Transform your home with stylish and comfortable cushion covers that you can create yourself! Yes, a home made cushion cover! This comprehensive guide will walk you through three different methods to make the perfect cushion covers. Let's dive in and start sewing!
Materials You'll Need
Before we begin, gather the following materials:
- Fabric: Choose a durable, yet stylish fabric that matches your home decor.
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Iron
- Pins
- Zipper, Velcro strips or buttons (depending on the method)
- Seam ripper (optional, for method 3)
Method 1: Simple Envelope Cushion Cover
This method creates a cushion cover with an overlapping envelope-style closure at the back. It's perfect for beginners and requires no zippers or buttons.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Fabric
Measure your cushion and add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to each side for seam allowances. For example, if your cushion is 18 x 18 inches (45 x 45 cm), you'll need one piece of fabric that is 20 x 20 inches (50 x 50 cm) for the front. For the back, cut two pieces that are 20 x 14 inches (50 x 35 cm) each.
Step 2: Hem the Back Pieces
On one long edge of each back piece, fold the fabric over 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) twice and press with an iron. Sew the hem in place.
Step 3: Assemble the Cushion Cover
Place the front piece right side up. Lay the back pieces on top, right sides down, with their hemmed edges overlapping in the center. Pin the edges and sew with a 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance.
Step 4: Finish the Cushion Cover
Trim the corners, turn the cover right side out, and insert the cushion. Your envelope cushion cover is complete!
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Method 2: Cushion Cover with a Zipper
This method involves adding a hidden zipper to the bottom of the cushion cover for a clean and elegant closure.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Fabric
Measure your cushion and add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to each side for seam allowances. For example, if your cushion is 18 x 18 inches (45 x 45 cm), you'll need to cut two pieces of fabric that are 20 x 20 inches (50 x 50 cm).
Step 2: Prepare the Zipper
Choose a zipper that is slightly shorter than the length of one side of your cover. For example, for an 18-inch (45 cm) cushion cover, use a 16-inch (40 cm) zipper. On the wrong side of one fabric piece, mark the zipper's starting and ending points along the bottom edge.
Step 3: Sew the Bottom Edge
Place the fabric pieces with their right sides facing each other. Sew the bottom edge with a 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance, making sure to use a regular stitch length for the section outside the marked zipper points and a basting stitch between the marks. Press the seam open.
Step 4: Attach the Zipper
Place the zipper face down on the pressed seam, aligning the teeth with the basting stitches. Pin and sew the zipper in place using a zipper foot. Remove the basting stitches with a seam ripper to expose the zipper.
Step 5: Sew the Remaining Edges
With the zipper partially open, pin and sew the remaining edges of the cover with a 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance. Trim the corners, turn the cover right side out, and insert the cushion. Your cushion cover with a zipper is now complete!
Method 3: Cushion Cover with Buttons
This method uses buttons and buttonholes to create a charming and functional cushion cover closure.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Fabric
Measure your cushion and add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to each side for seam allowances. For example, if your cushion is 18 x 18 inches (45 x 45 cm), you'll need one piece of fabric that is 20 x 20 inches (50 x 50 cm) for the front. For the back, cut two pieces that are 20 x 14 inches (50 x 35 cm) each.
Step 2: Hem the Back Pieces
On one long edge of each back piece, fold the fabric over 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) twice and press with an iron. Sew the hem in place.
Step 3: Create Buttonholes
Mark the position of the buttonholes on one hemmed edge of a back piece, spacing them evenly. Sew the buttonholes using your sewing machine's buttonhole attachment or by hand.
Step 4: Assemble the Cushion Cover
Place the front piece right side up. Lay the back pieces on top, right sides down, with their hemmed edges overlapping in the center. Pin the edges and sew with a 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance.
Step 5: Attach the Buttons
Turn the cover right side out and mark the position of the buttons on the other back piece, aligning them with the buttonholes. Sew the buttons in place, making sure they line up with the buttonholes.
Step 6: Finish the Cushion Cover
Insert the cushion into the cover and fasten the buttons. Your cushion cover with buttons is now complete!
Top 5 Tips for Creating the Perfect DIY Cushion Covers
To ensure your cushion cover project is a success, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Choose the right fabric: Opt for a durable fabric that can withstand daily use, such as cotton, linen, or upholstery fabric. Make sure it complements your existing decor for a cohesive look.
- Pre-wash the fabric: Wash and dry the fabric before cutting and sewing to prevent future shrinkage.
- Customize your design: Get creative with your cushion cover by adding embellishments like piping, buttons, or embroidery. This is your chance to make a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your personal style!
- Practice new skills: Use your cushion cover project as an opportunity to practice new sewing techniques, such as installing zippers or creating buttonholes.
- Make a set: Create a cohesive look in your living space by making a set of matching cushion covers in various sizes and shapes.
By following these three methods and expert tips, you can create stylish and comfortable cushion covers that will breathe new life into your home. So, gather your materials and start sewing your way to a refreshed living space with your own handmade touch. Happy sewing!
