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The Emporia => House Beautiful => Topic started by: Kittensposies on January 26, 2018, 16:10:39 PM

Title: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Kittensposies on January 26, 2018, 16:10:39 PM
Afternoon all,

After the renovations-from-hell left my poor sewing machine confined to storage for 9 months, I am tentatively dipping a toe back in. 

We have just got a new sofa, and was looking at new scatter cushions to go with it, but they were £60 in the nice Abraham Moon fabric I wanted.  Looking at the fabric online, it is around £50 a metre and is 130cm wide... surely I could get two small cushions out of that?

No piping or anything planned, and I am not fussy about matching patterns, I just want some nice cushions without having to sell a kidney.

Now all of this is feasible based on cushions being easy to sew... hence my question, how hard can it be?  I've watched a few online tutorials and thought "yeah I can handle that" but is there anything hideously complicated that I have not anticipated? 

Thanks all, hope you have a lovely Friday  :toast:
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: sewingj on January 26, 2018, 16:14:39 PM
Looking forward to seeing replies to this as Daughter has just asked me to make some.  I`ve made some before like a pillow case but would like to do a proper job and put a zip in
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Mozzy on January 26, 2018, 16:20:30 PM
The name Moon caught my eye.  I've just made myself a Roman blind and a cushion cover in a Moon plaid and wanted the cushion to match the horizontal and vertical stripes on front and back.  A way round that is to use the Moon fabric for the front and a plain for the back.  Obviously I don't know if your fabric is tartan/plaid but just something worth considering as it's not cheap fabric.  Mine was actually a roll end from Multiyork so I didn't pay the full price.
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Vegegrow on January 26, 2018, 16:41:23 PM
I agree with Mozzy I'd do plain on the back .. depending on the pattern you could get 3 fronts  of 40cm out of half a metre of fabric... whats the pattern like?  Oh and be aware that some firms have a minimum order of 1m
Cushions are quite simple.. you tube is your friend.. My best tip would be use a size larger pads in your cushions  (18" pad in a 16" cushion cover) they look better
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Ellabella on January 26, 2018, 16:55:23 PM
I second Vege, YouTube is the place to look for vids.  I dodn't know if Peg Baker does a simple cushion but her vids are very good IMO.

Cushions are easy, just take yout time, measure everything twice and pin or Wonder Clip if you feel the need.

Perhaps try one in some spare fabric before you cut into your good stuff,
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Lowena on January 26, 2018, 17:13:22 PM
Cushions are easy... even I can do them ( not with a zip though  :| ) I sew them up all the way round  ;)
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Kittensposies on January 26, 2018, 17:35:24 PM
Oooooh so many replies!!  Thank you all!!

@Ellabella A Wonder Clip!  I've just googled, they look awesome!! 

@Lowena This is going to sound really thick but how do you sew them all around?  Do you sew them with the pads in?

@sewingj Ditto!  I quite fancy doing zipped ones... the envelope back ones we have (bought, not made) just seem to poke open over time (too many bums sitting on them perhaps). 

@Mozzy Did you go to the Multiyork outlet near Leeds?  Was it recently?  I went on and off last year and could never find anything good.  So envious you got a roll end of Moon check!  Plain for the back is clever - did you match the weight and texture?

@Vegegrow I already have one Moon cushion bought for me as a present last year, in Huntingtower Hemp.  I quite fancy making more in the same fabric... a plan back is genius!!! 

Link to the fabric (https://www.moons.co.uk/furnishings/domestic/baronial/huntingtower/).  I was going to go for more Hemp and/ or Grape, as grape really suits the new sofa. 
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Lowena on January 26, 2018, 17:41:24 PM
I sew 3 edges without the pad and then sew the 4th side by hand, with the pad inside  - ladder stitch doesn't show at all and is quite quick to do.  :)
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Kittensposies on January 26, 2018, 18:23:31 PM
I sew 3 edges without the pad and then sew the 4th side by hand, with the pad inside  - ladder stitch doesn't show at all and is quite quick to do.  :)

So smart!  How did I not know this was possible?!  That might save me zip trauma, *and* avoid the pokey-open envelope backs. 

