Cushion cover help

flutterbyuk25

Hey all

I have an A Line skirt that I no longer where but I love the pattern on it so wanted to know how to turn it into a cushion cover. I have an old cushion that I will recover. The old cushion cover is an envelope type secured with buttons, but I just want to make a standard cover.

Is it as simple as measuring out the material against the cushion as then sewing sides and top together?

I don't have sewing machine so would have to do it by hand, would that be too difficult for a novice? I could get hold of a sewing machine off my nan if needed. Anyway I could wonder-web it??!!

The cushion is more for display than use if you know what I mean.

TIA

x

Bronnie

It depends what quality finish you expect your cushion to have and how skilled you are!!

Yes, it can be as basic as 2 squares hand-stitched together (use a small firm back-stitch and draw a stitching guide line first might keep things neat!) and the opening slip-stitched closed with the pad inside. Measure your cushion and add a seam allowance. Don't make the cover too big....nothing looks worse! Your finished cushion needs to look plump!

A few tips.

Your iron is your best friend, doing stuff like this ! Keep the iron handy, press your fabric first.
Make sure you as much as possible you centre the best part of the fabric pattern as the centre of the cushion
Either make yourself a paper pattern or measure carefully and use a straight edge and pen to mark cutting lines on reverse of fabric.
Use sharp scissors and long cutting strokes with the scissors.
Pin together and press again, keep everything neat flat and 'square'
Stitch up, press, turn through and press again, paying attention to the seams.
Insert cushion pad and slip stitch opening.

Have a google for other techniques.

If it's just for show, remember you could use a re-cycled piece of plain fabric (old pillow case??) on the back of the cushion and save the patterned material for the front. That way you could make 2 'showy' cushions out of the skirt.

HTH!

Lady_Aitch

Hi Flufferby, If you sew all sides together how will you wash the cover? If you make the envelope fold half the size of the cover you wont have to put buttons on. i.e Place material right side up, material 40", fold over 12", stitch sides, fold the top to overlap by 3" and stitch sides, turn to right side. (sizes just an example) The cushion would just slip inside. If its just for show I would just hand back stitch it. That should be strong enough, and less complicated that wonder web.

flutterbyuk25

Bronnie wrote: »

It depends what quality finish you expect your cushion to have and how skilled you are!!

Yes, it can be as basic as 2 squares hand-stitched together (use a small firm back-stitch and draw a stitching guide line first might keep things neat!) and the opening slip-stitched closed with the pad inside.
Have a google for other techniques.

If it's just for show, remember you could use a re-cycled piece of plain fabric (old pillow case??) on the back of the cushion and save the patterned material for the front. That way you could make 2 'showy' cushions out of the skirt.

HTH!

Thanks for that.

I like the idea of using pattern on front only as I would like 2 covers.

They are to go on my sofabed in spare room so hardly anyone will see them. I just think it's a shame that I have this nice material on a skirt I'm not going to use so want to recycle it so I can use it.

I'll give it a go over next few weeks.

x

Bronnie

Lady_Aitch wrote: »

Hi Flufferby, If you sew all sides together how will you wash the cover? If you make the envelope fold half the size of the cover you wont have to put buttons on. i.e Place material right side up, material 40", fold over 12", stitch sides, fold the top to overlap by 3" and stitch sides, turn to right side. (sizes just an example) The cushion would just slip inside. If its just for show I would just hand back stitch it. That should be strong enough, and less complicated that wonder web.

I would agree re washing normally, but since OP is looking to keep things simple and cushion just sounds for occasional decorative use, loose slip stiching can easily be removed for washing. I wondered whether she would have enough length of material in the skirt for an envelope/pillow case style.

tori.k

why not hem and use press studs along one edge, you can buy a pack of studs for less than a £1, would be easier then re sewing if you want to wash them

flutterbyuk25

Thanks for all the suggestions

I'll let you all know once I've attempted it

x