While sewing, in general, can be a bit intimidating, creating a chair cushion can seem daunting in its own right. I have created a tutorial with step by step instructions with clear pictures. This project is not hard, it just has a lot of tedious steps. So patience is key if you want to create a cushion that looks like you paid big bucks to a professional for a custom job. Trust me, you can do this. This project involves creating a new chair cushion cover with piping and a velcro enclosure. I thrifted the chair and it came with the cushion, but the cover was not exactly what I would use with my decor, so I decided, as I often do, to make my own. So, here we go. In this first photo, I used the cushion and traced a pattern onto some pattern paper. Well, it's not really pattern paper, but any type of paper will work. The brown shipping paper works great. Using a pencil, I simply drew a line around the pillow. You could also use an existing cover by disassembling it and laying it out as your pattern. In this case, I decided to make my own pattern for teaching purposes.
Then, I used my ruler to straighten up the lines and cut it out, adding a 1/2 inch seam allowance. At the curved part, which is the back edge, I carefully drew my line by hand.
I measured the sides, which were five inches wide, and I used the pieces from the original cover for the lengths. Again, I added a 1/2 inch allowance. In this photo you can see all the pieces that will make this cushion cover. The zipper panels are two pieces so a zipper can be installed. But, I changed my mind mid stream and decided to use the velcro that was on the old cover. Velcro is amazing as you know, and I didn't have the right length zipper so it made sense to reuse it. And it is much easier to install.
Next, I cut out all the pieces. One thing I did to make this project a little more challenging (not on purpose) was to use a checked pattern, which requires a bit of matching up, so it all aligns. It's not hard, but it'll make you think twice before cutting. Of course, a solid or a small print would not require aligning.
I pinned the pieces to the cushion form to give you a visual of where we are headed.
Next, we made some piping. Taking a piece of the fabric, I folded it into a triangle from top to bottom, and then cut off the excess as pictured and discarded it. I then folded it again from right to left, creating four double layers of fabric, cut off the folded edge, and made 2-1/2 (two and one half) inch cuts, creating bias strips.
Second fold, right to left.
The trimmed edge.
Making the 2-1/2 inch cuts.
I got six strips out of that, and then trimmed the ends, making them square.
Next, I sewed the strips together diagonally after pinning in place.
I cut the excess to 1/4 inch from the seam.
I pressed the seam open and continued adding the other pieces to get my finished length of about 85 inches, which created one piece of piping for the top. I cut more bias strips and repeated this process to create a second strip of piping for the bottom edge. Are you with me so far?
Here is one long strip of bias tape.
I laid the cording, which is 2-1/4 inch (my standard for cushions) in the center, wrapped the fabric around it, enclosing it.
Stitched it from top to bottom, using a zipper foot with the stitch length on 3.
Piping, piping everywhere!!!
Using the two pieces of the panel for the back side of the cushion, I folded the edges over 1 inch and 1 inch again creating a finished edge, pressed it, and sewed in place.
I pinned the velcro to the edge, sewed it in place, making sure the edges would properly overlap, creating a nice custom enclosure.
And here it is velcroed together.
I pinned the piping to the cushion cover, right sides together, starting the piping at the back of the cushion (the curved edge). In doing so, I butted the cording ends together, and with the excess fabric, created a finished edge for the other end of the cording to rest inside, creating a nice finished join. See next photos.
It is important to snip the corners as you sew the fabrics in place. Just a little snip so the fabric doesn't pull and you can make the turn easily. This also creates a nice finished corner.
I snipped off the excess cording so the two pieces would meet nicely together. Using the extra fabric, I folded it over to create a nice finished join.
Perfectly matched piping ends that looks professional.
The beautiful corner.
Piping added to the top and bottom. Next, we will add the panels.
While matching my checks to checks pattern, with right sides together, I pinned the panels to the top piece of the cushion cover, leaving the place on each side where the velcro panel meets the other panel unpinned for the moment. The reason for this is that I need to make sure they meet perfectly. This is where a bit of patience comes in handy. Not hard at all, just takes a little time. Once pinned in place, the sewing part should go smoothly.
I then turned the ends of the long panel over 2 inches and pressed. Making sure to lay the pressed edge down first and the velcro edge on top, and I pinned in place. The purpose of the pressed end is to conceal the velcro end. You'll see what I mean in the next photos.
All pinned down and ready to be sewn in place.
Using the zipper foot, I stitched the entire panel to the top, keeping all the layers, the piping, top cushion cover, and sides where the two panels meet, snuggly together. This can be tricky, but take your time and go slow. Patience is very important. There is no prize for going fast, except a sloppy end product.
Here is where I joined the velcro panel to the other panel. Looks pretty good, huh?
And the velcroed back.
Here is where we are so far. Piping added, velcro enclosure on the back added along the curved edge, and finally the remaing side panel added. So far, it is looking pretty sweet. The last step is to add the bottom piece of fabric. I don't know about you, but I am ready for this project to be done so I can sit a spell and enjoy my chair.
Here you see I have pinned the bottom piece to the rest of the cushion cover. This step should be fairly easy provided you have carefully lined things up as you've gone along, which I am sure you have.
Last trip around the cushion.
Now, let's turn it right side out and see what we've got.
This was a fun tutorial to do. I hope the reels made sense and I hope you enjoyed it. I realize that this project is not exactly for beginners, but it is really not hard if you follow the steps. Also, feel free to message me if you have any questions. I am happy to help. So, now you know why it costs a pretty shiny penny to have a professional make you slip covers. There's a lot of detail and love that goes into making your own furniture covers. And, the reward is worth it. Thanks again, for stopping by and stay tuned for another sewing project coming soon. xo, leslie
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