what can i do with vintage pillowcases

Some great ideas to use old pillowcases around the house include:

• Sweater Storage – Keeping your sweaters stored during the summer is easy when you use old pillowcases. ...
• Dust Rag – Try cutting your old pillowcases into smaller pieces to use them as rags for dusting and cleaning. ...
• Cheesecloth – Cheesecloth on hand is rare, but many recipes, like making homemade cheese, require cheesecloth. ...

Full Answer

What to do with old pillowcases?

She spent many an afternoon making dresses from pillowcases for children in third world countries who had nothing to wear. Whether you want to make a dress for a child in your life or make them in order to donate them, it’s a great idea. 27. Dryer Sheets Are you tired of purchasing dryer sheets?

What can I make out of a pillowcase?

Tote bag out of a pillowcase. I made two of these for teacher gifts! Sewing Tutorial: Repurpose a vintage pillowcase into a hanging laundry hamper for your delicate-wash-only garments, by Suzannah of "Adventures in Dressmaking!" for BlueprintCrafts.com (18 Mar. 2010).

How to make a hot bag from Old pillowcases?

21. Sew an old pillowcase into tubes and leave one end open. Use that end to fill the tube with long cooking rice and sew up the end. Your hot bag is ready to use anytime you want by simply microwaving it! 22. Make compartments in the pillow cover by sewing accordingly and store wrapping foils to prevent unraveling by keeping them isolated.

Why are pillowcases so popular?

Whether they’re taking over your space, or you’re looking for an inexpensive item to get crafty with, pillowcase ideas appear to be the answer. Put them to good use, make your life a little easier, and enjoy being creative. You may discover a few other ways other pillowcase ideas, but you won’t know until you try.

What to make out of an old pillowcase?

12 Ingenious Ways to Upcycle Old PillowcasesNew Life for Old Linens. 1/13. ... Cover a Dog Bed. 2/13. ... Make a Child's Dress. 3/13. ... Craft a Child's Skirt. 4/13. ... Put Together a Floor Cushion (or Two) 5/13. ... Upcycle for an Apron. 6/13. ... Form a Drawstring Laundry Bag. 7/13. ... Uses as a Duster and Rags. 8/13.More items...

What can I do with old pillow sham?

Clever Ways To Repurpose PillowcasesRepurposing Pillowcases Makes For Organized Linen Closets. ... When You Want Cute Dresses For You & Your Little Girl… ... Go From Having Rejected Pillowcases To An In-Demand Cozy Pillow Bed. ... Quickly Make Chair Covers By Repurposing Pillowcases.More items...

When should you throw away pillow cases?

Wash your pillowcases at least once a week. Different materials have different care instructions, so check the manufacturer's label for guidance. Replace pillowcases every 1 to 2 years.

How do you repurpose embroidered pillowcases?

Let's learn about repurposing vintage embroidered pillowcases!...The Step By Step ProcessInsert the pillows. Lay the pillowcases flat on the floor and insert each 18×18 pillow. ... Line up the open end of each pillowcase. ... Glue the open ends together. ... Cut the other end open. ... Glue the ends down. ... Style your pillows!

Is there a use for old pillows?

You can also repurpose those unwanted pillows. Using them as a floor, gardening, or knee pillows. Making a pet bed. Donate them to an animal shelter or wildlife refuge. Use them as packing or moving materials to protect breakable items.

What is the best thing to do with old pillows?

7 Ways To Reuse and Upcycle Old PillowsMake Floor Cushions. If you have several old pillows to reuse, making larger floor cushions is one practical solution. ... Make Pet Beds. ... Use as Packing & Moving Material. ... Make Throw Pillows. ... Seal Up Drafty Doors. ... Make a Gardening Cushion. ... Donate for Reuse or Recycle.

Why do pillows turn yellow?

Sweat. We all sweat at night, and over time sweat can seep through your pillowcase and onto your pillow. Eventually, this will cause your pillow to yellow. Sweat stains are the most common reason for pillow yellowing.

Why do people put a pillow on their fridge once a year?

The exact origins of Put a Pillow on Your Fridge Day isn't known, but many believe that it's a modernized version of the old tradition of putting linens in the pantry to bring good luck.

Should I throw away my yellow pillow?

Most should be replaced every one to two years, so if yours is older and covered in yellow or brown stains, then it's time for a change. Our best pillows guide can help you find your next main sleep squeeze.

Where can I sell vintage linens?

Some of the best avenues to sell these colorful printed tablecloths are eBay, Etsy, and collectors' groups on Facebook that specialize in vintage linens. Most vintage printed tablecloths on Etsy and eBay sell for between $20-$35. They typically sell for a bit less in Facebook groups.

