If you’re new to sewing, cushion covers are one of the easiest things you can make and are such a great way to display favourite fabrics. I like to make the envelope style (no zips required) and to use lovely vintage fabrics on both sides of the cushion, so you get double enjoyment and two for the price of one!

 

Here’s how I make my cushion covers:

 

1. Cut one piece of fabric for the front 43cm x 43cm (cushion cover will be 40cm, with a 1.5cm seam allowance either side). A fat quarter would be plenty.

2. Cut two pieces of fabric for the back 33cm wide x 43 cm high. These will overlap to form the back of your cushion in an envelope style.

 

 

3. Hem the long sides of your two pieces of back fabric (turn over the long edge by 1cm and press with an iron, then turn again by 1cm and press; stitch the hem about 3mm or so from the edge).

 

 

4. Place your front fabric right side up in front of you. Lay the first back piece of fabric on top of it, right sides facing the front piece (this will be the back piece that is most visible when the cushion is turned the right way round, so use your favourite of the two pieces). Then lay the second piece of back fabric on top, right sides facing. You should end up with a square shape, with the back of the fabric showing.

 

 

5. Pin your fabric pieces together.

 

 

6. Sew all around your square, using a 1.5cm seam allowance (I use a magnetic seam allowance gadget to help me sew straight, but you could use a strip of washi tape on your machine at 1.5cm to help guide you).

 

 

7. Trim your corners, taking care not to snip your stitches. I also like to trim round the edge with pinking shears to reduce bulk and stop the fabric fraying.

 

 

8. Turn your cushion cover the right way round, iron it and pop in a 40cm cushion pad (it can be a bit of a wrestle, but do persevere!), plump it up and admire your work!

 

 

Once you start, you won’t be able to stop!

 

 

 

 

 

View Zoë’s blog ​www.zoepower.co.uk ​and Instagram ​to follow her photographic and crafty journey; she also sells prints, cards, cushions and tote bags with her images on at ​zoepower.redbubble.com.