We’re considering branching out at Likewise with our screen printing and will hopefully be moving into art prints, totes and other homewares – such as cushions, which means I can do some sewing!
So to test it out today I decided to whip up a quick cushion cover so we can test it out. I didn’t want to have to mess around with zippers or buttons, just wanted a basic cover – similar to the humble pillow case.
For this project I found a small cushion insert 36cm x 36cm to use, I went and purchased about half a metre of ”Duck Cloth” cotton fabric, kind of like a light weight cheaper type of canvas, and some matching thread. You could use any fabric, I chose this one for durability and it has no pattern which makes it perfect for printing on.
Now I started with making a pattern on some brown paper, basically it’s just a long rectangle – to create my measurements I added 2.5cm seam allowance, to create the flap I wanted half the height of the pillow. So here is the math so you can apply it to your own size pillows:-
width = 41cm
- Pillow width = 36cm +
- Seam allowance x 2 = 5cm
height = 95cm
- Pillow height x 2 = 72 +
- Seam allowance x 2 = 5 +
- Half Flap (half pillow height) = 18
Once I had my pattern done and fabric cut out, I did my top and bottom seams by rolling over the hems and sewing straight across (if you have a overlocker you could probably just do that to the seams but I like the look of french seams).
Rolled top add bottom seams
The trick with french seams is that you sew it the right way around (yep opposite to what you think) and as close as you can to the edges, then flip it and sew it again – this way there is no ratty edges.
Lay the cushion out with the flap flipped over and the bottom on top of the flap. Now sew these edges as close as you can get, making sure that you get both sides and the flap.
Flap down
bottom over
sew as close to the edge as possible
Once you have done the edges turn it inside out.
turn it inside-out
Then sew along the edges making sure you clear the edges on the inside.
Sew down the seams - trying to clear the overhang on the inside
Turn the cushion in the right way and voila – removable cushion cover!
voila - easy cushion cover
This is just a really basic design. You could totally change it around with different fabric for the front/back/flap – just remember to add your seam allowance for each cut.
Stay tuned to see how we dress this baby up with some prints!