What can I do with old embroidered linens?

Forgotten sheets or towels can become modern decor elements, like embroidered pillow sham for your bed, hand or tea towel, decorative napkin, gift wrap, reusable bag, or sustainable bag for your food products. You can even come up with your own project idea!

What do you do with things you've embroidered?

A LIST OF WAYS TO USE YOUR EMBROIDERYTURN A CHILD'S ARTWORK INTO AN EMBROIDERED KEEPSAKE. ... MAKE A PIN. ... MAKE A WRIST CUFF. ... MAKE A NECKLACE. ... MAKE A LAVENDER SACHET. ... UP-CYCLE SOME CLOTHING. ... USE EMBROIDERY TO MEND A TEAR IN YOUR FAVORITE OLD JEANS. ... CREATE UNIQUE RE-USEABLE GIFT TAGS.More items...•

What do you do with a sham?

Although they can definitely be slept on like normal pillowcases, pillow shams are usually used as support when sitting in bed and as decoration during the day. Sham pillows can be placed behind normal pillows when sleeping or just removed from the bed completely.

Do homeless shelters take pillows?

Homeless shelters: Likewise, some homeless shelters may accept donations of old pillows and duvets, as well as any old blankets. Upcycle: Perhaps you could find a way to recycle the duvet or pillow at home or in the workplace.

Do charity shops take pillows?

Damaged pillows and cushions are best given to a charity shop where they sort through old textiles and send them to 'the rag man'.

Can you reuse old pillow stuffing?

Upcycle the stuffing of an old pillow by using it to give some added volume to another pillow in your house. Simply remove the filler of your old pillow, then stuff it into a pillow or cushion that's been looking a little flat lately.

Do Animal Shelters Need Pillowcases?

If you cannot donate your old pillowcases to a charitable organization, consider taking your old pillowcases to an animal shelter. Many animal shelters will gladly accept the old linens to use with the animals. The animal shelter may cut up the pillowcases to use as rags or make DIY dog beds for the animals. Just because you can no longer use a pillowcase doesn’t mean they are useless. Donating your pillowcases to an animal shelter can help make a homeless pet a little more comfortable.

Are Pillow Cases Recyclable?

Because most pillowcases are made with natural fibers and textiles, they are usually recyclable. You won’t be able to recycle your pillowcases with your usual plastic, metal, and glass, though, so be sure to do a little extra homework to find the right recycling center. You’ll want to look for a specific fabric and textile recycling center to take your old pillowcases. Remember to call ahead of time to ensure they can accept your pillowcases and have room to take them.

How Can I Use an Old Pillowcase Around the House?

Using old pillowcases to help lighten your chore load around the house is a fantastic idea. Once old pillowcases no longer work for your bedding linens, consider using them to help with chores. Some great ideas to use old pillowcases around the house include:

What Can I Make with an Old Pillowcase?

Sometimes our bed linens, including pillowcases, have beautiful prints and patterns on them that look pretty around the home. It is possible to repurpose your pillowcases, transforming them into fun, yet functional, crafts for your home. Some great craft ideas to make with old pillowcases include:

Why use pillowcases?

I love this idea for using pillowcases because it’ll protect items which are expensive to repurchase. If you’ve washed a pair of pantyhose or a bra in your washing machine, you know how easily the hose can get a run or the bra’s clasp can become twisted. These items aren’t cheap to replace.

What can I use instead of cheesecloth?

If you’re out of cheesecloth, a pillowcase is a great substitute. I use pillowcases when I’m making wine and a variety of other scratch-made recipes.

Why is it so hard to store Christmas decorations?

Storing Christmas decorations and other items can be difficult because most items are bulky and odd-shaped. Make storing these items easier by stuffing anything from small décor items to wrapping paper in a pillowcase for protection and easy storage.

What to do if you have a rip in your clothes?

This is valuable information and a good life lesson. The next time you have a rip in a piece of clothing, don’t toss it. Use pieces of a cut-up pillowcase as a patch. It could even add a nice design to the old clothing to repurpose the item.

What to do with feathers in pillowcases?

They are a great way to protect your fragile items or fill spaces in boxes to keep items from clanging together during the move.

How long does country ham need to dry out?

Country ham is great on a biscuit or served up alongside eggs. However, it must be allowed to hang and dry out for approximately six months. I don’t use a ham sock. Instead, I put my ham in a pillowcase and have had great results.

How to protect clothing when baking?

Protect your clothing by wearing an apron when baking or cooking. If you’d like to be frugal, make your own apron from a pillowcase.

How to get rid of cobwebs on a broom?

