How to Turn a Cashmere Sweater Into a Comfy Throw Pillow

January 26, 2016 by Jesica Kurashima

Updated on September 13th, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

One of my favorite parts of winter is the excuse to cozy up in some cashmere. Soft, lightweight, and toasty warm… it doesn’t get better than that! You know what’s not so awesome though? The price of cashmere. Some things are worth splurging on, but hundreds of dollars for one sweater just isn’t practical. Second hand cashmere is the way to go.

There are plenty of once loved cashmere sweaters at the thrift store, and after you wash them they’re good as new! I have a hard time leaving them behind, so I got to thinking… what can be done with the ones that aren’t stylish enough to wear? Throw pillows! Perfect for cuddling up with this winter.

DIY Cashmere Throw Pillow

Supplies:

Pillow insert (mine was 16″ square)
Zipper
Cashmere sweater (for ladies sweaters size L or XL works best)

Step 1:

With your sweater laid flat, cut a straight line from underarm to underarm. This will create a tube approximately the same size as your insert. The tube will have one raw edge and one finished edge.

Step 2:

With the tube lying flat, use a needle and thread to loosely sew the finished edge together.

Processed with VSCO — Image via Classic in Gray

Step 3:

Place your zipper upside down on the wrong side of the pillowcase, centered over your loosely sewn seam. Pin it, then use a zipper foot on your sewing machine to stitch it down on both sides.

cashmere sweater pillow — Image via Classic in Gray

Step 4:

Turn your pillowcase right side out, then carefully snip the threads on your loosely stitched seam to open it. Now you’ve got a functional zipper.

DIY cashmere sweater pillow — Image via Classic in Gray

Step 5:

Open the zipper and turn your pillowcase inside out. Sew the remaining edge shut, adding a scrap of woven fabric to stabilize the seam.

DIY sweater pillow — Image via Classic in Gray

Step 6:

Add your pillow insert, zip shut, and toss it on the sofa. Time to grab a hot cup of tea and cuddle up with that cashmere pillow!

DIY pillow from sweater — Image via Classic in Gray

The sweater I used for this tutorial had a rib knit along the hem, and I love how it adds some character to the pillow. Try looking for sweaters with interesting knit patterns or details to mix things up a bit!

What are some of your favorite ways to repurpose cashmere? Tell us in the comments below or on Twitter @Redfin.

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Jesica Kurashima

Jesica Kurashima is a Seattle based former clothing designer passionate about inspiring women to embrace style in every aspect of their lives. She blogs about modern DIYs, wearable fashion, and affordable home décor at classicingray.com.

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