Cushions: Overlap back, zip & piped

Overlap back, back zip and side zip designs - perfect first project for a beginner.

Level: Absolute Beginner

Classes needed: 1 - 2 Stitch! Classes including

Which Classes to attend: This project can be completed in our weekly Sewing and Dressmaking classes, our One-to-One lessons at a time that suits you, or make this as part of our Learn To Use a Sewing Machine course!

What to Bring:

  • A cushion pad/inner (up to 20" square in size). We sell 16" sq pads (high quality microfibre filled) for £4 - bring cash to class if you would like to buy one.
  • a length of non-stretch medium weight fabric for cushion and purse (e.g. printed cotton) any width from 44" upwards: 
- a 16" cushion needs 50cm fabric if fabric width is 44"/112cm or wider (optional: bring an extra 25cm to make purse too)

- an 18" cushion needs
--1m fabric if width is narrower than 48"/120cm (is also enough for a purse)
--60cm fabric if width is 48"/120cm or wider 
(optional: bring an extra 25cm to make purse too)
- a 20" cushion needs
--1.6m fabric if width is narrower than 54"/137cm (is also enough for a purse)
--70cm fabric if width is 54"/137cm or wider (optional: bring an extra 25cm to make purse too)

Note: All fabric needs washing and ironing before class, unless it is 100% polyester or PU/PVC/Olicloth - or the finished item will never be washed. Check fabric content and any washing/ironing instructions when purchasing fabric 

(You can buy fabric from us on the day - we sell a range of new, reclaimed and vintage fabrics for £5 a metre - just bring cash to class)

  • a 100m or larger reel of thread matching the main fabric (or use our thread for a 50p donation)
  • Optional zip for those who have sewn a little before - should be 2 inches shorter than the size of cushion. i.e. a 16" cushion needs a 14" zip

Email us HERE with any pre-class questions

Book Stitch Classes or Learn to Use a Sewing Machine course

View our full range of classes, courses and workshops for absolute beginners!

A next level cushion - more difficult than a plain zip or overlap but a great result!

Create this project in our weekly Sewing and Dressmaking classes, or in our One-to-One lessons at a time that suits you

Level: Improver 

Classes needed: 1-2

Which Stitch Classes: Any 

What To Bring to make a Piped cushion with optional Zip:
 1. A cushion pad/inner (up to 20" square in size).   We sell 16" sq pads (high quality microfibre filled) for £5 - bring cash to class if you would like to buy one 

2. FABRIC
(Note: All fabric needs washing and ironing before class. Check fabric content and any washing/ironing instructions when purchasing fabric) A length of non-stretch medium weight fabric (e.g. printed cotton) any width from 44" upwards.
Lengths: 

- a 16" cushion needs either 50cm fabric if fabric width is 44"/112cm OR wider(optional: bring an extra 25cm to make purse too) 

 - an 18" cushion needs either 1m fabric if width is narrower than 48"/120cm (is also enough for a purse) OR 60cm fabric if width is 48"/120cm or wider 

 - a 20" cushion needs either 1.6m fabric if width is narrower than 54"/137cm OR 70cm fabric if width is 54"/137cm or wider

 (You can buy fabric from us on the day - we sell a range of new, reclaimed and vintage fabrics for £5-8 a metre - just bring cash to class) 

3. PIPING OPTIONS
a) Make your own piping, bring: 
- 5mm diameter piping cord:
1.75m for 16" sq cushion
2m for 18" sq cushion
2.25m for 20" sq cushion.
- piping cover fabric:
half a metre of medium weight non stretch fabric - use a contrast or more of the same cushion fabric

b) Or buy ready made piping, bring: 1.75m for 16" cushion
2m for 18" cushion
2.25m for 20" cushion.
Available in most fabric shops or haberdasheries

4. THREAD a 100m or larger reel of thread matching the main fabric (or use our thread for a 50p) 

5. ZIP (optional):This cushion can be made with an overlap back OR to make it more challenging you can add an ordinary or invisible zip.
Bring a zip that is 5-7.5cm/2-3" shorter than the size of the cushion pad. E.g. for a 16" cushion the zip should be 13-14"/33-35.5cm long. Longer zips can be easily shortened it if they have plastic teeth