Dad's Memory Shirt Pillow Using Cricut Iron-on

You know that old button-down shirt Dad never wears anymore but just can’t seem to part with? Instead of letting it collect dust in the closet, why not turn it into something special? With a little creativity and a Cricut, you can transform it into a custom pillow featuring a handwritten message of love. It’s the perfect way to repurpose something sentimental while creating a keepsake for Dad - or from Dad. Plus, it’s easier than you think!

Materials:

• Button-down shirt
• Sewing machine and supplies
• Cricut Iron-on
• Cricut Heat Press Machine

Directions:

Flip the shirt inside out and lay it flat on your work surface. Smooth it out so there aren’t any wrinkles in the fabric. Now, grab a measuring tape and measure across the front of the shirt to figure out how big your pillow can be. Keep in mind that you’ll need to cut a square from both layers of fabric, and it should be at least an inch larger than your pillow form to allow for seam allowances.

Pillow forms come in standard sizes like 12", 14", 16", and 18" squares, so choose the one that works best for your shirt. If the shirt is on the smaller side, you might need to go with a 12" pillow. If it’s a roomy button-down, you can go bigger!

Once you’ve cut your fabric, you’ll have two squares—one from the front of the shirt (the side with the buttons) and one from the back. Now it’s time to put them together!

Place the squares right sides together, meaning the side you want to be visible on the finished pillow should be facing inward. Line up the edges as best you can, especially making sure the button placket stays straight. Use pins or clips to secure all four sides so the fabric doesn’t shift while sewing.

Next, head over to your sewing machine and stitch around all four edges using a half-inch seam allowance.

Now comes the fun part—creating your custom design in Cricut Design Space! If you want to make this pillow extra special, consider using something personal, like a handwritten note or a drawing from your child. If you’re not sure how to do that, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered - check out this post for a step-by-step guide on how to upload your child’s artwork into Design Space. It’s easier than you think!

Of course, if you’d rather keep it simple, you can also browse Cricut Access for tons of ready-made designs.

Load your Cricut Iron-on vinyl into the machine and let it do the cutting for you. Once it’s done, grab your weeding tool and carefully remove the extra vinyl, leaving only your design behind.

Turn the pillowcase right side out so you can see that awesome button-up detail. Now, decide where you want to place your iron-on decal - right over the pocket is a great spot, but you can put it anywhere that looks best!

Next, grab your Cricut EasyPress or a household iron and follow the instructions in the Cricut Heat Guide (or the Cricut Heat App for version 3 heat press machines) to press the design onto the fabric. 

Once it’s cooled, peel off the backing, and just like that, your custom design is set in place!

Slide the pillow form into the case through the button opening, making sure it fits nice and snug. Once it's in place, just button it up, and your custom pillow is complete - you’ve just turned an old shirt into a meaningful keepsake!

Do More with Your Cricut for Dad

If you had fun making that custom pillow, why not take it up a notch and create even more personalized gifts for Dad? Here are three simple but awesome ideas that will definitely make him smile:

Custom Sport Shirt

If Dad’s all about his favorite sport or team, why not make him a custom sport shirt? You can add his favorite team’s logo, a fun sports quote, or even his own jersey number. With Cricut’s Iron-on vinyl, you can whip up something he’ll be proud to wear on game days or during his workouts. 

Personalized Water Bottle

Keep Dad hydrated and looking good with a custom water bottle! You can design one with his name, a cool motivational quote, or a favorite sports logo. Whether he’s at the gym, hiking, or just out and about, a personalized water bottle will definitely be something he’ll use daily.

Tech Gear Accessories

If Dad’s a tech guy, why not give his devices a little upgrade? Customize phone cases, laptop sleeves, or tablet covers with Cricut vinyl or Iron-on designs. You can add his initials, a favorite logo, or a fun graphic that fits his style. It’s a simple way to make his tech gear stand out and feel more personal.