathering stitch across the opening just below the armholes. Pull the thread to close the opening, turn the vest right side out, stuff it, and sew it shut. No cutting necessary—the entire vest becomes the pillow cover.
Here is a white sweater vest pillow next to a fleece scarf pillow—another quick, cozy option when you have scraps or unused garments.
For a full long-sleeve sweater, my method is just as simple. Turn the sweater inside out and sew a seam across the body about two-thirds of the way down. If you prefer a squarer pillow, sew lower—near the hemline—so the final shape is closer to a square.
Fold the sleeves inward, then fold any cowl or neck toward the sweater’s body to create a neat pocket for stuffing.
If you want a gathered or rolled look on the ends, stitch a gathering line and pull the thread tight. This creates a decorative, pillowy finish and helps shape the cushion.
Rather than buy extra stuffing, tuck a soft scarf or other clothing scraps inside. A folded scarf adds loft and shape without extra expense, and it keeps the project zero-waste.
Fold the sweater into thirds or into the gathered pocket you created. Once everything is tucked in, sew the final opening closed with an even, secure stitch. Because nothing is cut away, you’ll have very little waste and a neat finished pillow.
The gathered end looks like a decorative roll pillow—cozy and inviting. Button-up sweaters are just as easy: close the buttons first, gather or stitch the opening, stuff, and fasten the final seam. The buttoned front can be a charming design detail on the finished pillow.
These no-cut, easy-peasy sweater pillows are a great way to repurpose beloved garments. They add texture and warmth to sofas, chairs, and beds and make lovely handmade gifts. Because the process uses existing fabric for both cover and filling, it’s environmentally friendly and budget-conscious.
If you’re wondering about care: spot clean when possible, and wash gently according to the sweater’s care instructions if needed. For delicate knits, hand washing and flat drying will help the pillow maintain its shape.
This project wraps up the season of cozy winter crafts for me. If you enjoy giving used items a new life, this is a satisfying, quick way to refresh your home decor without creating waste. Grab a few sweaters, some simple sewing supplies, and make pillows that are as unique as the garments they came from.
