Have you got some tired cushions that are in desperate need of a make-over? New cushion covers are an inexpensive way to update your living room and to add a touch of color and warmth to a comfortable couch. This tutorial will show you how to make cushion covers in an envelope styles in 10 minutes with just one simple piece of fabric.
What you will need
- Fabric – Choose a decorator fabric or quilting cotton.
- Your cushion insert – These are available from most homeware and haberdashery stores in a variety of sizes.
- The Basics: Ruler, scissors, pins, thread. (Read beginners sewing kit on a budget.)
Cushion Covers – The Video
Watch this YouTube video I made for you 🙂 It is only 3 minutes long so make a cup of tea and relax!
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How to Make Cushion Covers
Measure your pillow insert’s dimensions. Make sure you are measuring around the curve of your pillow and not just the finished width.
Cut your fabric in a rectangle with the following dimensions. Use a rotary cutter and mat if you have one to get nice straight edges.
- Height – Add 1 inch to the height for the seam allowance.
- Width – Multiply the width x 2 (for the back and front) and then add 6 inches (15.2cm) for the overlap.
This will give a finished cushion cover the same size as your insert. If you like a tight cover then reduce the height by 1 inch (2.5cm)
Here is a fabric cutting guide for some common pillow insert sizes
| PILLOW SIZE | 14 INCH (35.5CM) | 16 INCH (40.6CM) | 18 INCH (45.7CM) | 20 INCH (50.8CM) |
| HEIGHT | 15” (38CM) | 17” (43.1CM) | 19” (48.2CM) | 21” (53.3CM) |
| WIDTH | 34” (86.3CM) | 38” (96.5CM) | 42” (106.6CM) | 46” (116.8CM)) |
With your fabric WRONG side up, press over the shorter ends by 1/4 inch (6mm). Press them over again by 3/4 inch (2cm). Stitch across the hems.
With the fabric RIGHT sides together, fold in the left and right hemmed edges so they overlap by 4 inches (10cm). Try and get the overlap centered. Mine could have been a little more to the left. You can double check the width of the cover. It should be the same width as your insert.
Pin the overlap in place and pin the upper and lower raw edges.
Stitch across the upper and lower raw edges with a 1/2 inch (12mm) seam allowance. If you are using a fabric that frays you finish the stitched edges with a zig-zag stitch or serger. Clip the corners.
Turn your cushion cover the RIGHT way out and give it a good press.
Hooray! All finished and ready for your insert. How long did that take you? Mine took around 10 minutes including the cutting. I think I shall make some more!
Design ideas for your new cushion covers
- Add pom poms to the corners (Read how to make pom poms)
- Add yarn tassels (Read how to make tassels)
- Personalize your cushion cover with an embroidered name.
- Sew sequins on your DIY cushion cover (Read how to sew sequins)
PIN IMAGE FOR LATER 🙂
Came across your site in Pinterest today! You’ve got a great site and post! I like that you have few words and more direction in your pictures, and just very easy and simple to follow.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read! I have more home dec articles coming 🙂
Wow, realy was a 10 min pillow. Love it . I see many more in my house.
Thanks for reading! Enjoy the new pillows in your house 😄
It looks so easy! Thanks for sharing, I’m sure it will be fun and would look nice on the couch.
It is amazing what difference new cushion covers make to your couch. Thanks for reading 🙂
amazing project!! this was my first sewing experience and it went SUPER well. instructions were clear and straightforward and the cover turned out great!
Hi Kira, I’m so glad it all turned out so well. You can admire your hard work everytime you sit on the couch! Well done sewing your first project too 🙂
This is a really great tutorial. Thank you!
Hey Sally, thanks the appreciation 🙂