A DIY memorial pillow made from one of their shirts is a simple but meaningful way to preserve that connection. It’s not just fabric—it’s their scent, their style, and a physical reminder of who they were. Making one doesn’t require expert sewing skills, just a bit of time, care, and the willingness to create something beautiful out of grief.

There’s something about the feel of a loved one’s shirt that brings back memories instantly—whether it’s a soft flannel worn every weekend or a crisp button-down from special occasions. After losing someone, those little things can mean everything.

Why You’ll Love These Memorial Pillows

These pillows have a quiet power.

They’re comforting during hard days, especially when grief feels overwhelming.
You can place them on a couch or bed as part of your everyday space, where they silently remind you of the person you’re missing.
The best part? You’re repurposing something personal rather than storing it away in a box.
Whether you leave the buttons undone to hint at the original shirt or add an embroidered patch with their name or a quote, each pillow is unique to the person it honors.

Gift Ideas That Carry Real Meaning

Memorial pillows make heartfelt gifts that say more than any store-bought item ever could. They’re thoughtful to give to family members who might not have kept a piece of clothing themselves. For example, if you have your dad’s old work shirts, you could make one for each sibling or grandchild.

These are also touching gifts for anniversaries of passing, Mother’s or Father’s Day, or as part of a memory box. Add a handwritten tag or tuck a note inside to make it even more personal. Some people also pair them with memory bears or custom ornaments for a complete keepsake set.

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Materials Needed

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How to Make a Memorial Pillow with a Shirt

Determine the size of the pillow cover needed. In our case, I removed an old, stained pillow cover from a throw pillow I had in my craft closet. Side note, remove the zipper and keep for another project!

Measure the previous pillow form or if you are purchasing a new pillow form, use the dimensions given, ie. 20”x20 BUT be sure to add a ½” seam allowance to all sides for sewing.

Using fabric scissors, cut the woven shirt along the seams to separate into larger panels.

Iron out all wrinkles before cutting. Measure and mark the size directly on to the woven shirt keeping in mind you need a front and back piece.

I intentionally wanted to keep the buttons (as a pillow cover closure) and the chest pocket on the pillow cover. For a long time, I can remember my dad only wearing button-up shirts with pockets.

Cut out the pieces. To keep the button placket from separating, stitch the two overlapping sides together as shown.

Sewing machine stitching two pieces of a shirt together.

Align the cut edges with RIGHT sides together and sew around the outer edge with a ½” seam allowance.

Sewing machine stitching the edge of a shirt together.

Turn the pillow cover right side out and insert the pillow form.

Placing a pillow inside the pillow case.

In the End, It’s About Holding On

Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and everyone remembers in their own way. A memorial pillow isn’t a fix—it’s just a soft place to land when the memories come rushing in.

Whether you make one for yourself or for someone else, the act of creating something meaningful from something worn and loved is a small but powerful way to keep their presence close. It’s not just a pillow. It’s a hug, a story, and a reminder that they’re still with you—one stitch at a time.

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Collage with text overlay showing process to make a memory pillow from a shirt.

DIY Memorial Pillow for a Shirt

Jane & Sonja

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Materials

Woven button up shirt
Fabric scissors
Measuring tape fabric wax
Sewing machine and matching thread
Pillow form we used a 22”x12” form

Instructions

Determine the size of the pillow cover needed.
Measure the previous pillow form or if you are purchasing a new pillow form, use the dimensions given.
Using fabric scissors, cut the woven shirt along the seams to separate into larger panels.
Iron out all wrinkles before cutting. Measure and mark the size directly on to the woven shirt keeping in mind you need a front and back piece.
Cut out the pieces. To keep the button placket from separating, stitch the two overlapping sides together.
Align the cut edges with RIGHT sides together and sew around the outer edge with a ½” seam allowance.
Turn the pillow cover right side out and insert the pillow form.