Today I am making up a simple cushion, perfect for a quick make to help brighten up your space! This is a basic tutorial suitable for beginners and there are useful tips for everyone to ensure a great finish.


 Supplies:
2 x square pieces of fabric measuring 50cm x 50cm
30cm zip
sewing kit
iron
cushion inner

I used my sewing machine for a fast finish but you could hand stitch if you don't have access to a machine.

Tutorial:

Firstly you need to decide which direction your fabric is going, if it's stripes do you want them vertical or horizontal? Does your fabric have a pattern that needs to be the right way round? It is important you look at both pieces and make sure you attach the zip to the bottom edge!

1. Start with the fabric right side facing down, fold over the bottom edge of the fabric by 1.5cm and give it a good press with your iron, repeat with the second square.

2. Take one square and centre the zip in the middle of the folded edge. The zip needs to be face down (so the teeth of the zip are facing down) and line the edge up with the open edge of the fold.


3. Sew the zip to the fabric. You will need to move the zip head out of the way to get a straight line. To do this, as you are sewing before you approach the zip head, leave your needle down and lift the foot. Pivot the fabric around so you can move the zip head behind the needle. Move the fabric back to the original postion, put your foot down and continue sewing.


4. Place the two squares right sides together, it's important to check you have the bottom edges together! You can mark the position of the zip if it helps and then sew the zip to the other square.


5.  Open up the zip to the middle. Sew around the all sides of the cushion using a 1.5cm seam allowance. Sew as close to the ends of the zip as you can but don't worry too much as we will finish this by hand.


6. Once you have sewn all the edges you can finish them by using a zig zag stitch over the edges or you can use pinking shears to prevent fraying. Clip the corners diagonally (not too close to the stitches). Turn the cushion right side out and poke out the corners.


7. Using a needle and thread finish the ends of the zip to close any gaps. I use a ladder stitch to hide the stitches.


You are done! Enjoy your new cushion :)

The fabric was supplied by Rodgers of York, check out their beautiful soft furnishing fabric to make your own cushion or other home accessories!


linking up to TGIFF at From Bolt to Beauty and finish it up friday at crazymomquilts.