How to Make a Throw Pillow from a Loved One’s Sweater

My wonderful mother-in-law passed away a few years ago. She was the best mother-in-law that I could of asked for! Always supportive, helpful, and loving. Accepted me as a daughter-in-law from day one. We had a close relationship with one another. I loved her and I miss her deeply!

After she passed away my sister-in-law saved several of my mother-in-law’s sweaters. She cut them up into squares and rectangles and made throw pillows for each member of the family. They’re all different sizes depending on the about of fabric she had to work with. She used sweaters that were immaculate in condition and others had stains. I think the stains add personality and a piece of my mother-in-law with them!

For a fun extra touch she added a piece of my mother-in-law’s jewelry to each pillow. You can attach an earring, pendant, pin, or brooch. The one she made for us has a dangle-style earring attached to it. I love that personal touch!

I asked her for the basics on how to make them. She said to cut the sweater sleeves, neckline, and hemline off. You need 2 squares, 2 rectangles, or 2 circle shapes. She made all of them in square or rectangles as they were easier to manage. Place the 2 right-sides together and sew around 3 1/2 sides. Turn it right-side out.

Stuff the pillow with acrylic fiberfill or cotton stuffing. Make it semi-firm. Hand sew the opening shut with a blind stitch. Take a button and hand sew it to the center of the pillow. This button came from one of my mother-in-law’s dress shirts. She then attached the dangle earring.

Basically, she used my mother-in-law’s knitted sweater, a button from one of her shirts, and a dangle earring. All 3 items were personal and beloved by her. A great way to remember a loved one who has passed on. We keep the pillow on a sitting chair in our family room. A great sewing project that even beginners can do!

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