Friend to your broom. Cover the top of your broom with your old pillowcase when you are buckling up to clean those clingy cobwebs, residing in your ceiling corners. Cleaning will not only be an easier job but it is very easy to remove the cobwebs from pillowcases than to pull them out of the broom bristles.

What to do when you run out of toilet cleaner?

Just spurt some toothpaste in a small bowl and make a solution with water.

What to do before showering?

Before your showering session, cover your bathroom mirror with a toothpaste coating. While you take a shower, a large number of gases get trapped inside your bathroom. This leads to the fogginess of the mirror.

How to make a chew toy for a dog?

Make a chew-toy for your dog with polyester pillowcases. Roll them into a snake-like, knotted structure and your little dog can chew them all day long! 20. If you are interested in pants with sexy patches, cut out portions from pillow covers and use them as patches for your denim or jackets. 21.

How to make your car wheels sparkle?

To clean them and make them sparkle as new, prepare a solution of toothpaste, mild detergent, and water.

What happens to the kingpin of our wrists?

The kingpin of our wrists sometimes goes through a lot! Unintendedly they get on their face and develop scratches.

Can pillowcases be used for sewing?

If your answer is yes to any of these, what’s coming next is going to help you a lot. Pillowcases can be a fantastic starting point for home projects or mini crafts. Owing to their convenient, boxy shapes, they can be used for a wide range of jobs starting from organizing, simple sewing and whatnot.

New Life for Old Linens

Landfills are reaching a tipping point. Every little bit of used material that gets repurposed instead of thrown away slows the fill and creates a more sustainable way of living. Pillowcases wear thin, go out of style, or simply get replaced by new sheet sets.

Cover a Dog Bed

Dogs go through beds pretty quickly thanks to fur, claws, and chewing. Use an old pillowcase to cover a favorite dog bed or use new stuffing to create an entirely new dog bed. When made into a cover, a pillowcase can easily go through the wash for a cleaner, easier-to-manage dog bed.

Put Together a Floor Cushion (or Two)

Sew several pillowcases together along the long edge, and stuff them with pillows. Three or four attached pillowcases easily transform to a floor cushion, floor chair, or small bed. It’s great for guests, sleepovers, or even a portable reading nook for the kid who likes to snuggle into a nest.

Upcycle for an Apron

A pillowcase is basically a piece of fabric that can double for many of the same uses as any other fabric piece. A beloved print can easily transform into an apron that’s used and enjoyed every day. Fun prints and colors give the apron personality. Use complementary fabrics to add a pocket or the aprons strings for an added touch of personal style.

Form a Drawstring Laundry Bag

On the practical side of repurposing is turning goods no longer needed into storage containers. Pillowcases are a great size for a laundry bag. Create a folded pocket (casing) at the top and pull a drawstring through it. A pillowcase-size laundry bag works well for travel or a kid’s room. Plus, it’s easy to wash if it gets soiled.

Uses as a Duster and Rags

Your ceiling fan blades could probably use a good cleaning, and pillowcases are perfectly designed for it. Sling the pillowcase over the blade (blade inside the pillowcase) and slide it off, removing more pesky dust than most of us would like to admit is in the home.

Store Sheet Sets

Linen closets can quickly become a tangled mess of sheets, towels, and pillowcases of all sizes. A retired pillowcase can easily hold a well-folded bed sheet set, including the fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases. The old pillowcase contains them and keeps them clean and makes stacking in the linen closet easier.

Why do you turn a pillowcase into a garment bag?

Martha Stewart makes a good point… turn a pillowcase into a garment bag so that your clothes aren’t covered in plastic, as plastic doesn’t allow clothes to breathe and cleaning chemicals to evaporate. I often find pillowcases at old yard sales for a quarter or so.

What to do with vintage pillowcases?

Make a utilitarian pillowcase apron out of vintage pillowcases that you find at yard sales. Aren’t they pretty? If you don’t use aprons much in the kitchen, something like this would at least be handy while cleaning or working in the yard.

What to do with a no sew pillowcase hamper?

Make a no-sew pillowcase hamper to stay on top of your laundry. This would be perfect for a college student. You could also use it for a toy bag for your kids’ stuffed toys.

How to dress up a chair?

Simply slide a pillowcase over the back of the chair, and tie with a ribbon. You can add embellishments or keep it simple.

How to wash stuffed toys?

Keep one on hand to wash your child’s favorite toys. Just put the stuffed toy in the pillowcase, secure the top, and launder on a gentle cycle. You can keep it inside the pillowcase while it’s in the dryer, too. It helps contain any loose fluff or parts that may come off during the wash.

Can you use a pillowcase to clean a ceiling fan?

Don’t you HATE cleaning ceiling fans? The dust gets everywhere! Use an old pillowcase to clean ceiling fan blades instead. Simply place the pillowcase over the blade and slide it back and forth to remove and collect the dust all in one go.

