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.
Table of contents
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
- 2 Pink Pillow Covers
- Fabric Glue
- Green Fine Point Sharpie Pen
- Pillow Insert
- Scrap Fabrics – White, Green, and pink
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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Don’t the recycling project flowers look cute?

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.

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.
Create this DIY Patriotic Pillow Cover using ticking fabric in a star design.
Perfect for Mother's Day, use fabric to create a bouquet of flowers with special materials.
Create mini pumpkins with scrap fabric to match a vintage quilt.
Inspired by those last-standing summer blooms, this is a perfect pillow for fall. See the full tutorial
Add scrap ticking fabric to the pillow cover to create this cute Valentine's Heart Decor.

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.


Just beautiful! Thanks for sharing another of your great project!
Good Morning Margie,
Thanks for your sweet comments.
Super cute Rachel! Love how your pillow cover turned out. Perfect for spring.
I’m so glad you like it. Thanks for stopping by.
Terrific idea. You executed it nicely
Gail,
Thank you so much.
Love all the pillow covers. Very clever. Also checked out your painted vinyl rug. Wow it looks so good. Thanks for inspiration.
Cherry,
I’m so glad you like it. Thank you so much.
So pretty and I love them all!
Cindy,
Thank you for stopping by. Glad you like them.
I love this project. Thanks for sharing!
Virginia,
I’m so glad you liked this. Thanks for stopping by.
I love the pillows. Great idea and I will definitely give it a try.
Charlotte,
Watch out because they are addictive. LOL.
Every single one is so stinkin’ cute! pinned
Cindy,
I’m so glad you like them. I just can’t stop making them.
Oh my gosh! Sooo pretty! Iโve seen this technique on store bought pillows and had to pass because of price. Thanks to you I can have my own!
Karianne at Thistlewood Farms shared this post and Iโm so glad she did!
Jan,
I’m so glad you found me. Thank you for stopping by and sharing.
These are so cute, Rachel! You’ve inspired me to try it myself!
Kim
They are fun and easy. Enjoy.
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!
Jen,
I appreciate this. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing Jen.
Super cute Rachel! these will be so cute on the porch.
Wendy,
I was inspired to make these for my porch idea on tomorrows hop.
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.
Cindy,
I appreciate this so much.
Very pretty! I was wondering how the fabric glue withstood washing?
Patty,
I wash by hand and so far so good.