Last winter I went on a beginners’ sewing course at Sew Over It. The first thing we learnt to make was a simple envelope cushion. This is the easiest sewing project you can do but is so useful and very satisfying: I love the ‘reveal’ moment. I needed new covers for two cushions and I didn’t have much time so decided to repeat the pattern we were given on the course. I chose to make one 16 inch cushion cover from Liberty’s Mauverina print and one 20 inch cushion from the Poppy and Daisy print. Here is a step-by-step tutorial…
You will need:
1m of pressed cotton fabric of your choice (light or medium weight)
Scissors
Pattern paper
Pins
Tutorial:
1. For the 16 inch cushion cut one front piece 43 x 43cm and two back pieces 43 x 33cm out of the pattern paper. For the 20 inch cushion cut one front piece of 53 x 53 cm and two back pieces of 53 x 43cm. Pin these to the fabric and cut out using fabric scissors. Always label and keep your patterns so you can use them again and again.
TIP: Don’t throw away the long, thins strips of fabric you cut away – use them as pretty ribbon for packaging presents.
2. Fold over 1cm of one of the long sides of each back piece (make sure the pattern is facing in the right direction). Use an iron to press this fold.
3. Fold over another 2cm and press again. Repeat this step with the other back piece.
4. Sew the folded edges down on each back piece. Use the left hand side of the presser foot as a guide – line up your inside fold with the edge of the presser foot and move your needle to the left. Choose the colour of your thread carefully as you will be able to see it.
5. Put the back pieces on top of the front piece – right sides together. Pin in place all round the cushion. Sew all round the cushion, leaving a 2cm seam allowance. Pivot at each corner by putting your needle into the fabric and lifting the presser foot so that you can rotate the fabric. Cut off the corners.
7. Turn your cushion cover inside out, press the seams from the right side and slip your cushion inner inside the envelope. Done! I’ve made this one for a chair in my bedroom.
And I made this one for the bed in our spare room. I promise I don’t make Otto pose – he’s just obsessed with being in on the action!
What sewing project are you working on? x
they look fantastic Katy, and seem so simple to make!! despite being a textiles student i’ve never actually made a proper cushion (how bad is that) so I think I may be giving this one a go 🙂 great tutorial as always.
fenn
freckledfennell.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks, Fenn! It really is easy – what fabric will you use? x
Otto just gets bigger and bigger! Great tutorial, from a great place. 😉 I’ve got some pretty fabric and a free cushion so I’m going to have another go at making it too. I spied that you’ve got a Janome machine, so badly want one. x
Can’t wait to read your blog post about your Sew Over It course, Leanne! I love my Janome machine – so easy to use x
It’s up. 🙂 I’m considering buying a Janome as a Christmas/Birthday present to myself! http://www.knitmeacake.com/2013/08/12/a-weekend-at-the-sew-over-it-cafe-in-clapham/
I’ll pop over and read it now!
If anyone is interested in sourcing retro and vintage inspired fabrics at cheap,cheap prices then check out a great little shop called Beyond Fabrics (67 Columbia Road) based in Bethnal Green. They also have an online store. I went there today and loved it!
Ooooh, that’s going on my to visit list. Will have to share this on fb too – always looking for good haberdasheries. Thanks Nahid!