How can I upcycle old pillows?

Patty
by Patty
  10 answers
  • You could use them to make dog beds or as inserts into other pillow covers.

  • To to To to on Nov 19, 2019

    I think maybe better buy new ones as it is unhealthy

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Nov 19, 2019

    Hi Pat,


    What's in the pillows? Fiber fill, feathers. foam??? Please get back to us with your answer.

  • Mogie Mogie on Nov 20, 2019

    1. Use old pillows to stuff a pet bed. Plus the pillows have your scent on them to make your dog extra happy!


    2. To stuff a new pillow with the stuffing from old pillows.


    3. Use an old pillow as a chimney ballon so you don't loose heat up your chiment just e sure to remove the pillow before you start a fire in the fireplace as this could be a fire hazard!


    4. Donate your old pillows to an animal shelter. Check with your local shelter to see if they need old pillows to use as pet beds. Most shelters will also accept old sheets and towels too.


    5. Use an old pillow as a door draft stopper.


    6. Use an old pillow as a kneeler pad when gardening, yard work, yoga, etc.


    7. Put an old bed pillow in a pretty pillow sham and use it as decorative bed pillow.


    8. Use an old pillow as a floor cushion.


    9. Use the stuffing from old pillows for crafts, costuming, etc.


    10. Use old pillows as pads for uncomfortable chairs.


    11. Put two flat pillows into a single pillow case and use it as a new bed pillow.


    12. Compost the feather stuffing if you have an old feather pillow.

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Dec 14, 2019

    I would remove the stuffing, either the form or the stuffing and create a whole new pillow using inexpensive pillow covers. You can stencil a design or just buy a pillow cover with a design, they are inexpensive on Amazon.

  • Deb K Deb K on Dec 09, 2023

    Hi Patty, hope this inspires you.

    Turn them into floor cushions

    You might not want to use your pillows in bed anymore, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be used elsewhere. turn a few old pillows into a floor cushion. “You’ll need five old pillows and pillowcases for this project. All you have to do is sew the five pillowcases together on the long sides and slip the pillows in. You can make them as long or short as you like, and you can even add Velcro to close the end of the pillowcase to contain the pillows YouTube tutorial video

    Make them into pet beds

    If you have pets at home, try repurposing an old pillow into a pet bed for them rather than going out and buying them a brand new bed. If you have a cat or small dog, you’ll only need one pillow to do this. If you have a larger dog, you might want two to three pillows. You can easily follow a no-sew tutorial like this one, or you can use a video tutorial to make a pet bed using two old pillows and a t-shirt.

    Fluff up another pillow

    Upcycle the stuffing of an old pillow by using it to give some added volume to another pillow in your house. Simply remove the filler of your old pillow, then stuff it into a pillow or cushion that’s been looking a little flat lately.

    Turn them into throw pillows

    Need a new throw pillow for your bedroom or living room couch? If you’re feeling handy, there’s no need to buy one. use an old pillow. “Once they’re washed/dried on hot, repurpose old pillow s as inserts for crocheted throw pillow covers, If you’re handy, you can crochet a cover for a throw pillow, or procure a cover of your choice, then put it on a clean old pillow. this tutorial.

    Create a knee pad with them

    If you spend a lot of time gardening, then you know that it can be hard on the knees. Instead of weeding through the aches and pains, turn an old pillow into a knee pad that you store with your gardening tools. To prolong its lifespan, tuck it into a moisture-resistant pillow protector, and tuck that into a washable pillowcase.

    Block drafts

    Pillows are great at blocking pesky drafts or external noises that may waft in under doors or around windows. You can simply stuff the pillow around the drafty area whenever it’s really bothering you. If you have a drafty chimney, a pillow is a great blocker there as well. Stick it in a trash bag, then shove it up your chimney to keep cool air from coming in. Just remember to unblock it before using it.

    Fix up a stuffed animal with them

    The same filling that gives your pillow its loft can help revitalize a beloved stuffed animal that’s limp or falling apart. Even some well-loved stuffed animals can be perked up with some added stuffing,” . Open up your old pillow and remove the stuffing. Carefully open a seam or make a hole in the old stuffed animal, slowly add stuffing until it looks full again, and then sew it back together.

    Get some new rags out of them

    There’s no reason to purchase new rags to clean with when you have old pillows laying around. Open one up, remove the stuffing, and use the remaining fabric as rags. They also make good dusting rags, and you can use them to wipe down windowsills and ceiling fans pretty easily.


    Compost the feathers

    Getting rid of a feather pillow? The filling in a feather or down pillow is compostable, so you should definitely save it. Empty the feathers out into a composting bin and use them that way. You can then save the shell of the pillow to use for rags or a tote bag, so you’re really using the entire pillow.

    Recycle them

    If upcycling pillows isn’t up your alley, then recycling them is your best bet. This prevents them from ending up in a landfill and requires minimal effort. There are two ways to recycle pillows: You can drop them off in a donation bin or mail them in. Look into whether the American Textile Recycling Service offers bins for textiles like pillows near you .


    Donate them

    If you want to donate your old pillow, start by washing it thoroughly. Once it’s clean, you’ll need to do a little research to find a local place to donate it. Start by contacting local homeless shelters to find out if they accept used pillows some won’t because of hygiene reasons. You can also try calling local charity and thrift stores to see if they accept pillows. If you can’t find anywhere to donate them, you can always try advertising on a platform like Facebook Marketplace.

  • Dee Dee on Dec 11, 2023

    I would donate them to an animal shelter. They always need beds and towels.

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 20, 2023

    • Floor cushion seats – Throw some new fabric on your old pillows and create floor seats for your family and guests to sit on the floor around your coffee table.
    • Pet beds – Gently used pillows make for perfect extra padding in your pet’s bed. If your pet is small enough, the old bed pillow could be the bed itself (and so cute). Or, you can always add your old pillow to a new bed for your pet, like Casper’s supportive dog bed.
    • Moving and packaging material – Discarded pillows can be very durable and long-lasting when used to protect your fragiles during moving or shipping.
    • Throw pillows – Depending on the size and shape of your old pillows, they might be the perfect addition to your living room couch as a type of decorative pillow once refreshed and re-upholstered.


  • Annie Annie on Dec 22, 2023

    And some fun crafts as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JOXMk0vKqc