Cushion covers are a quick and easy way to liven up a living space and create character or a specific look to a room. It’s also a great way to add an accent color to a particular area without overwhelming it (especially if you’re like me and love bright colors and abstract prints, which can potentially horrify others in the same household if used on large walls, floors or furniture hahaha).
Buying many cushion covers just for the sake of rotating them can get a wee bit tedious though, not to mention tough on the wallet. It can also be frustrating when you just can’t seem to find the right prints or designs for the space you have in mind, or the right size with the design that you want.
What’s the solution then, you ask? Why, make your own, of course! You get to pick the fabric that you like (Cotton? Linen? Silk? Go for it!) in prints that match your decor or the vibe that you’re looking for (retro/floral/abstracts – whatever you love!) in whatever size cushion you have. For cushions in heavy-duty or heavy-traffic areas like the living or family room, heavier fabrics like canvas or cotton duck would be great selections. You’re all set to sew an envelope cushion cover (the easiest version, in my book!) in just 3 general steps!
What you will need:
- Your favorite cushion or cushion filler (to know the dimensions needed)
- A piece of fabric at least double the size of your cushion (I suggest something easy to handle and forgiving for your first project – cotton, canvas or duck would be great options)
- Matching thread
- A properly-threaded, reliable sewing machine
- Tailor’s chalk or fabric marker
- Acrylic ruler
- Cutting mat
- Tailor’s pins
- Rotary cutter (for big cuts, super-sharp tailoring shears are great too. Quick tip for scissors/shears – just make sure to always keep them specifically for fabric. Using them for anything else as well will dull the blades)
I am assuming you are already familiar with the basic functions of your sewing machine, and know how to use it. Otherwise, hand sewing is also a possible alternative.
Getting Started
Step 1
Measure your cushion or cushion filler. I tend to measure in inches (yes, I know metric is more universal but it helps when you’re piecing them later). My sample is 9in by 9in. For a cushion of this size, add an extra 3in on one side, making it 9in by 13in. Lay your chosen fabric piece on the cutting mat right side down, mark the new measurements onto your fabric (adding on half an inch to each side as seam allowance) and then cut it to size. Your final piece should be 10in by 14in.
Step 2
Fold each short edge in, wrong sides together, by half an inch. Pin them and place them under a threaded needle, with a quarter inch allowance from the edge of the fabric to the needle. Sew the edges on.
Next, fold the fabric ⅔ down the longer side, right sides together. You’ll be able to see the seam allowance that you marked on the fabric earlier. Fold the other edge of the fabric down, overlapping on the first edge by an inch. Pin the sides together, spacing them out every 2in or so to keep them in place.
Step 3
Put one pinned side under the threaded needle, maintaining the same quarter inch seam allowance. Sew carefully along the side, going back and forth at the start and finish of the pieces to tie off the threads (if your machine is one of the new ones with a built-in knot function, use that by all means). Pull it out, cutting off the threads.
Repeat with the other side. Turn the final piece inside out. Use a chopstick or back of a pencil to push out the corners (nothing sharp, please!) and ease in the cushion through the overlapping envelope cover.
Andddddddddddd you’re all set! Easy peasy lemon squeezy! You can use the same steps to make quick pillow cases as well, so go crazy with colors and prints to make accent pillow cases for your bedroom! How many do you plan on making?
If you’re looking for an even more easy-peasy way to make a cushion cover, why not sew this simple cushion cover using an upcycled shirt?