An easy; fast; and inexpensive DIY decorating project that I have tried, and that has worked out very well, is sewing cushion covers. Cushions add a new look to any room instantly. I went through a phase of buying various cushions, but storage became a problem. I decided to sew a few covers to put over existing cushions. Now, when I change the covers for a new look, I store the unused covers in a drawer. Having made a few sets now, I am really pleased with the outcome. Also, I purchase the fabric at the end of a season in order to get a good price. Here are easy instructions to change the look of a room quickly:
Supplies
Sewing machine
Pillow form – or use an existing cushion
Thread to match fabric
Fabric – Front – upholstery fabric.
Fabric – Back – upholstery fabric.
Velcro
Note: when pressing fabric, do not place iron directly on the fabric. Place a t-towel on the fabric and iron the t-towel – to prevent damaging the upholstery fabric.
Measure:
Measure your pillow form or cushion and subtract one inch from the length and width measurement (to allow for a snug fit). For example, if your form/cushion is 16 X 16 then subtract one inch from the length and width for tight fit (15 X 15). Add ½ inch to each side for seam allowance (16 X 16). We are back to the original measurement. Add 7 inches to the back piece (for the overlap). Using the above example, the dimensions will be 16 X 16 for one front piece and 16 X 23 for one back piece. Cut your fabric to the correct dimensions.
Form the overlap (opening) in the BACK fabric:
Fold the back piece in half. Iron to form a crease. Using the above example again, the measurement is now 16 X 11 ½ when folded. Cut fabric in half along the crease. You now have 2 pieces of back fabric -16 X 11 ½ inches each. Fold the 11 ½ inch right side under ½ inches to wrong side. Sew down. Fold right side under another 1 inch to wrong side. Sew. Press. Repeat for the other 16 X 11 ½ piece. You now have 2 back pieces measuring 16 X 10. Place one back piece over the other back piece – right sides together. Overlap the 1 “seams at the centre, until the two pieces together now measure 16 X 16 “- not 16 X 20. Pin. Baste together. (This forms the opening in the back of the back piece).
Complete –
With right sides together, sew front 16 X 16 piece to back 16 X 16 piece – ½ “ seam. Trim corners. Push out corners with knitting needle or pencil.
Press. Turn to right side. Press. Determine where you would like to place the Velcro for the closure. Pin in place. Sew. Insert your form/cushion. Close. The cover should be a little snug. You are done.
(Velcro – I used 2 strips on 2” for each cushion)
Variation – if you would like to make a cover without an opening then follow these instructions.
Measure your pillow form with a tape measure. Do not rely on the measurement on the packaging. Subtract ½ inch from each side (to allow for a snug fit). For example, if your form/cushion is 16 X 16 then subtract ½ inch from the length and width for tight fit (15 X 15). With right sides together sew ½ inch seam all around. I like to use a very small zigzag. Leave about an 8 inch opening (a space large enough to stuff your form/cushion inside). Trim corners. Push out corners with knitting needle or pencil. Press. Turn cover to right side. Press. Stuff form/cushion into cover. Work cushion down to corners. Hand sew opening closed. You’re done.
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