How do you choose your cushion pads?  I guess you have to go for some that have longevity.  I have some Ikea cushion pads but they seem to go lumpy in a matter of weeks.
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Samantha on January 26, 2018, 19:15:38 PM
If you're going to stitch all the way round then get decent cushion pads as the cheap ones tend to end up like pancakes after a while and will be a pain to replace if all stitched up. Zips are not too difficult to put in cushion covers though, have a practise with some cheap material, I put the zip in first then stitch the sides up.
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Surest1tch on January 26, 2018, 22:18:55 PM
If you're going to stitch all the way round then get decent cushion pads as the cheap ones tend to end up like pancakes after a while and will be a pain to replace if all stitched up. Zips are not too difficult to put in cushion covers though, have a practise with some cheap material, I put the zip in first then stitch the sides up.

That's the way I do them, I do find them difficult though, not because they are hard or technical to make they are just so boring  :S
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Greybird on January 26, 2018, 23:02:36 PM
If you do envelope backs with a big enough overlap, they won't gape open - I always think that cushions are something you should be able to sink into without having a zip pull sticking in your ear! If you pin the 2 overlapping pieces face down onto the right side of the front, you can machine stitch all round. I use a pointer/clapper inside so that I can press the seams right into the corners. It's not difficult to insert the cushion pad or remove it if necessary. Vegegrow is right about using a larger size pad for the appearance although I normally use the same size for "squashiness". It depends whether you want them for looking at or for sinking into!

Have a look at Merrick and Day's website for cushion pads. If you order before midday, they usually arrive next day.

www.merrick-day.com/acatalog/Duck_Feather_Square___Rectangular_Cushion_Pads.html
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Kenora on January 26, 2018, 23:51:58 PM
I usually round the corners off very slightly too. This stops them from flapping about when the pads are a bit older. The pads seem to wear quicker than the covers, and they go very rounded (unless you buy really expensive feather-filled pads) so if you round the corners it helps. This is much easier to do than to explain.  ><
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: b15erk on January 27, 2018, 09:29:06 AM
I do button backs on my cushions, and make a feature of them.  That way I can do the buttonholes before I sew them together.

The easiest cushion cover I  have made is just a long rectangle, with button bands at each end.  Turn these to the middle, sew across two ends, et voila, a cushion cover!

Jessie
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Ploshkin on January 27, 2018, 09:39:30 AM
I also do envelope cushion covers with a fair overlap.  I use transparent buttons (I keep them from old duvet covers)
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: BrendaP on January 27, 2018, 09:55:47 AM
There are so many ways to make cushions.

The most basic is how Low described; machine three sides and hand stitch the fourth.

Add a zip, either in one of the seams or across the middle of the back section, easier than in the seam.

Pillowcase style; IME these usually need a bit of help to stay closed - a button and buttonhole or a bit of velcro to hold the flap closed.

To make a cushion look plump you should always use a pad that's bigger than the outer case; ie 45cm x 45cm pad in a 40cm x 40cm pad.
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Mozzy on January 27, 2018, 15:22:44 PM
Regarding the Moon fabric, I wanted mine to match front and back and as I had plenty of fabric it wasn’t a problem. I bought it at the Multiyork outlet shop in Warrington, which sadly has closed down before all the other stores.

In fact, I still have fabric left but can’t decide what to make. I have enough for lampshades but two things stop me doing them - one is the suspicion they wouldn’t let any light through and the other is that there would just be too much of the same fabric. Maybe a cover for the waste paper basket lol.
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Kittensposies on January 27, 2018, 18:53:04 PM
Evening all!!

Thank you sooo much for all the fantastic ideas. I am feeling much braver! I also hate flappy corners so will definitely round them off, and will definitely go for the larger cushion pad too.

Ooh exciting, I may be sewing again after such a long absence!! 

I’ll keep you posted  <3
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: annierose on February 03, 2018, 17:24:19 PM
Fabricland do decent cushion pads, much cheaper than Merrick & Day - not quite such good quality, but mine are still comfy after several years!
When making a lot of cushions, I bought a zipper roll so I could cut exactly what I needed, and found it so much easier than fiddling to put a zip in. As I seem to need to wash mine fairly often (!) I don't really like sewing them up by hand.

