Fun Rag Pillows From Recycled Sheets

This fun project comes from Anneli Martin of Bird and Lard. Anneli had an old bed linen and a duvet cover that she didn’t want to throw away, so she cut them into one inch strips and crocheted these two giant floor pillows. I think the result is fantastic, and definitely a great way to spend a cold winter day indoors. Anneli was kind enough to share the full project steps after the jump- happy crocheting!


Anneli’s Rag Pillows
Materials:
-1 old cotton bed sheet or a fitted sheet
-1 10mm crochet needle
-Scissors
-Matching fabric for the pillow
-Sewing machine
-Stuffing
-Matching thread
-Needle
Directions:
Step 1 – Cutting
Step 2 – Crocheting the circle
Step 3 – Sewing the “Under pillow”
Step 4 – Stitching the crocheted pillow to the under pillow.
Old bed sheets are the best materials for this project because multiple washing makes the fibers more durable and resistant to tear since it will have raw edges.
Start cutting the sheet in a circular pattern. You want a continuous ribbon and no sharp corners. Strip should be a little less than one inch wide.

Once your sheet is transformed into a giant yarn ball, you can start crocheting.
To make a flat circle you need to increase each round. I don’t use a formula, I just increase as I go but this link can be useful for some tips.
http://crochet.about.com/b/2008/02/26/easy-crocheted-circle-instructions.htm

You want the center to be pretty solid so don’t make the first chain too long, 3 link stitches should be enough to close the circle and start going around. I used the basic single stitch to keep it tight.
Crocheting will take very little time when using such thick material and a large needle.
One bed sheet will make about 30 inch circle.
Use your crocheted circle to measure the fabric you picked to match the top .
Cut two circles of fabric that are about ½” inches larger than the finished project.


Sew the front and back of the pillow together with the right sides of the fabric facing each other, leaving a 4 inch section open.
Turn the pillow in-side-out through the hole. Use your hands to gently pull the fabric through the hole.
Stuff with generous amounts of fiberfill. Fill until the pillow is as puffy as you desire.
Sew the hole closed using a needle and thread.
Finally hand stitch the crocheted top to your pillow around the edge. Beautiful.