1. MAKING MEMORIES WITH LOVED ONES CLOTHESby
Linda Gossar-Loesch

2. Making Memory Pillows
Memory pillows are a lasting way to remember someone that has passed away.
Many times people wear certain clothes that were their favorites and when you see the fabric it reminds you of them.
They make wonderful gifts to give other family members or friends.

5. Tee Shirt
When using a t shirt begin by laying the shirt out flat on a table.
Decide what size pillow form you are using before you cut your shirt.
Add 2 inches to the pillow size for your first cut.
Do not cut through both front and back of t shirt.

6. The First Cut
Find the center of the design on the shirt and measure from there.
Measure across and up and down and mark it with a pencil at the outer edges
Cut the front of the shirt only
Make sure your first cut is big as you can trim but you cannot add back on.

7. The Second Cut
Prepare to make your second cut and this should be one inch larger that your pillow size
If you are using a 16 inch pillow, your second cut should be 17 inches square.
Here is the second cut and how it looks

8. Back panels
You are now ready to cut the back of the shirt for the two panels you will need.
If you are using a 16 inch pillow, you will make your first cut at least 18 inches wide
You will need the full length of the back for your two panels.
The longer you have the better.

9. Back panels My back panel is now 18 inches wide by 28 inches long.
Trim the panel to 17 inches wide but do not cut the length.
Cut the panel in half s0 now you have 17 inches by 14 inches.
Now you are ready to apply interfacing to the front and two back panels.

10. Interfacing Use a fusible interfacing that you will iron on.
You may use stretch and flex interfacing if you like but I just use a lightweight one.
You just need to stabilize the t shirt material because it is so stretchy.
Iron it on the wrong side of your panels.

11. Ready to Sew Now you are ready to sew
Take your back panels and turn one of the edges over and sew it.
Make sure that the wrong side of the panel is facing you.
After you have done this on both panels, turn the seam over once more the sew it again.
This makes a finished edge

12. Sewing you project together
When the two back panels are sewn, you are ready to complete your project.
Place your front panel on the table with the right side up.
Place one of the panels at the top edge with the right sides together.
Place the other panel at the bottom with the right sides together.

13. Pin and Sew
Make sure that you put the top back panel on first and then the bottom one
Pin them in place and then sew around all four sides with a ½ inch seam.

14. Sewing and Finish Sew on ½ inch seam around all four sides.
Do not sew over straight pins at you may break the needle of the machine.
Once you have finshed sewing, trim the threads and turn the pillow right side out.

15. Completed Pillow You have successfully completed a memory pillow
Now let’s learn how to do one using a dress shirt

16. Dress Shirt Start by laying the shirt flat on a table.
Determine what size pillow form that you are going to use
Cut your front shirt piece 2 inches larger that your pillow for your first cut.
If you have a pocket make sure to include it in the area that you are using.

17. First Cut Make sure that your shirt is buttoned.
Find the center of the front using the buttons as your guide.
Cut the shirt being careful only to cut the top layer or front.
Make sure it is 2 inch larger that your pillow form.

18. Front Center
Use your ruler or tape measure to make sure you find the middle of the front

19. Front after first cut
This is how your front should look like after the first cut.

20. Back first cut Your shirt should look like this at this point.
You will cut the back panel in the same way as the front.

21. Second Cut Place your back panel with the right side up.
Take the front panel and place it upside down on back panel.
The two panels should be right sides together.
Measure for your second cut. If you are using a 16 inch pillow, your second cut will be 17 inches on all sides.

22. Sewing and completing project
While your panels are right side together, pin them and prepare them for sewing.
Sew around all four sides with a ½ inch seam. If your fabric is fraying, you will need to zig zag the end of your seams.
Carefully unbotton buttons and turn project right side out.
You are done!
Now we are ready to sew our own pillow