I cut a square of the 'nice' fabric to the exact size of the pad (so the seam allowance then makes it a bit overstuffed). From the plain fabric I would cut the same size but 2 cms. longer one way - cut this in half and sew the zipper on to join them, with a 1cm allowance. Zip up, now 2 squares the same size that can be sewn together.
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: HenriettaMaria on February 05, 2018, 16:51:20 PM
I did some with a button back.  I cut the back with overlaps at the centre line, faced them with remnants of a toning cotton fabric I had to hand and made the buttonhole first, added the button, basted it together and then sewed right sides together all the way round. 
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Kittensposies on February 06, 2018, 20:59:11 PM
Thanks for the suggestion @annierose, if I’m going to buy Moon fabric I need to economise somewhere!!

@HenriettaMaria I love button back cushions! Not sure which I dislike more though...sewing buttonholes or sewing zips ;)

I got some plain Moon wool in a sort of pale moss colour as an offcut from eBay. This will probably be the back of the cushions; just need to pluck up the courage to spent £50 on a metre of the Huntingtower check  :o

I got 2m of the moss colour, so I might make a whole cushion out of it to test the fabric first.

Taking my time over this... current debate is whether to do piping or not, as I may have accidentally bought a piping foot “just in case”!
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Iminei on February 07, 2018, 08:32:15 AM
Just sticking my oar in here...

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/bFUEetBQ2mRErrAabxfHoUlBUZBoeYztQHAjdC_SyNys8NIwx115ajNxo1epTIaKbXqSUgLgdEPx49sBs9T1TfIMDAd6Mm7PVfTujIjkMBWjrFIekMd25ISVKr4_Eb8SAotbYVxTtZvHR-7yCW3C8Ymuo66iECb446yp6TjNv8xZK_StSzVUK_quY2bVWe9Pzn3mI5Sjq3o6Tr6euDN9gdHiMfBSeboK4Xr5Csh1e_aNvuP0izX3ekSL7Q7NOYydf7lJFJCfFlUoxX0Aqofs9FBV-dUX8dFaGR8i7Yzoe7k8eKDJVwKbsvkk4sAbECILNisnFZq-GRiFWpLUSv0sScch_OGILB53ZRj122qTRiAxgfvSnJDx5DVXOgXrkR7ADr4Bs2MDXDkbIKiFd1LiY_vwREtpeNTrI1p7_gkh0A3AgJZfVr2D0-j51XqcxFrsNYtxsDyEzcLEIO4Xe2_5ETnyDeh6Zzis3TbHpfY4qSOcYEMpfDq5JnOArk8qg-iod-k18XOombtdXG8hiNat3ZSZNtZ1pRBGpJC825uCVsICEbtMNuB1zj0NUWysmuW3uoWNC-IUFMgOpaKYzAZdm4s_jdy3Y_9zhSHFHHpJ2IiwtvRSr2sZT10L565nj9QWqhnC5fXz2zgaW3V36jgMGLJomfE=w937-h699-no)

I finished this for the MIL's birthday this coming weekend ....

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lC-rhmf6-7f2LV_lTteJ6rO8y1TU0iopqMUZr3NkHM5DSRxJWavyk8gfGmbk5QV_9P_ZHDT9T4gLLF9Mo3LlpJUmybDmKJrj6rytQ3w6C50oFFVr9JIhj4ss42xQF-pGBCI74u5-PucbdrTraAkoJ1GASd1OrIHiVCHPndSX-tljXD3Z-NxdAWmD-txMBxmZnEcsHsTmROH3l6GxjxEcpYNs0z4GUunHau4nZgVmMZ5dF2f-R6ubv31O_CAFXiZ28IPc_dhU69c4VUtRWR5qOoCTOkvZVLFODrWIxH24ns-QcU2l61Ccva4jYMifNoOZFVWH64heFEkiC33QSni8JRc4ZsIzJxYmnjZA-OtjU8GX7AZfoE6cLK3CXAXBKd28wmkDp_KbIr6wEplMBr-0Yaov1dqj_Jp1ZQmlbfgxxjquACHoovUOcBsDwRGo2Fc0YDP611u4VKbqdze4KDGHxiCBZDGW4e9QY28534s_Hr7qTc7MCI24pKXGtvkSsNw9fEk4PQ52S9hmwFItYlwtjyCyu_yo9qYQj5KFT3ISkl3pQGzwnqLmv_JnHj8r99JpKrBKVF31nGB6VROm2tQCZxEEviVz-KLe5MZfTnbm1xplk4pOUk7mnG2NGlrK2rKf7vKb_PBHJ8otNMhZkZmAqUylQoo=w937-h699-no)

Its not over stuffed as the largest Feather inner I could find was 24" and the star block comes out around that, add the 1" border etc and you will have a slightly larger than you want cover.

