
Debbie Wolfe
Introduction
Does it ever seem like your kids grow out of clothes in a matter of months? Although I have a network of hand-me-down recipients among my siblings and friends, every once in a while my kids find it hard to let go of certain clothing items. Since we do a lot of road trips, I decided to put one of my son's favorite (too-small-for-him) hoodies to good use and whip up a travel pillow to keep him comfy on long drives.
Step 1

Debbie Wolfe
Prep Template
Print and cut out two copies of the travel pillow template (get the free printable above) and tape together. Attach the 1's back to back to form a U-shaped pillow template (see step 5 below).
Step 2

Debbie Wolfe
Remove Hood
Cutting right below the seam line, remove the hood from a hooded pullover sweatshirt.
Step 3

Debbie Wolfe
Open Up the Hood
Cut the front area where the hood is connected.
Step 4

Debbie Wolfe
Trim
Cut off the seam from the bottom of the hood.
Step 5

Debbie Wolfe
Cut Out Body
Lay the pillow template on the front of the sweatshirt on top of the logo or design. I wanted the pockets to be part of the pillow, so I made sure a good portion of the bottom part of the template was over the pocket. Pin the template down. Cut through the front and back layers of the sweatshirt around the pattern, creating two pieces.
Pro Tip
In order for the template to form the "U" shape, you will need to flip one side of the template over, then tape together.
Step 6

Debbie Wolfe
Attach Hood: Part 1
Lay the top piece of cushion fabric (with the pocket) pretty side up. Fold the hood in half and lay flat. Place the hood on the top cushion piece, lining up the back center of the hood to the center of the inner curve of the top of the cushion.
Step 7

Debbie Wolfe
Attach Hood: Part 2
Open up the hood and pin the bottom of it to the inner curve of the cushion piece. Sew along the pinned edge, securing the hood to the top cushion piece.
Step 8

Debbie Wolfe
Tuck
Tuck the top of the hood under itself.
Step 9

Debbie Wolfe
Sew the Bottom
Lay the bottom cushion piece (right side down) on top and pin in place. Sew 1/2 inch seam allowance around the cushion, making sure not to sew the hood. As I sewed around the cushion, I lifted the seam periodically to make sure the hood was out of the way. Leave a two inch opening at the top of the cushion.
Step 10

Debbie Wolfe
Stuff
Turn the pillow right-side-out and stuff with polyester fiber fill.
Step 11

Debbie Wolfe
Finishing Up
Use a whipstitch to close the opening at the top shut.
Step 12

Debbie Wolfe

Debbie Wolfe
Enjoy
The hoodie neck pillow has little pockets on both sides of the hood that are large enough to hold a cell phone or earbuds — perfect for traveling!
Pro Tip
Not whipping up one of these pillows for yourself or your family? They make great inexpensive gifts for your travel-loving friends.