Looking to refresh your décor without a full interior makeover? Creating cushions with beautiful prints is a simple, quick, and cost-effective way to elevate your home style!
In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through three easy methods to make stylish cushions.
Difficulty: Beginner
Tools: Requires a sewing machine
Materials You’ll Need:
- Fabric: Choose from cretonne, bachette, twill, or jacquard. The fabric size will depend on the cushion dimensions and the specific method you choose (refer to the measurement tables for each method).
- Matching thread.
- A zip (for the third method, if making a cushion with a zip).
Method 1: Making an Envelope Cushion with Non-Directional Fabric
This method is ideal for fabrics without a directional pattern and involves using a single piece of fabric.
To carry out this tutorial, please refer to the table below to find out the required length.
| Finished Cushion Dimensions | Fabric Width | Fabric Height |
|---|---|---|
| 30 x 50 cm | 52 cm | 74 cm |
| 40 x 40 cm | 42 cm | 94 cm |
| 50 x 50 cm | 52 cm | 114 cm |
| 60 x 60 cm | 62 cm | 134 cm |
Note: Fabric Width = Cushion Width + 2 cm seam allowance
Fabric Height = (Cushion Height x 2) + 10 cm overlap + 4 cm hem allowance
Instructions:
-
Cut the Fabric:
Cut a rectangle where the width equals the width of the cushion + 2 cm seam allowance, and the height equals twice the cushion height + 10 cm overlap + 4 cm seam allowance.
Example: For a 40 x 40 cm cushion, cut a piece 42 cm wide and 94 cm high.
-
Hem the Short Sides:
Pre-fold a 1 cm double hem along both short sides of the fabric. Press with an iron to mark the folds and then topstitch 9 mm from the edge.
-
Fold the Fabric:
Fold the fabric widthwise, hem to hem, and mark the centre fold with an iron.
-
Assemble the Cover:
Fold one hemmed side towards the centre, right sides together. Then fold the second hemmed side over the first, overlapping by 10 cm. Pin the unstitched sides in place.
-
Sew the Edges:
Sew along the unstitched edges, 1 cm from the fabric edge. Overlock or zigzag the edges to prevent fraying.
-
Finish:
Turn the cover right side out through the envelope opening, press the seams, and your cushion cover is complete!
Method 2: Envelope Cushion for Directional Prints
When using fabrics with directional patterns, the envelope cushion cover should be made from three fabric pieces to ensure the pattern aligns correctly.
To carry out this tutorial, please refer to the table below to find out the required length.
| Finished Cushion Dimensions | Piece 1 | Piece 2 | Piece 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric Width | Fabric Height (Grainline) | Fabric Width | Fabric Height (Grainline) | Fabric Width | Fabric Height (Grainline) | |
| 30 x 50 cm | 52 cm | 32 cm | 52 cm | 18 cm | 52 cm | 28 cm |
| 40 x 40 cm | 42 cm | 42 cm | 42 cm | 23 cm | 42 cm | 33 cm |
| 50 x 50 cm | 52 cm | 52 cm | 52 cm | 28 cm | 52 cm | 38 cm |
| 60 x 60 cm | 62 cm | 62 cm | 62 cm | 33 cm | 62 cm | 43 cm |
Note: Fabric Width = Cushion Width + 2 cm seam allowance
Fabric Height = (Cushion Height / 2) + seam and hem allowance (varies per piece)
Instructions:
-
Cut the Fabric:
For a 40 x 40 cm cushion, cut:- A 42 x 42 cm square for the front (Piece 1),
- A 42 x 23 cm rectangle (Piece 2),
- A 42 x 33 cm rectangle (Piece 3) for the back.
-
Hem the Edges:
Pre-fold and press a 1 cm double hem on the top edge of Piece 2 and the bottom edge of Piece 3. Topstitch 9 mm from the edge.
-
Assemble the Cover:
Place Piece 3 on top of Piece 1, right sides together, aligning the hemmed edge towards the centre. Next, place Piece 2 in the same way, overlapping Piece 3. Pin the edges.
-
Sew the Edges:
Sew around all four sides, 1 cm from the edge. Overlock or zigzag the seams to prevent fraying. -
Finish:
Turn the cover right side out, press, and it’s ready to use!
Method 3: Reversible, Zipped, Two-Sided Cushion
This method creates a reversible cushion with two different fabrics and a zip closure.
To carry out this tutorial, please refer to the table below to find out the required length.
| Finished Cushion Dimensions | Piece 1 | Piece 2 | Haberdashery | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric Width | Fabric Height (Grainline) | Fabric Width | Fabric Height (Grainline) | Zip | |
| 30 x 50 cm | 52 cm | 32 cm | 52 cm | 32 cm | 50 cm |
| 40 x 40 cm | 42 cm | 42 cm | 42 cm | 42 cm | 40 cm |
| 50 x 50 cm | 52 cm | 52 cm | 52 cm | 52 cm | 50 cm |
| 60 x 60 cm | 62 cm | 62 cm | 62 cm | 62 cm | 60 cm |
Note: Fabric Width = Cushion Width + 2 cm seam allowance
Fabric Height = Cushion Height + 2 cm seam allowance
Instructions:
-
Cut the Fabric:
Cut two rectangles from both the main fabric and the secondary fabric. The size of each rectangle should be equal to the cushion dimensions + 2 cm seam allowance.
-
Prepare the Zip:
Secure both ends of the zip by using a zigzag stitch (stitch length 0 mm, width 6 mm). Sew a few stitches to secure, then trim the threads.
-
Sew the Zip:
Pin the zip to the bottom edge of the first rectangle, right sides together. Using a zipper foot, sew 1 cm from the edge.
Repeat this step for the second rectangle, sewing the other side of the zip to the bottom edge of the second piece.
-
Assemble the Cushion:
With the zip open, fold the fabric right sides together. Pin the three remaining edges and sew 1 cm from the edge. Overlock or zigzag the edges to prevent fraying.
-
Finish:
Turn the cushion cover right side out through the zip, press, and you’re done!
By following these three methods, you can easily create beautiful, professional-looking cushions to enhance your décor. Whether you prefer a simple envelope cover or a reversible, zipped cushion, these options will allow you to customise your cushions to fit any style or space.
