Tips for making cushions

More than a simple added detail, cushions are without doubt an integral part of any comfortable and welcoming sofa. It is therefore important that they are perfectly matched to the decorative features. Once the type and dimensions of the cushions have been selected, making covers that blend perfectly with your interior is something everyone can do. All that remains is to define the desired type of finish, and achieve it easily by following a few tips.

Steps

1. Select a suitable cushion
2. Apply the finishing touches
   • Simple finish
   • Finish with frill
   • Ties
   • Finish with piping or braided bias

1. Select a suitable cushion

• For cushions and beds
  Go for what are referred to as "pillow shaped" cushions, which exist in several different sizes. The most popular are: the checked cushion in classic dimensions (40 x 40 cm) or more contemporary 50 x 50 or 60 x 60 cm The rectangular cushion, currently available in 50 x 35 cm or 60 x 40 cm.
• For chairs and stools, the flowerbed or tart cushion are all suitable.

2. Apply the finishing touches

• Simple finish
  The majority of the time (depending on the desired dimensions), you can make a cushion cover in a width of up to 140 cm.. Simply add 1.5 cm to your measurements to allow for the seams.
• Finish with a frill
  Allow 1.5 to 2 cm in addition to the 1.5 cm for simple seams, with current trends favouring small frills rather than large.
• Ties
  • Cut strips that are 4 cm wide by approx. 30 cm long.
  • Fold into 4 to create a tie measuring 4 cm wide.
  • For the knits, take a width of 10 cm and fold in 4 as follows: 1+4+4+1`
• Finish with piping or braided bias
  This trim allows you to elegantly emphasize the contour of a cushion. To make piping, you must acquire some bias, the width of which depends on the diameter of the selected cord. You must choose the latter based on the result you want to achieve.
  • Working with bias You are sure to find bias in any haberdashery, but for a more personal touch is it possible to make it yourself using some fabric you happen to have. To do so:
    • Draw diagonal lines on the fabric every 3 centimetres for bias measuring 1 cm wide.
    • Cut strips of fabric, following the lines.
    • Pin two strips face to face and pin.
    • Then pin the other strips face to face in the same way, to create a sort of zig-zag.
    • Stitch 1 cm from the edge and then cut away the surplus seam.
  • Making the piping.
    
    • Place the cord on the reverse side of the bias, positioning it at the centre and leaving 1 cm at the end.
    • Fold the bias in 2 as such that it traps the cord inside it.
    • Pin along the entire length to prevent the fabric from sliding.
    • Sew by machine, using a specific foot (foot for zip or piped fasteners) in order that your stitches are as close as possible to the cord.
    • Pin the fabric on the right side of the fabric, covering over the rough edges.
    • If necessary, trim the edges of the piping so that the width matches the green fabric seam value.
    • Begin sewing 1.5 cm from the edge of the piping to be able to join the edges.
    • Clip around curved sections or at the corners.
    • To join the edges, cut the cords so that they are touching but not overlapping.
    • Fold up one of the edges and roll it around the other.
    • Stitch to finish.
  • Sewing the piping
    • First sew the piping on one side of the cushion before sewing the two sides together.
    • Place the fabric with the piping on the other side, face to face.
    • Pin and then stitch onto the first side following the seam that holds the piping as such that you cannot see this stitching when you flip your work over.

Help

In case of doubt contact us on 01 83 62 07 91 for specialist advice.