I saw this DIY as a video on Whatsapp a few years ago… old t-shirts made into non-sew DIY cushion covers… and I’ve been meaning to try it out ever since. Last week I was putting these 3 neon t-shirts in my giveaway pile of clothes and thinking how pretty the colours looked together, when I suddenly remembered that little video. So the t-shirts came off my giveaway shelf and on to my desk. And after a weekend of cutting and painting, this is what I have.

DIY Cushion Covers From Old T-Shirts:

It’s a super simple DIY with absolutely no stitching involved, so just about anyone can do it. Let’s get started.

What I used:

• Old T-shirts
• Scissors
• Acrylic Paints (I used Fevicryl)
• Pencil and ruler

These t-shirts were plain so I decided to paint on them. If the t-shirts already have a print on them, or you like plain, then you need just the scissors.. nothing else!

(1) Cut the t-shirt:

Lay the t-shirt down flat on the table and cut it just below the sleeve at the upper end. Also cut off the hemmed portion at the lower end.

The t-shirt was sort of like a tube now, open at the top and bottom but closed on the 2 sides. I didn’t cut the sides because the cushion fit into this perfectly as is. If the t-shirt was larger I would have cut open the 2 sides too.

(2) Paint the t-shirts:

I slid a newspaper between the 2 layers to prevent the paint from going through to the bottom layer of the t-shirt.

And painted a simple geometric pattern.. the easiest way to go!

One t-shirt done.

I painted different geometrics on the others too.

(3) Cut slits at the open ends:

The t-shirts were about 16″ long. I was going to use these for 12″ x 12″ cushions, so I marked 6″ from the centre to both the open ends. That left about 2″ extra on each end.

I cut 2″ long slits of even width on both sides, leaving 12″ intact in the centre.

(4) Tie knots using the slits:

Take the upper and lower layer of each slit and start tying knots.

Continue till you have completely closed off one side.

(5) Insert the cushion:

Then I slid the cushion into this cover from the open end.

(6) Tie up the other end:

Close the cover around the cushion to complete the DIY cushion covers, by similarly tying up the other end.

If you’re using a large t-shirt, first tie up 3 sides, then insert the cushion into the cover before tying up the last side.

That’s it.. the non-sew DIY cushion covers are ready.

I love how cute the little bows look at the ends. If they were longer they would make pretty tassels too!

I’m still trying to decide whether I like the cushions more…

… or the pretty edges!

Now that I realise how easy these are, I don’t think I’ll be throwing away old t-shirts in a hurry.

I think these DIY cushion covers are especially good for kids’ and teen rooms.

Here’s the synopsis of this post in a short video.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Try it out and share your pics and experience with us!

Until next time,