There is nothing like a few unique homemade pillow cover design ideas to add a bit of personality to the most boring of sofas.
Over the years I have made many different kinds of pillows and cushions. Often these fun pillows cover design ideas that are made from old fabrics like wool sweaters and jeans.
They are a very affordable way to add fun accessories to your home. Many of the pillow covers would also make a great homemade gift. Especially the luggage tag pillow covers as they are easily personalized.
Upcycled and DIY Shaped Pillow Covers
There are free patterns and step-by-step instructions for each DIY pillow cover idea. All the pillows/cushions are pretty simple to make. They can be made by hand, by sewing machine or a combination of both of them.
Don’t throw away your old jeans and sweaters as these can easily be turned into unique DIY pillow covers for your home.
Felted wool sweaters are particularly well suited for making fun-shaped pillows. That’s because felt does not fray so it can be sewn without having to use seams or hems. I have made shaped felted sweater pillows for different seasons. Mountain cushions for winter, decorated trees for Christmas, and bunnies for Easter.
Also, it’s fun to give a favourite old sweater a second life by upcycling it into a pillow cover, especially if you have accidentally shrunk it in the wash.

Upcycled Sweater Mountain Cushion (Pillow)
These mountain pillows have been featured in many places the tutorial was even published in a Peruvian Bus Magazine. A great shaped pillow cover idea for those with a love of the mountains and outdoor. They would look great in a ski lodge or log cabin.
Made from upcycled wool sweaters.
Luggage Tag Burlap Map Pillows (Hessian Pillows)
Another pillow cover design idea for those with wanderlust. These luggage tag shaped pillows make for a fun gift. I made one for my sister in law personalized with her name and favourite destination written on the tag.
How To Make A Fun DIY Knot Pillow From Old Sweaters
This is a fun snake pillow tied up into a monkey style knot. The main body of the pillow is made from the repurposed sleeves of old wool sweaters. You could have fun by trying out different kind of knots.
A fun pillow cover idea for old scouts perhaps!
How To Make A Fun Repurposed Denim Fish Pillow
These fun fished shaped pillow covers are made from 2 different materials, wool sweaters & denim. Bleach is used to stencil fish scales onto the denim fabric.
A great upcycled pillow/cushion for a beach hut or seaside home. They would also make a great gift for any fishermen in the family.
How To Make A Christmas Tree Pillow Form A Sweater
This is a cute seasonal repurposed pillow for Christmas. The Christmas tree is decorated with colourful pom poms instead of baubles.
Upcycled Sweater Bunny Pillows /Cushion
Another seasonal themed upcycled pillow cover idea. These old sweaters are made into bunny pillows for spring decor.
Marimekko Poppy Flower Pillows
DIY flower pillows inspired by the Marimekko Unikko poppy design. These pillows are in a fun squashed poppy shape. Like the iconic Marimekko Unikko print, the flower-shaped pillow covers can be made in a colourway to suit your home decor.
How To Make A Cool World Map Denim Floor Cushion
Another pillow cover idea for those with wanderlust and fans of denim. This cushion can be personalized by stitching the red felt heart onto a special place on the denim world map.
How To Make Upcycled Acorn DIY Sweater Pillows
Another shaped upcycled sweater pillow idea. This time a fun one for fall with these acorn and oak leaf-shaped pillows.
How To Make an Upcycled Gucci Inspired Tiger Pillow
This is a fun upcycled tartan skirt tiger pillow. Inspired by Gucci.
Boho Jeans Pillows With Sari Trim
Make gorgeous Boho style jeans pillows with sari trim and pom-poms. Vintage sari trim is very easy to buy online from eBay or Amazon and almost everyone has an old pair of jeans. The pom-poms are made from leftover wool scraps.
How to Doily Stencil a Cushion / Pillow
Use a paper doily as a stencil to bring life and personality to some old plain pillow covers.
Free Pattern For A Fabulous Easy Frida Kahlo Cushion
This pillow cover idea is great for a teenager or Frida Kahlo fan. The cushion is made from an old blanket and the flowers from sweater felt scraps. Even the tassels in the corner are made from repurposed denim.
Supersized cross stitch cushion
This pillow cover idea is one for those that have a bit of time on their hands. The supersized cross stitch is quicker than normal cross stitch but it's still a slow craft.
The pun on the pillow is fun!
How To Make An Upcycled Woven Denim Pillow
This pillow is a great use of strips of leftover denim. Using denim in different shades gives the pillow a unique chequered board effect.
How to make a handy iPhone Denim Pocket Pillow
This fun pillow combines three different types of fabric, denim, sweater and cotton. It also has a very handy pocket feature, and would make a great gift for a teen.
A great use for old jeans is to upcycle the denim into pillows and cushions for your home. There are many different ways to make a denim pillow. You can use many different types of crafts to make pillows from crochet to punch needles and applique.
For more fabulous homemade pillow and cushion, cover ideas visit my Pinterest board. Or how about some homemade denim rug ideas for your home?
Cecilia
Monday 30th of September 2019
I love the creativity! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
Claire Armstrong
Monday 30th of September 2019
Thank you so much for hosting ?
Anita Holland
Tuesday 24th of September 2019
Some really cute ideas, thanks for sharing
Claire Armstrong
Wednesday 25th of September 2019
Thank you so much ?
Julie
Monday 23rd of September 2019
So many fun ideas, I'm trying to pick a favourite but I just can't!!
Claire Armstrong
Monday 23rd of September 2019
Thank you, the mountain cushions I think are my favourite as I do love the mountains.
Michelle
Friday 20th of September 2019
So many truly unique and wonderful pillows here. This post is very inspiring. Pinning!
Claire Armstrong
Saturday 21st of September 2019
Thank you, I’m glad you found some you like.
Kristi Dominguez
Friday 20th of September 2019
I love all of these!! They are all so fun and creative! I love the different colors and patterns! <3
Claire Armstrong
Saturday 21st of September 2019
Thank you, I’m a big fan of colour and pattern.