How to make a pillowcase out of rice?

Cut an old pillowcase into thirds, the long way. Then sew them into tubes, leaving one end open. Fill them with long cooking rice and sew up the open end. Put one in the microwave anytime you need a hot pack or give one away as a gift.

Why sew down the middle of an old pillowcase?

Why not make a great holder for them until next time? All you need to do is sew down the middle of an old pillowcase to make compartments for storing tubes of wrapping paper and to prevent them from unravelling.

How to get rid of cobwebs in ceiling?

Simply cover your broom with an old pillowcase to reach and wipe away cobwebs hanging in the far corners of your ceiling.

How to wrap a ball of art?

If you’ve ever had to wrap a ball or an oddly-shaped piece of art, you know ordinary wrapping paper tends to rip, tear, and generally look awful. All you have to do is place the gift in a pillowcase and tie it closed with a ribbon. If your old pillowcases are too ugly, consider tie-dying them or using stamps to improve their appearance. You can also cut them to fit if there is too much fabric.

Do garment bags have to be unsightly?

Garment bags tend to be unsightly but they don’t have to be. Check out how to do it here.

What can I use old pillowcases for?

You can upcycle old pillowcases to use as tote bags for shopping. Use fabric to create straps OR simply cut semi-circles out of each side at the open end and sew the middle pieces together! These will work great for grocery shopping, play dates and more! 9. Hanging Hamper.

How to make a smock out of a pillow case?

Take an old pillow case and cut out a neck hole at the closed edge and arm holes on either side to create a fast smock for your child’s next craft session! It works great for finger painting, slime or pretty much anything!

Why buy a delicates bag for laundry?

Why buy a delicates bag for your laundry when you can use a pillowcase? Simply place your garments into the pillowcase and tie the end with a hair tie. This will allow your clothes to get washed properly while preventing snacks or damages. This also works well for washing stuffed animals, too!

How to store sheets in pillowcase?

1. Storage & Organizing. Use those old pillowcases to store your sheet sets! Fold your sheets like you normally would and place them inside of your pillowcase. It makes storing your sheets easier and tidier.

Can you use pillowcases as tote bags?

You can upcycle old pillowcases to use as tote bags for shopping. Use fabric to create straps OR simply cut semi-circles out of each side at the open end and sew the middle pieces together! These will work great for grocery shopping, play dates and more!

How to wash a stuffed bunny?

But you already ruined one stuffed animal by throwing it in the washer—good thing it wasn't one of his favorites! Try putting Mr. Bunny in a pillowcase and close it with a rubber band or string. You can also do the same for any sweaters or delicate clothes that become misshapen in the spin cycle. Toss the pillowcases in the washer with soap and wash on the gentle cycle. Everything will get a good washing, and if Mr. Bunny loses an eye or nose, the parts will be in the pillowcase for you to sew or glue on after he dries.

How to make a hot pack for neck pain?

If you get back or neck aches from time to time, a comforting hot pack always helps. Grab one old pillowcase and cut lengthwise into thirds. Sew the sides, creating a tube; but leave the top open for now. Next, fill each section with long-grain rice then stitch the tops closed. When you need a hot pack, stick the tube in the microwave on high power for one minute. Your family and friends may even appreciate them as gifts.

What to do with dirty clothes when you go on vacation?

When you go on vacation or a business trip, you never quite know what to do with your dirty laundry. Don’t stuff it in a trash bag or nestle it next to your clean clothes again. The next time you go away for a few days, bring an old pillowcase instead to store all your dirty clothes in. Upon arriving home, you can dump everything into your washer—including the pillowcase!

How to store seasonal clothes?

Storing your seasonal clothes in plastic containers can leave them with a musty smell. But packing them away in old pillowcases will keep the garments free from dust and allow the fabric to breathe. You can do the same with your suede and leather items like shoes, jackets, and purses.

What to do with a small dog with a pillowcase?

Dog Toys. If you have a few polyester pillowcases lying around, they'll make terrific tug-of-war toys for your small dogs. Lay each one out lengthwise and roll them tightly to create thin snakes; then tie a knot at both ends and one in the center of each snake.

What are some things that you have accumulated in your home?

It's not surprising that if you've lived in your home for a while, chances are you've accumulated some things: towels, books or movies, cleaning products, and more pillowcases than actual pillows . It's nice to have extra pillowcases in general, but sometimes that small pile of extras can get away from you.

Can you cut pillowcases into squares?

If your pillowcases are still unstained and the fabric remains good quality, you can cut them into squares and use them to stitch a quilt or patch up holey jeans. Who knows? You may even start a new design trend!