Looking for a fun addition to your Halloween decor or an opportunity to celebrate the little pirate in your home? Be sure to check out this DIY always be a pirate pillow. 

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As I was decorating my pirate porch the other day, a gaggle of little neighborhood boys stopped to observe. Listening to them, I was reminded by my ex’s three boys. It’s been several years since I’ve seen them, but my heart is filled with the happy memories we created together over the course of eight years.

I think each of the boys went through a MAJOR Batman phase during our time together. One in particular loved to growl, “I am Batman.” Every time I see merchandise that says, “Be yourself. Unless you can be Batman, then always be Batman” I am reminded of my three little monkeys…Today’s fun pillow project was inspired by those three boys, my little neighborhood friends, and (of course) Batman.

DIY Always Be a Pirate Pillow

To say I am obsessed with pillows would probably be an understatement. I love to buy them, make them and apparently store them (I have a whole closet full). I keep a bin of inexpensive Ikea pillow covers on hand, just so that I can make pillows at will. Sometimes I make them for the holidays, but most of the time I make them just for fun (like the Play Like a Pirate pillow I shared the other day).

What you need to recreate this always be a pirate pillow:

• always be a pirate cut file (download available below)
• pillow form and pillow case (I used these pillow covers from Ikea, but here’s something similar on Amazon)
• white heat transfer vinyl
• electronic cutting machine (I use this moderately priced Cricut machine)
• heat source (I used the Cricut Easy Press)
• heat surface (I use the Circut Easy Press Mat)

How to recreate this always be a pirate pillow:

1. Download the cut file (see download buttons below).
2. Upload the design to your electronic cutting machine’s design software and create the appropriately sized layout. For this pillow project I sized the images to about 11.5 inches wide.
3. Mirror the image so that the text appears backwards on the screen.
4. Feed the heat transfer material into your machine with the glossy side down. Select HTV on the dial or in the media menu and cut.
5. Peel the negative space in the design off the plastic backing, leaving only the words and shapes on the clear plastic transfer sheet.
6. Place the t-shirt on a heat-resistant surface. Pre-heat the pillow cover you’re planning to transfer the design on for about five seconds and crease the center for placement reference.
   Note: I love using this Cricut mat. I can use it on any hard surface without concern AND it helps heat my projects evenly.
7. Position the design on the t-shirt sticky side down so that you see it clearly through the transfer sheet. Your text should be facing the right direction at this point.
8. Press the t-shirt firmly according to the directions on your vinyl and heat source (typically about 40-60 seconds).
   Note: I have used an iron, as well as a professional t-shirt press and I prefer the Cricut Easy Press over both. It’s easy to use, store and always creates a consistent result. 
9. Remove the heat source. Gently peel up the transfer sheet. If the HTV continues to stick to the transfer sheet, replace the cloth and iron again making sure to apply pressure.
   Note: Follow the instructions on your HTV to determine if the transfer sheet should be pulled back when the vinyl is still hot or if you should wait until it’s cooled.

I love how inexpensive and easy it is to create new pillows for my house. It’s such an easy way to add a little holiday touch to any room.

Always Be a Pirate Pillow Cut File

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