Very pleased with the buttonholes! I made a practice one and then let The Splurgess get on with it!!!  :o Seriously, I pressed the Start button, got up and poured myself  a drink while she got on with them!  :P
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: rowe1311 on February 08, 2018, 19:30:35 PM
I have just read through some of the posts.  Cushions are pretty easy, but I have only made a few, and have always done it the easiest way with the envelope fold and I have found they don't stick out much on the back.  I have only used cheap fabric, so I haven't been too precious about them though. 

I do, however, have more experience of baby puke and toddlers pee, and I think washable is a very very good idea! 
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Kittensposies on March 01, 2018, 17:57:02 PM
Imi that cushion is gorgeous!!  I love the back!!  No way I'm getting into quilting though... I would be absolutely terrified!  All that geometry, and all those corners... *shudder*.  Maybe when I'm a bit more experienced?!

Rowe we have cat-barf coloured sofas for similar reasons lol.  I think the good cushions will be relegated to the nice chair, and I'll make some washable ones for the new sofa - which is stain-proofed (not had to test it... yet) for when the baby arrives.

4 months til mini-kitten turns up... holy moly.  Better get sewing cushions so I can actually enjoy them!!
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Gernella on March 02, 2018, 13:24:38 PM
First time I ever did them, with some curtain fabric samples I got, I looked at a video.  One of those times when you look once and that's it, they are easy.  Unless of course you want to do one like Iminei, that is fabulous and way above my pay grade.
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: lakaribane on March 02, 2018, 13:34:01 PM
The easiest cushion cover I  have made is just a long rectangle, with button bands at each end.  Turn these to the middle, sew across two ends, et voila, a cushion cover!

Stealing this!  :loveit:
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Bloobell on April 27, 2018, 10:37:22 AM
I buy my feather pads from Allshapes Cushions.

http://www.feather-fibre-foam-cushions.co.uk/

They do custom sizes for really reasonable prices. I'd personally only use feather pads, because they can be fluffed. I don't like the way synthetic pads go flat really quickly, but I appreciate not everyone likes or can use feather.
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: crafter on April 28, 2018, 01:34:58 AM
I second that on feather cushion pads.  The finish is so much better and will last for years.

I make quite a few cushions and can now knock them up in minutes.  Cut two pieces the same size as your cushion pad.  On the first seam machine in 1" each side on what will be the bottom edge of your cushion.  Insert he zip in the gap - you are on a flat piece so easy peasy.  Then sew up the other three sides - overlock if you are fussy.

IMO envelopes, buttons, hand sewing the final seam, take much longer.  Piping can take longer but I haven't been asked for a piped cushion for yonks.  I think they are currently out of fashion.
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Lowena on April 28, 2018, 10:02:44 AM
Ah @crafter  you haven't taken account of numptys like me who can't do zips  :(
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: wrenkins on April 28, 2018, 10:07:39 AM
"Then sew up the other three sides - "
Remember to leave the zip open...ask me how I know... 8)
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: crafter on April 28, 2018, 21:13:13 PM
Ah @crafter  you haven't taken account of numptys like me who can't do zips  :(

A cushion cover would be a good place to practice because it's a straight seam and you can work on it flat.  Try it out, you will an expert in no time.

"Then sew up the other three sides - "
Remember to leave the zip open...ask me how I know... 8)

Should have mentioned that.  We've all done it - once.  :angry:
Title: Re: Cushion covers... how hard can they be??
Post by: Lowena on April 29, 2018, 10:15:30 AM
Not me @crafter, unless you can do it without changing the foot on the machine. I never change the foot ( I couldn't get it back, the time I tried ) which is why I don't do buttonholes either  :|