8 Unexpected Ways to Reuse Old Pillowcases

In a world where we consume and discard at an ever-increasing speed, repurposing an item that still has plenty of life feels like the right thing to do. It’s also a chance to exercise creative prowess. Last year’s calendar becomes the prettiest wrapping paper, well-loved t-shirts transform into cute hair accessories, and retired tablecloths make for eye-catching framed art.

Today’s makeover subject: old pillowcases, which have a surprising number of reimagined uses. 

Fiber Arts

You can also turn strips of fabric into pretty macramé accents throughout your home and yard. “Older pillowcases can also be cut into long strips and used almost like cord,” says macramé artist Isabella Strambio. “I love weaving fabric strips into plant hangers, wall hangings, or tassels. It adds softness, movement, and a lovely layered texture.” She adds that tearing fabric by hand, versus cutting, often creates softer edges and a more relaxed, natural finish.

Strawberry Planters

Strawberries require unique growing conditions due to their shallow roots, trailing growth, and susceptibility to pests and root rot. Textiles and home goods expert and designer Judith Chandler Quintrell says that her friends in the south have come up with the perfect, most unexpected vessel: a pillowcase. 

"Everyone tries to turn their thumb green growing these successfully, and pillowcases turn out to be a surprisingly handy tool," she says. "Take an old pillowcase, cut holes in the sides, fill it like a sack of dirt, and stuff your strawberry plants into the holes." Quintrell adds that strawberries do best off the ground, so tie the top of the pillowcase to a fence post and let them grow up and out from there.

Embroidered Linens

Pillowcases are often made from cotton or linen that still has plenty of life left in it, even when it no longer feels fresh enough for the bed. Jeannine Rose, founder of Sweet Humble Home, says she likes to turn hers into a few small embroidered linens for the dining table. "Cut around the worn areas and use the best parts of the fabric to make cocktail napkins, a bread basket liner, or even a small tray cloth," she suggests.

You can find beginner embroidery tips here. "The embroidery doesn’t need to be complicated," says Rose. "In fact, I think this kind of project looks best when it’s kept simple. A single initial in the corner, a little flower, a bow, a sprig of greenery, or a small seasonal motif can make the piece feel intentional again."

A Kids Summer Dress

You can turn a gently used pillowcase into a charming summer dress for babies, toddlers, and children in under 30 minutes, says sewing pro Carly Olds. She says to start by shaping the dress using a pattern, found free online or in craft stores. Next, "Stitch the side seams and attach casing strips along the top edge to create channels for the ribbon ties," Olds says. "Polished hems and bow straps will give the dress an adorable finish." 

Dust Protection

Storing purses and shoes in dust bags helps maintain their shape, color, and material integrity. But why buy brand new items when an old pillowcase suffices? You can also use them to protect your kitchen appliances from dust and debris. “Something my husband's memaw has always done is use a pillowcase to cover her kitchen appliances so they don't collect dust and kitchen grease on the counter,” Quintrell says. “She sews hers to fit just right and finishes the edge with a pretty hemstitch.”

Market Tote or Beach Bag

One of Olds's favorite ways to upcycle pillowcases is to make a chic tote perfect for all those summer farmers market hauls. “All you need are two main pillowcase panels and extra fabric to create handle straps,” she says.

Finish the raw edges with an overedge or serger stitch for a sturdy, polished result. “It’s that much sweeter when you add a custom touch by embroidering words or phrases onto the front panel using your sewing and embroidery machine,” Olds adds.

Personalized and Reusable Gift Bags

Another way to repurpose an old pillowcase is to turn it into a reusable gift bag. The basic shape is already there, so it doesn’t take much work on your end. “You can cut it down to size—sew a simple seam if needed—and add a ribbon or drawstring closure,” Rose says. “An embroidered name, monogram, holiday design, or special date on the front makes it feel personal, especially for hostess gifts, holiday wrapping, or handmade gifts.”   

Tomato Assistance

Tomatoes are another delicate fruit that requires some extra TLC in the garden. These vining plants benefit from support via wire cages, and Quintrell says you can use strips of old pillowcases to gently tie the vines down. “It's so much gentler on the plant than floral wire, clips, or store-bought ties,” Quintrell explains.

"Once your summer harvest comes in, you can store tomatoes [and other produce] in extra pillowcases, too," she says. "Cotton and linen are naturally breathable, which makes them perfect for fruits, vegetables, and even bulk dry goods."