Creating a cushion cover can be quite simple and straightforward. All you need to do is make the right cut, pin the front and back together, stitch them together, and add piping and a buttonhole.
Pin The Front And Back Of The Cushion
Whether you are creating your own cushion, or sewing one from a pattern, pinning the front and back of the cushion to each other with the right sides together is a great way to ensure that your finished cushion will have a clean, finished look. Pins will help prevent fabric layers from shifting while you machine stitch, and they will also make it easier to pull out your pins when you come to the needle.
First, measure the length and width of your cushion. You should add about two centimeters for each side to give yourself a little extra room.
Next, you will need to gather the back piece and press the seams to match. Then, cut off the corners of the seam allowance to reduce bulk. If you are making a zippered cushion, you will need to take this extra step.
Now that your cushion is assembled, you are ready to attach the zip. You can either attach the zip using a simple seam to the side panel or you can use the Clear Invisible Zip Foot. Once you have done this, you will need to backstitch the zipper to the cushion.
Before you begin to sew the zipper onto the cushion, you should mark the location of the zipper. You can do this with a fabric marking pencil. To do this, you will need to make a straight line about 3 cm from the top and bottom of the zip. Leaving a small space at the end of the stitching line, you will then turn the cushion cover right side out.
Once you have done that, you are ready to start the sewing process. To begin, you will need to pin the front and back of the cushion to each other with the right sides together.
Machine Stitch The Layers Together
Getting two layers of fabric to stitch together can be tricky. There are a few simple steps to follow to make sure the seams stay strong and look neat. Using a zigzag stitch or overlock will help keep the edges of the seams in place during washing.
First, you will need to cut your fabric to the correct size. You will need a 32x32cm square of cotton or other lightweight fabric. It can be handy to use a template to ensure you get the right shape. This will also help with buttonholes.
Next, you will need to add the zip. You will need to ensure it is at least 5-10cm shorter than the cushion. You can put the zip in the center or along one of the sides. You can then tack the zip into place with a 1.5cm seam allowance.
Now you are ready to start sewing. It is important to ensure that you are sewing in a zigzag pattern. This will help to make the final seam less bulky. You will also need to keep your stitches even. You should pull the thread gently until it is aligned with the fabric. You should not pull too hard as it can cause tension on the fabric.
Next, you need to make sure you are pulling the needle through the loop. You should also leave a small loop behind. You should then be able to see the first stitch. You should then stitch over the line of stitches to secure it in place.
Add A Zipper
Adding a zipper to a cushion cover is a fairly easy task if you have a sewing machine. You may want to use a rotary cutter for this project if you’re planning on making a few. The zipper is also an excellent way to personalize your pillow.
You will need a zipper with good teeth, sturdy thread, and a strong needle. You can buy zips by the yard. If you are a beginner, hand-basting your zipper in place will be the best bet.
For the best effect, you should make sure that your zipper has the right length. The right length is measured by the distance between the teeth on each side of the zipper. A zipper with too short a space can be difficult to remove.
If you don’t have a rotary cutter, you can cut your fabric with a pair of pinking shears. You can also use painter’s tape for holding things in place. The advantage of using tape is that you can stitch over it.
You should also measure the size of the cushion insert you plan on using. This will help you figure out how much extra fabric you will need.
Once you have your squares pinned and arranged, you should lay the back piece of fabric over the front piece. You should sew the back piece of fabric onto the zipper panel with a 1/2″ seam allowance.
Add Piping
Adding piping to a cushion cover is a simple way to add decorative interest. It also helps define the shape of the cushion. You can choose to add piping in the same color or in a contrasting color. Using piping in a contrasting color will add an element of decorative interest.
The first step to adding piping to your cushion cover is to make a cut on the fabric. To do this, use a tailor’s chalk to mark 3.5cm (1.4in) wide strips. These should be positioned with the wrong side of the fabric uppermost.
Once the piping is cut, pin the fabric on a long strip of fabric that is folded lengthways. The top edge of the strip should be lined up with the edges of the fabric on the pillow.
Next, place the piping along the cushion’s edge. This will keep the raw edges aligned. The end of the piping should be trimmed to fit into the seam allowance on the cushion. You can also clip into the seam to create a curved edge.
To finish the cushion, you can either stitch the piping into place, or you can use a zig-zag stitch. If you are using a zig-zag stitch, make sure to backstitch the piping to the cushion. You can also glue down the flap. This will help secure the piping.
Add A Buttonhole
Adding a buttonhole to your cushion cover is a great way to add a finishing touch. It’s also an easy and quick way to add an embellishment. The trick is to make sure it fits your button.
You can stitch a buttonhole using your sewing machine, or you can hand stitch it. If you decide to sew it, follow these tips.
First, measure the width of your button. Then, multiply it by two. You should have a buttonhole that is slightly smaller than your button. This will allow it to fit easily into the hole.
You can also measure the length of the buttonhole. If your pattern calls for a buttonhole with four buttons, you’ll need to measure between the two seam allowances.
You can then use a tailor’s chalk or a soluble pen to mark the width and the buttonhole’s location. If you are stitching a buttonhole by hand, you may also want to use a marking pen or fabric marker.
For the best results, your marking tool should be portable, and removable. You should also get a small, sharp pair of scissors. This will prevent you from cutting the wrong thing.
Finally, you’ll need a curved snip to nip out the stitching. You should be able to see the stitches in the buttonhole, and it should be easy to remove them.