Recycling a Pillowcase as a Nightgown

Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose. That seems to be the mantra of frugal people and I’m no different.  Combine that with a little bit of creativity and a dash of skill (sewing, painting, carpentry, etc) and you can really save some cash.  

After I gave my daughter a bath last night, I noticed the night gown I put on her didn’t look good anymore. It looked old and well, ratty. It’s not old, we got it as a gift last December and it’s made by Disney. But the material is cheap, it’s rough to the touch, and it’s piling real bad. Even the princesses on the front looked sad.

I made a mental note to get her new night gowns. I also wanted something that is lightweight and cotton so she can use it through the summer. Then I remember I have an old pillowcase in our “donate” pile. It’s pink and flowery; part of my bed linens back when I was still single. It’s old but the fabric is really nice and soft and probably the reason I held on to it for so long.  

So, I got busy and made my daughter a night gown. This is not a craft blog so I won’t bore you with the step by step. But it’s sooo easy. Jut cut, hem, insert ribbons as straps, and wear! The ribbon was in my craft box already but I could have used the fabric scraps, too. It took me less than less than an hour to make it. The kicker is I hand sew the entire thing. It was such a small job I figured it wasn’t worth taking my sewing machine out.  

Total cost of a new nightgown: $0.  

Now I see our “donate” pile in an entirely new light. It’s mostly my husband’s old knit t-shirts so they would be even better! Less sewing for me, I can just leave the edges raw as it will just roll up, and I could imagine they’ll be super comfy to sleep in.  

I supposed you could go the thrift stores for pillowcases but throw it in the wash first and use hot water just in case of lice and all that icky stuff.  Pillowcases are super cheap if you get them on clearance and they come in a variety of patterns and colors. Another good source would be those White Sales where all linens go on sale.   

Pillowcase dresses are very easy and quick to sew. The measurements are generous. I just eyeballed the length and the arm holes on mine. Also, they can be used for several years. They can be a dress and as the child gets older, it would look cute as a top.  

There’s a variety of patterns available online if you you’re feeling finicky and because I’m always entrepreneurial, just check out these ladies selling pillowcase dresses on  Etsy. Here’s a good work-at-home mom opportunity right here! J Make some that is the size of your daughter or niece and list it on Etsy. If it sells, that’s great! If not, well, your daughter just got a new dress or you have a frugal gift for your niece. Win-win! 

Anyway, I leave you with pictures of my daughter in her new nightgown. I used my cell phone so I apologize for the poor quality.