Turning a loved one’s shirt into a memory tree pillow – Sustain my crafting habit

Perfect for honoring a special memory or gifting a family member, this durable sewing project brings comfort and love to your holiday home.

This step-by-step guide shows you how to upcycle a loved one’s button-up shirt into a cute, tree-shaped keepsake.

The holidays are a time for traditions, but they are also a time when we feel the absence of loved ones. Finding ways to keep their memory alive becomes part of our seasonal rhythm.

Reasons to love this DIY memory tree pillow project

• Perfect for honoring a special memory or gifting a family member
• Uses fabrics from old clothes that have emotional meaning
• Budget-friendly with basic sewing supplies and upcycled clothing
• A complete step-by-step photo tutorial that a novice sewer can follow

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Materials needed

• Printable Memory Tree Pillow Pattern
• Sewing machine and matching thread
• Old button-up shirts made from medium weight woven fabrics such as poplin, broadcloth, flannel
• Cotton bedding
• Buttons – one 1″ diameter and the other 1/2″ diameter
• Ribbons – 1.5” wide ribbon and 1” wide ribbon
• Polyfill
• Lightweight fusible interfacing (When working with old, well-worn shirts, the fabric can sometimes be thin. To ensure your tree retains its crisp shape, I recommend ironing lightweight fusible interfacing to the back of the shirt piece before sewing.)

How to Make a Memory Tree Throw Pillow

cutting

send Memory pillow pattern pdf Tape all the connecting red edges together to form a complete pattern and print once.

Place the paper pattern piece on top of the fabric, aligning the grainline of the fabric with the arrow on the pattern.

Cut around the solid line of the pattern (the dashed/dotted lines represent the sewing lines). Refer to the pattern piece for the amount of layers needed for each piece.

Sewing

Fold the folded stump (3) with right sides together in half lengthwise so that the double notches match.

Stitch the short ends with a 1/4” seam allowance.

Turn the stump piece right side out, tucking out the corners.

Gently stuff the tree stump piece with polyfill and best stitch the open edge.

Place the main padding (2) piece behind one of the main (1) pieces with the main fabric right side out.

Align the double notch of the finished tree stump piece with the bottom of the main piece and stitch with a 1/4“ seam allowance.

Clip the seam allowance at the end of the tree stump and remove the tree stump piece from the main piece, folding the seam allowance towards the main piece.

Layer the other main piece on the right side of the fabric, sandwiching the padding layer in between.

Pin all layers together along the outer edges.

Stitch all layers together around the edges with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Leave a 3″ gap opening at the bottom.

Gently fill the tree with polyfill until the desired fullness is achieved.

Stitch the gap opening closed with a 1/4” seam allowance.

Finishing

Thread a sewing needle and stitch a button on the back of the pillow on the marked circle. Stitch the button in place through all the layers.

Make a large layered ribbon bow and attach it to the front of the pillow on the same marked circle. If you need help making decorative bows with ribbon, check out our posts here –

Attach a large button to the center of the bow to complete the memory tree pillow.

Whether you place it on your favorite chair or gift it to a sibling, this pillow serves as a soft, comforting reminder that love is never lost.

If you have fabric left over from sleeves, it’s the perfect size to make our keepsake ornaments.

Fabric and memory options

By upcycling a favorite flannel or well-worn button-up shirt into a simple, elegant tree shape, you create a tangible connection to memory.

In our case, our father loved wearing a button-up shirt with pockets for any and all occasions. But the style of the shirt can create a truly personal touch, consider these styling options:

• use flannels and plaids To create a classic, cozy, rustic holiday look.
• Work Shirts: Wearing a uniform or denim shirt adds an element of personal history.

Pro tip: Mixing textures makes the tree look layered and comfortable.

Think color and style

• Go traditional with red and green and white colored shirts.
• For a boho style, choose a neutral linen with a white shirt.
• Or for a more modern Christmas, go with solids and soft pastels.

Personalizing a keepsake tree pillow

Some other ways to add an extra layer of personalization to a memory tree pillow include:

• Adding an embroidered label or tag that says something like “Always in our hearts”.
• Incorporating a shirt pocket into the design to hold a small photo or handwritten note.
• Tie a tank of dried lavender or cedar in the bow for a sensory memory.

Memory in a tradition

A memory tree pillow looks like a decoration you’ll actually keep, not just stored with decorations. It’s easy to make, personal by design and meaningful without being complicated.

Once you make one, it’s hard not to plan another one for gifts, family members, or different rooms in the house.

Download our free Christmas Tree Pillow Template!

More memorial sewing ideas

Join our crafting community To find more DIY and upcycled craft ideas. It feels good to reuse and upcycle!

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