Give your decor a quick update with this very easy to make envelope cushion
When we got married in 2001, I decided to buy a sewing machine with our John Lewis Gift List Vouchers as I really wanted to try my hand at cushion and curtain making. In all honesty, it took me a while to get to grips with it, so I decided to book myself onto an evening course to learn some skills. I brought the average age in the class down by about 30 years but it was worth it! I learned how to make a zipped cushion with piping….if only I’d known there was a simpler version! As long as you know how to use a sewing machine and can sew in a straight line, this will be a breeze and should take no more than 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Sewing machine
- Sharp scissors
- Dressmakers pins
- Thread
- Fabric
Instructions
Start by measuring the cushion pad itself e.g. 45x45cm. Now measure the fabric – add 1cm to the width and length of the face piece (this is the seam allowance) e.g. 46x46cm. Next, for the two rear pieces, add 1cm to the width for the seam allowance and measure 2/3rds of the length e.g. 34cm, so each of the two rear pieces should be 46 x 34cm in this example.
Transfer these measurements to your fabric using a ruler, dressmaker’s chalk or pencil and use a setsquare to get an absolute right angle. Cut out once you’re happy with the measurements.
If you’re using a patterned fabric and want a motif to sit in the centre of the cushion face, first transfer the measurements to a piece of tracing paper before laying over the fabric so you can see the pattern underneath. Then pin the paper to the fabric and cut out.
At the two short ends of your fabric (rear pieces) create a double hem as these will be the edges of your envelope opening. Fold the fabric over by 1.5cm and press, and then fold the fabric over the previous fold by another 1.5cm, press and pin in place.
Using a sewing machine, stitch in a straight line to sew the hems on the right side of the fabric.
With right sides facing, pin the cushion panel together, making sure to overlap the double hemmed edges by at least 10cm to create the envelope opening. Pin along the unsewn edges.
Using the same settings as before on your sewing machine, straight stitch 1.5 cm in from the edge.
Clip the corners and turn the cushion cover right side out, pushing a closed pair of scissors into the corners to get a crisp point. Give the cover a final press before inserting the cushion pad.
The cushion cover should be slightly smaller than the pad to give it a full look and with a feather pad, you will be able to ‘chop’ the cushion for the perfect look!
