The problem with making a fun project for one girl in my house means that the other two are clamoring to have their own special project, too!! A few weeks ago I made matching tie dye outfits for my oldest daughter and her American Girl doll. My  twin 3 year olds don't have that size doll, but that didn't stop them from asking where their tie dye projects were! So we took a couple more t-shirts and whipped up some new tie dye pillows for them--all without touching a sewing machine!

I made 2 pillows, but my instructions are for 1 pillow. Here's what you need:

1 adult large t-shirt.
tie dye colors of your choice
cutting tools (I used a rotary cutter and a mat, but you could use scissors)
Stuffing for your pillow. I reused stuffing from an old pillow I had around.

First, you want to tie-dye your t-shirt.


I used a shibori technique binding a square tile (flooring samples from work) to variously folded shirts. It made a fun pattern, I think!


Then, I used my rotary cutter to cut the top, bottom, and sides off. Basically, your goal is to have 2 rectangles (front and back) that are as large as possible, while removing the collar, sleeves, hem, and side seams.


Then you want to cut each edge into a fringe with each piece about 1 inch wide and 2 inches long.


Double knot the fringe of the two sides together. Leave a little opening to stuff, then tie that portion of the fringe closed, as well.


And then enjoy the pillows--or let your little ones enjoy them! This would also be a great craft for older elementary school kiddos to try!