Spice up Halloween decor, an office or child’s bedroom with this DIY Play Like a Pirate Pillow. Transfer the design by creating a stencil or use heat transfer vinyl. 

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Every once in a while it’s important to create a project just for fun…The other day when experiencing a little creative block, I decided to make a bit of Halloween decor for my office (Normally I don’t decorate my office for the holidays). I sat down at my desk and created this fun play like a pirate pillow design. The “work like a captain, play like a pirate” quote is perfect for an office environment and I love having it on my office chair.

While I created this one for my office, one of my cute neighbor friends has already requested one for his bedroom. They’re so easy and inexpensive to make, I will be churning one out on a navy pillow cover stat.

DIY Play Like a Pirate Pillow

I like to keep a few extra Ikea pillow covers on hand for projects. At $3.99 you can’t find a less expensive way to update a space.

What you need to recreate this play like a pirate pillow:

• play like 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 play like 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.

Play Like a Pirate Pillow Cut File

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