The Best Guide on How to Make a Simple Cushion (Easy, Step-by-Step)

If you're new to sewing, then this easy to follow, step-by-step tutorial is absolutely ideal for you!

In this guide, we're going to cover each step in detail, from the measuring, cutting and finally the fun part of it all, the sewing! You'll only need a metre of fabric for this one and from that two fantastic, yet simple 18 inch cushions for your home.

 

 

Think this design is a little easy for you? Why not take a look at our next guide, which shows you how to add a zip to the design.

 

What you'll Need to Get Started

 

Metre/yard stick
1 metre of fabric
Tape measure
Dressmaking scissors
Tailor's chalk/pencils
Hand sewing needles (and or a sewing machine)
Pins
Sewing thread
20″ hollowfibre or hollowfibre cushion insert

 

TIP: If you’re buying ready-made cushion inserts, buy them 2 inches larger than the cushion size, so in this case 20-inch inserts. The extra two inches helps ensure the cushions don't look flat.

 

Measuring & Cutting Out

 

Fold the material to approximately 49cm (19″), it’s essential to ensure that the fabric is cut straight before doing this, so if the material isn't straight, make sure to cut it straight now.

 

Take a tape measure to the centre and measure to 49cm (19″). The extra inch is needed so don't be tempted to measure to 18".

 

Once you have done this, you then need to cut along the top of the fabric. Next, fold the fabric over itself to the left and crease the centre as shown.

 

Once you have done this, you then need to cut along the top of the fabric. Next, fold the fabric over itself to the left and crease the centre.

 

Using the line as a guide, cut the fabric, the cutoff piece to the left is the waste. Next, we need to cut down the central crease.

 

You're now ready for the fun part, sewing!

 

Sewing

Please note. The front or top of the cushion is the fold, so there is no sewing required on that side.

Place the fabric with the fold to your left and the back under the needle. Leave a gap around 5 inches and begin sewing down to the first corner.

 

 

Flip over the fabric (with the fold still your left) and repeat the above process but don’t forget to leave a good sized gap!

 

This gap is a little too small, but don’t worry, we can unpick it to make it somewhat bigger.

 

Turn the cushion out and press it if it’s become heavily creased.

 

Now insert the filler. You can use loose-fill fibre if you prefer.

 

You can now sew up the gap. I have done it on a sewing machine.

 

If you’re not comfortable doing this, you can hand sew this with a straight stitch. That’s it, now repeat the sewing and filling steps and create the second cushion.

 

That's it, the result, from just a metre of fabric!